2. BACKGROUND
The ecstatic sea-level rise due to global warming is predicted to be about 42 cm to 98 cm
by 2100. Global measurements specify that the rise in sea-level is persistent or close to
the worst case scenarios. In this regard, Coastal areas around the world will bore the
brunt, because of inundation and flooding as storm surges are predicted to increase in
frequency and severity, coupled to the inundation due to higher sea levels. It is necessary
at this juncture, to identify local and regional level coastal vulnerability, using advanced
geo spatial technologies and protect the vulnerable sections of UAE coasts,
The UAE coast, which includes tourist resorts, ports, hotels, residential complexes, and
mega construction projects, will have threat from the impending ecstatic sea-level rise.
A coastal vulnerability index was meticulously studied by integrating the weighted rank
values of the six variables, based on which the shoreline is divided into very high-risk,
high, moderate, and low categories. About 13.8% of the studied 500 km-long UAE coast is
under very high-risk, followed by another 19.4% under high risk, and 47.5% under
moderate risk category, finally 19.3% under low risk category
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3. These results contributes in assisting the planners and authorities to mitigate the
disasters, adapt and design optimal coastal structures in these susceptible sections
of the coast from the impending ecstatic sea-level rise and storm surges,
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4. INTRODUCTION
The most conventional concerns of global warming induced climate change is that global
sea levels will continue to rise. The most recognized impact of global warming is the
ecstatic sea level rise. The contrivance for this is well fathomed: as ocean waters heat up,
thermal expansion of the water body occurs, while ice melt water from land based ice caps
and glaciers also contributes more water resulting in a rise in global sea levels. The
ecstatic sea-level rise due to global warming is predicted to be about 42 to 98 cm by the
2100, which demands identification and protection of vulnerable sections of the coasts in
the world.
The most apparent effect of a sea levels rise is the gentle engulfing of shorelines; but this
is not the only concern. Heightened coastal erosion, as well as elevated storm surges and
higher extreme tides, waves and amplified wave run-up, inundation of wetlands and
estuaries coastal flooding, decreases the efficacy of coastal structures and subsidence are
all the consequences of increasing sea levels
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5. FACTS AND FIGURE OF EARNING
1. The Cornice is a seaside promenade that stretches along the coast of Abu Dhabi’s Dhow
Harbor for nearly 8km. It is lined with some of the city’s most popular hotels and eateries,
but it is the beaches along the stretch that attract the most visitors. You can indulge in a
number of water and beach sports here, or just spend the day lounging with your family
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6. The emirate of Abu Dhabi is currently undergoing unprecedented economic development.
This development is allowing new opportunities for growth in the private and industrial
sectors while attracting tourists and leading to population growth. Continued development
has increased demand for use of coastal and ocean space for various socioeconomic and
cultural activities.
The Western Region in particular is being targeted for developmental projects due to the
availability of unused land and an objective to boost the economic status of under-
developed areas within the Abu Dhabi emirate. Information was gathered on the
government setting and relevant environmental legislation, the current and future uses of
the coastal and ocean area as well as the natural and anthropogenic stresses that the
natural environment faces.
The Western Region provides an opportunity to incorporate environmental planning in the
early stages of development.
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7. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT
1. Zayed International Foundation for the Environment
2. The UAE Ecological Footprint Initiative 2006
3. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)
4. Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund
5. Environmental Performance Card
6. International Agency for Renewable Energy (IRENA)
7. UAE Strategy for Green Development
8. My City, My Environment programed
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8. GOVERNMENT REFORMS AND POLICY
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi began a reform in 2005 to further enable economic growth and respond
to the needs of a growing population. The government bodies which have moved away from
service oriented government to one that acts more as a regulator and outsources services,
promoting the role of the private sector. Along with this reform there will be increased
accountability and transparency of the Government and its departments and increased
implementation of integrated governance to pursue sustainable development. Prior to the reform,
there had been 70 government entities reporting to the Executive Council, this has now been
reduced to 26 and allows the Executive Council to focus on a playing a more strategic role. This is
a move towards increased integration between both government and private parties
The vision for policy development is outlined in Policy Agenda 2007-2008 and includes sections
on economic development, social and human resources development, infrastructure and
environmental development, and restructuring of government and legislative processes (The
Executive Council, 2007-2008)
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9. The role of EAD is recognized in the policy agenda and continued coordination is encouraged
between other government departments such as; Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority
(ADWEA), Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Environment and Water, Federal Environment Agency,
Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Health – Authority- Abu Dhabi, Abu
Dhabi Food control Authority, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
Timing is a key factor in trying to push for environmental policies. Given that the government of
Abu Dhabi is undergoing an era of reform and there is growing awareness for the importance of
integration among government departments and visionary planning to enable sustainable
development of the emirate, the planning should not be limited to land-use. It should extend to
important areas of the coastal zone and out to the marine borders within its jurisdiction. Plan
2030 lays a good conceptual framework, however it should include strong involvement across
sectors in its implementation.
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10. CONCLUSION
ICZM in UAE is still remain in infancy
Conservation: Need to recognized Community based coastal management
(CBCM) in legislation
Public participation: Clear mechanism of Public participation Need to
recognize Ecosystem based approach
Conflict Management: Improve Cooperation and Coordination Consistency of
the laws Marine zoning
Appointed existing line ministry/agency to coordinate not only coordinate
also implemented.
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