Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre (ADHMMC) and Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance institutional integration and joint coordination in managing and regulating the handling of hazardous materials. The agreement contributes to protecting the environment and achieving the highest standards of safety, environmental sustainability, and public health in Abu Dhabi emirate, in line with applicable laws and regulations.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience (ISNR) at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters pavilion, by His Excellency Matar Muadhed Al Mehairi, Acting Director General of ADHMMC, and Her Excellency Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, in the presence of several officials and representatives from both sides.
This agreement stems from both parties’ commitment to unifying efforts and activating regulatory and technical frameworks related to hazardous materials management, enhancing joint work in monitoring and supervision, and developing policies and systems that support the governance of hazardous materials handling across all stages.
Under the agreement, both parties will work to establish an effective strategic partnership that contributes to developing an integrated system for managing hazardous materials handling. This includes the exchange of data and information, digital integration between electronic systems, simplification of procedures and services provided to stakeholders, as well as supporting research and development, capacity building, and raising awareness among stakeholders and professionals in this field.
The areas of cooperation also include supporting the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations, developing regulatory and supervisory frameworks, coordinating joint inspection and monitoring activities, enhancing innovation and digital transformation, implementing community awareness campaigns, and establishing performance indicators to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of hazardous materials management in the emirate.
HE Matar Muadhed Al Mehairi, Acting Director General of ADHMMC, said: "This MoU represents an important strategic step towards enhancing institutional integration among entities concerned with regulating hazardous materials handling in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, ensuring the application of the highest standards of safety, security, and environmental sustainability. The centre reaffirms its commitment to continuing the development of regulatory policies and systems, and to leveraging the latest technologies to monitor the movement of hazardous materials across all stages of handling, in coordination with strategic partners."
HE Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said: "Effective environmental governance demands a unified regulatory approach, and this MoU is a clear demonstration of that commitment. By aligning our respective mandates and deepening our shared regulatory framework, we are embedding environmental safeguards across the full hazardous materials lifecycle, protecting Abu Dhabi's natural environment and the wellbeing of its communities. It also sets the foundation for driving innovation, raising compliance, and building national capacity in a field where the emirate continues to lead."
The signing of this agreement reflects both parties’ commitment to strengthening effective government partnerships and developing a comprehensive, safe, and environmentally sound system for managing hazardous materials. By aligning ADHMMC's regulatory oversight of hazardous materials with EAD's mandate to safeguard Abu Dhabi's environment, this partnership reinforces the emirate's position as a leading model in integrated environmental governance and sustainability.
