Introduction

The UAE is globally renowned for its construction projects and some of the grandest, most ambitious and unique architectural achievements of recent decades can be found in the UAE. These structures are recognized globally and include the likes of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and the Burj al Arab hotel. And while these already exist, there are many more projects to come.

An issue which is growing in seriousness and discussion around the world is that of global warming and environmental protection. One key push in recent times has been the increasing awareness and adoption of recycling.

While recycling merely involves putting paper and plastics into a different bin for it to go through reprocessed of some kind; on a business front, there can be more to it, and the use of recycled materials can play an important role.

Ministerial Resolution Number 21 of 2019

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has recently issued the Ministerial Resolution Number 21 of 2019, which will allow for construction projects to use up to 40% recycled aggregate materials in their construction projects; this will apply across both private and public sector projects.

On top of this, all entities that deal in this area must ensure that they properly dispose off their waste and recycle what they can. The recycled materials used must be up to the UAE specifications and standards since this will ensure that the safety standards have still adhered. The type of projects that fall under this law includes road paving, car park development, and more.

The overall aim is to leave less of a footprint through these large projects and make for a cleaner tomorrow. The country, which is currently hugely oil dependent, has looked for ways in which they can have less of a negative impact to the environment, and this is an early yet crucial step on the road to achieving that.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.