The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is embarking on extensive infrastructure development, with significant investments planned across various sectors. In 2024, the UAE approved its largest-ever national budget for the fiscal year 2025, allocating AED 71.5 billion (approximately $19.5 billion) to various projects, with a substantial portion directed toward infrastructure.

One of the key initiatives includes enhancing the rainwater drainage system throughout the Emirate. Following unprecedented rainfall in 2024, Dubai announced a $8.2 billion project to boost its rainwater drainage system, aiming for a 700% increase in capacity to handle over 20 million cubic meters of water daily.

Enhancing the storm water drainage system will mean encountering and working on the existing rainwater drainage system - the majority of which is made from Asbestos Cement (AC). Historically, AC pipes were widely used across the UAE for water supply, sewerage, and, notably, stormwater drainage systems. Between 1972 and 2011, these pipes were produced in a factory located in Dubai’s Umm Ramool area, near the international airport. While detailed records of Asbestos consumption in the UAE are scarce, data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reveals that over 20,000 metric tonnes of Asbestos were consumed in 2006 and 17,000 metric tonnes in 2007. Although an Asbestos ban was introduced in 2006, it primarily targeted Asbestos boards, allowing pipe production to continue until the factory's closure.

Today, safer materials such as Glass Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) pipes have replaced AC pipes in new construction projects. However, thousands of kilometers of AC pipework remain buried across the UAE. With significant infrastructure activity expected between 2024 and 2033, including rainwater drainage upgrades, there is a high likelihood of these pipes being disturbed, potentially exposing individuals to hazardous Asbestos fibers. This risk is particularly acute during excavation, handling, and disposal of these materials.

Construction workers conducting earthworks and excavation are among those most at risk. Disturbing AC pipes without proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) exposes workers to dangerous Asbestos fibers. Activities like cutting into AC pipes with power tools to connect them to new GRE systems can release Asbestos fibers at levels far exceeding safe limits, even with advanced protective equipment. Often, workers are unaware of these risks or that the old pipework contains Asbestos, resulting in improper handling, significant fiber release, and contamination of clothing and equipment. Secondary exposure can occur in vehicles and accommodations. Additionally, members of the public in close proximity to these construction sites are also at risk of inhaling airborne fibers. Asbestos exposure is linked to fatal diseases such as Asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma, and Asbestosis, which have no cure and severely shorten life expectancy.

Discarded Asbestos cement pipe close to a residential area, Dubai, UAE.

Addressing the Issue

Awareness and preparation are critical to mitigating Asbestos risks. Workers likely to encounter AC pipework; those involved in earthworks, utility contractors, and demolition teams—must receive Asbestos awareness training to recognise hazards and understand safe handling practices. Emergency PPE and RPE should be readily available at construction sites as a precautionary measure.

Pre-construction planning is equally vital. Efforts should focus on mapping the locations of existing AC pipes and consulting with relevant authorities, including municipalities and utilities providers such as DEWA, ADWEA, and SEWA, to access records and drawings. If AC pipes are discovered, work must halt immediately, and professional advice should be sought. Removing AC pipes requires trained specialists, proper planning, specialised equipment, and permits from the appropriate authorities.

International best practices should guide Asbestos removal, with disposal adhering strictly to UAE regulations. Specialist hazardous waste facilities now operate in several Emirates, offering secure and regulated disposal options for Asbestos waste.

Broader Implications

The management of Asbestos in infrastructure projects is not just a technical challenge but a vital public health and environmental issue. Failure to address Asbestos risks can lead to severe health outcomes, environmental contamination, and long-term liabilities for communities and governments. While implementing safe Asbestos handling may incur upfront costs, these are far outweighed by the financial and social consequences of improper practices, including legal penalties and cleanup expenses. Taking proactive measures to mitigate these risks not only protects public health but also builds trust and sustainability into infrastructure projects.

To ensure infrastructure upgrades are safe and effective, stakeholders—government authorities, contractors, and the public—must collaborate to prioritize Asbestos management. By enforcing regulations, raising awareness, and adopting sustainable strategies, the UAE can achieve its ambitious development goals while safeguarding the health and well-being of its people and the environment.

If you have any Asbestos related concerns, contact us to see how Anthesis Consulting Middle East can help you:

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

Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320

Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com