UAE Law and Practice Contributed by: Arsalan Tariq, Nil Acar and Ahmed Kamran, BSA LAW
downstream activities (eg, refining, logistics and pro- cessing) are generally open to 100% foreign owner- ship, particularly in free zones. Infrastructure such as pipelines, terminals and storage facilities is usually government-owned, with third-party access governed by concession and throughput agreements. Success- ful participation in UAE natural resources projects requires close alignment with national priorities in energy security, industrial development and environ- mental stewardship. 8.8 Environmental, Health and Safety Laws In the UAE, environmental, health and safety (EHS) laws apply at both federal and emirate levels, with specific requirements depending on the nature and location of the project. Environmental regulation is primarily governed by Federal Law No 24 of 1999 (as amended), which covers pollution control, biodiver- sity protection, waste management and environmental impact assessments (EIAs). EIAs are mandatory for major infrastructure, energy and industrial projects and require approval from the relevant authority before project commencement.
Health and safety standards are set out under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No 33 of 2021), along with accompanying ministerial resolutions, which require employers to implement workplace safety measures such as risk assessments, safety training and reporting of workplace incidents. Regulatory oversight is split between federal and local authorities. At the federal level, the Ministry of Cli- mate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) oversees environmental regulation, while the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) handles occu- pational health and safety. At the emirate level, key authorities include the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and OSHAD in Abu Dhabi, as well as Dubai Municipality and Trakhees in Dubai. Other emir- ates operate through their respective environmental or municipal departments. These bodies are respon- sible for issuing permits, conducting inspections and enforcing EHS compliance.
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