Asbestos Risks in Industrial Areas: What UAE Dutyholders Need to Know

January 22, 2026 Simon Pickup

Asbestos identified in industrial warehouses, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Industrial areas across the UAE and wider GCC play a vital role in supporting economic growth, but they also present some of the highest asbestos risks in the built environment. Historically used for its fire resistance and durability, asbestos remains hidden within many industrial buildings, plant, and equipment—particularly in older areas such as Al Quoz and Mussafah. Without proper identification and management, disturbed asbestos can pose serious health risks to workers and surrounding communities. This article explores where asbestos is commonly found in industrial facilities, why surveys are essential, and how dutyholders can safely manage or remove asbestos in line with best practice.

Asbestos in UAE Farm Buildings: Hidden Dangers During Redevelopment

September 2, 2025 Simon Pickup

Asbestos cement shading, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

Introduction

Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, large areas of farmland and low-rise buildings are being cleared to make way for new housing and commercial developments. But behind the corrugated roofs and underground pipe networks of these aging agricultural structures lies a silent hazard: asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

Unless properly identified and removed, asbestos fibers released during demolition can pose severe health risks to workers, surrounding communities, and the future residents of these new developments.

Where Asbestos is Found in Farm and Agricultural Buildings

Before the 2006 asbestos ban in the UAE, asbestos was widely used in low-cost agricultural and labor structures for its durability, fire resistance, and affordability. Today, ACMs are still commonly found in:

Asbestos cement roof sheeting used for animal sheds, storage, and farm workshops.
Asbestos cement wall panels and cladding in labor camps and temporary stores.
Asbestos cement pipework for water supply, storm drainage, and sewerage.
Buried asbestos cement pipes that remain hidden beneath farmland and redevelopment sites.

Asbestos cement debris scattered across the desert floor

The Risks of Disturbing Asbestos

When ACMs are broken, cut, or bulldozed, they release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Inhalation of these fibers can cause life-threatening diseases such as:

Mesothelioma – a rare and aggressive cancer.
Asbestosis – chronic scarring of the lungs.
Lung cancer – significantly higher risk among exposed workers.

These diseases may only appear decades after exposure, but once diagnosed, they are often fatal.

Asbestos cement wall panels located at an Abu Dhabi based farm, UAE

Redevelopment Pressures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The current property boom in Dubai and Abu Dhabi has accelerated land clearance in rural and peri-urban areas. Bulldozing of old farm sites and labor camps is happening daily to make way for high-value residential and mixed-use projects.

Without asbestos surveys, excavators and demolition crews risk cutting into underground asbestos cement pipes or shattering roof panels—releasing fibers directly into the air and soil. This puts both workers and nearby communities at risk, and can also cause costly project delays when authorities intervene.

How to Manage Asbestos Safely

To ensure compliance and safety, redevelopment projects must follow international best practice and UAE regulations:

Conduct an asbestos survey before any demolition.
Engage licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (ARCs) for all abatement works.
Ensure supervision by an Asbestos Supervising Consultant (ASC) accredited by the competent authority.
Package ACMs correctly – double wrapped, sealed, and clearly labelled.
Dispose at an approved hazardous waste facility (e.g., Tadweer in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Municipality sites).

Failing to follow these steps not only endangers health but can result in regulatory penalties, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.

Conclusion

As the UAE transforms farmland and low-rise camps into modern communities, asbestos remains a hidden but preventable danger. Proper surveys, safe removal, and compliant disposal are critical to protecting workers, residents, and the environment.

If you are planning redevelopment or demolition of farm buildings, labor camps, or agricultural stores in the UAE, contact Anthesis Consulting Middle East today. Our expert team provides:

Comprehensive asbestos surveys and sampling
Risk assessments and management plans
Supervision of licensed removal contractors
Air monitoring and validation

Stay compliant. Protect your workforce. Safeguard your project.

If you have any Asbestos-related concerns or require asbestos-free certification for products or projects, contact Anthesis Consulting Middle East today.

Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)

Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320

Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com

Preventing Asbestos Imports: Protecting the UAE and Middle East

August 25, 2025 Simon Pickup

Despite a federal ban in 2006, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) such as gaskets and chrysotile insulations are still slipping into the UAE and wider Middle East through poorly regulated imports and online platforms, posing serious health and legal risks. Reports from The National and Khaleej Times confirm asbestos has even been found in new buildings, highlighting gaps in enforcement. With asbestos exposure linked to fatal diseases including mesothelioma and lung cancer, strict asbestos-free certification, robust customs checks, and professional testing are vital to ensure ACMs are not reintroduced into the region’s construction and industrial supply chains.

Demolition Dust in UAE: Asbestos Risks Demand Expert Management

August 11, 2025 Simon Pickup

Demolition of a tower in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2025

Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, rapid demolition is transforming city skylines—but the dust clouds drifting over nearby streets may hide more than just sand. Many older buildings contain asbestos, a hazardous material that, when disturbed, can release microscopic fibers linked to serious illnesses. Without proper surveys, removal protocols, and air monitoring, demolition risks exposing workers and the public alike.

The Silent Threat in the Stands: Asbestos in Sports Stadiums - Why Awareness and Action Are Critical

January 3, 2025 Simon Pickup

Major sports event are becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East

Over the past decade, the Middle East has emerged as a hub for international sporting events, fueled by significant investments in state-of-the-art sports facilities and supporting infrastructure. However, this surge in development has brought to light a critical health hazard—Asbestos. Widely used in older sports stadiums for its heat resistance and fireproofing properties, Asbestos poses severe risks when its materials are damaged during refurbishment or demolition. Exposure can lead to life-threatening diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis, emphasizing the need for comprehensive Asbestos surveys, proper management plans, and professional abatement processes to ensure the safety of workers, athletes, and fans.

Beneath the Surface: Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Asbestos in UAE Infrastructure Upgrade

December 6, 2024 Simon Pickup

An unearthed and badly damaged Asbestos Cement (AC) pipe adjacent to a main highway in Dubai, UAE.

As the UAE embarks on ambitious infrastructure upgrades, a hidden challenge lies beneath the surface—Asbestos cement pipework still buried across the nation. Once widely used for water supply, sewerage, and stormwater drainage, these aging pipes pose significant health and environmental risks when disturbed. Construction workers and even the public face potential exposure to Asbestos fibers during excavation and handling, leading to serious diseases like mesothelioma and Asbestosis. With the nation poised for transformative development, prioritising Asbestos management is not just a technical necessity but a vital step to ensure public safety and sustainable progress.

Asbestos in Middle Eastern Schools: Essential Safety Guidelines, Risks, and Community Action for a Safer Learning Environment

November 13, 2024 Simon Pickup

Hidden Danger - Asbestos in Schools - Photo by Elizabeth Lizzie

Asbestos has long been a hidden hazard in schools across the Middle East, with its use originally intended to enhance fire safety and insulation. However, asbestos poses serious health risks, especially to children whose developing respiratory systems are more vulnerable. Although banned in the UAE since 2006, asbestos still lingers in many older school buildings, from ceiling tiles to insulation and roofing materials. Schools, staff, and parents each play a vital role in ensuring a safe learning environment. By staying informed, asking questions, and supporting proactive asbestos management, together we can reduce the risk of asbestos exposure and prioritize the health and safety of our students, teachers, and community.

Everything You Need to Know About Asbestos-Free Certificates for Buildings and Products

November 7, 2024 Simon Pickup

Mockup image of an ‘Asbestos Free Certificate’

An Asbestos-Free Certificate is a crucial document that certifies a building, material, or product is free from asbestos, a hazardous material once common in construction and manufacturing. This certification is often required before property renovations, demolitions, and sales to ensure safe handling and compliance with health standards. It is also essential when importing or exporting items like vehicles and vessels, where asbestos content could hinder transit across borders. Obtaining the certificate involves a detailed inspection process, from hiring a certified asbestos inspector to conducting laboratory testing. With varying regulations worldwide, securing this certification ensures safe environments and smooth, compliant operations across jurisdictions.

Asbestos in Homes – A Property Owners Guide to Identification in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

April 30, 2021 Simon Pickup

Asbestos Cement Roof Sheeting - Dubai, UAE

A blog discussing what property owners and home owners should do if they suspect there may be Asbestos in their building. The blog looks at the various common types of Asbestos materials, their properties and what steps should be taken to conclusively identify the presence of Asbestos in a home.