Is asbestos banned in United Arab Emirates?

UAE banned asbestos panels in 2006 — but asbestos-cement pipes remain legal. 500,000+ migrant workers were exposed with little protection. Assess your building's risk.

SENTINEL ARCHIVE / CASE #189

United Arab Emirates

Federal Cabinet Resolution No. 39 of 2006 banned the import and production of asbestos panels and boards. However, the manufacture and use of asbestos-cement pipes — a major product category — was explicitly excluded from the ban and continued legally after 2006. In 2007, over 17,000 tonnes of chrysotile asbestos were imported for pipe manufacturing. Dubai Municipality (2022) and Abu Dhabi OSHAD (2014, updated 2026) publish guidelines for safe handling and removal, but no comprehensive ban covering all asbestos products exists at federal level.

2006Partial Ban

2006

Year Banned

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Mesothelioma Rate

Extensive legacy stock in…

Buildings at Risk

1970–2000

Peak Usage Era

Regulatory Timeline

Detailed regulatory history coming soon.

Detailed information for this country is being compiled. Check back soon.

2006Ban Year

Asbestos is partially regulated. Some forms remain legal, meaning exposure risk persists in both old and newer construction.

Buildings at Risk

Estimated scope of asbestos-containing materials still present in the built environment.

Extensive legacy stock in pre-2006 residential villas, low-rise commercial buildings, and public infrastructure (asbestos-cement water distribution pipes)

1970–2000Peak Usage Era

The period when asbestos was most heavily used in construction. Buildings from this era have the highest probability of containing asbestos materials.