A new lighting policy that includes the public and private sectors and applies to previously installed and new external lighting, as well as internal lighting of private facilities whose light is reflected outside and causes light pollution.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi announced the launch of the “General Dark Skies Policy” in the emirate, in order to reduce light pollution and preserve the clarity and beauty of the emirate’s night skies.
The department indicates that this includes the public and private sectors in the regulations and laws of this policy and covers a wide geographical range, and applies to previously installed and new external lighting, as well as internal lighting of private facilities whose light is reflected outside and causes light pollution.
According to the official website of the government media office Abu Dhabi, to organize a large-scale awareness campaign under the slogan “The beauty of Abu Dhabi is in the splendor of its skies” to inform residents and visitors of the importance of preserving the image of Abu Dhabi’s night sky.
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By launching this policy, the department seeks to find solutions to the negative effects of light and visual pollution, by introducing lighting mechanisms and technologies. Sustainable, in line with the global efforts of the International Dark Sky Association.
The objectives of this policy include encouraging the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly lighting systems, protecting the natural environment and wildlife, supporting scientific research in astronomical sciences, enhancing public health rates, in addition to supporting sustainable development efforts.
Director General of Operations Affairs at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, said: “The policy is a comprehensive framework for responsible urban development, and a means to enhance levels of awareness of the importance of using sustainable lighting systems that preserve the image of a beautiful clear sky, and create harmony between the natural landscape of the sky and the urban image of the emirate in a way It improves the quality of life in the emirate, and is compatible with global environmental initiatives.”
The controls of the Abu Dhabi Lighting Handbook, the Guide to Designing Architectural Facades in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the Guide to Designing Commercial Shop Facades in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to the controls of the Sustainability System for evaluating public places with pearl grades, as well as the mechanism for monitoring light pollution and educating the public about the need to reduce it, contribute to forming this policy and achieving its objectives. How to preserve the emirate’s skies.
دائرة البلديات والنقل – أبوظبي تطلق “السياسة العامة للسماء المظلمة” في الإمارة، للحدِّ من التلوث الضوئي، والحفاظ على صفاء وجمال سماء الإمارة ليلاً، ما يقدِّم نموذجاً لممارسات الإضاءة المسؤولة، ويرسِّخ مبادئ الاستدامة بين أفراد المجتمع في جميع أنحاء الإمارة. pic.twitter.com/tjZQitk7P9
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 8, 2024
The policy implementation mechanism includes blocking lighting in public places, such as building facades, in addition to activating security lighting using motion sensors, and implementing a lighting ban system starting at 12 midnight, including public buildings, streets, parks, beaches, stores, open spaces, industrial and agricultural areas, and areas Different others.
The policy gives all concerned a specific period to reconcile the situation, in accordance with the new policy. The policy excludes special cases of temporary lighting at some events, especially festivals, celebrations, and other occasions.
The launch of the general policy for dark skies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is an embodiment of the Department of Municipalities and Transport’s commitment to applying the highest standards to enhance the quality of life in the emirate, and its concern for the health and safety of residents by establishing sustainable standards that ensure the preservation of natural life, the beauty of Abu Dhabi’s image and the clarity of its skies.
