In a significant move to protect the health and safety of its residents, Abu Dhabi has announced a complete ban on the production, cultivation, propagation, and trading of oleander plants.
This decision, enacted by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), aligns with local and federal laws and aims to address the dangers posed by this highly toxic plant, particularly to children and pets.
Oleander, a perennial shrub known for its dark green leaves and vibrant flowers, has long been admired for its aesthetic appeal. It is commonly found in rocky valleys and is frequently planted along roadsides and in urban landscapes.
However, despite its beauty, the plant poses serious health risks due to its toxic properties. Ingesting any part of the plant—whether leaves, flowers, stems, or seeds—can result in severe symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and, in extreme cases, death. The toxins in oleander affect the heart, and even a small amount can have deadly consequences.
Public Health and Safety Concerns
The ban on oleander is part of ADAFSA’s broader efforts to safeguard public health and the environment. The decision was issued under Resolution No. (4) of 2024, which mandates the safe removal of oleander plants within six months from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
ADAFSA’s Board of Directors emphasized that the measure is intended to protect society, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and pets, from the risk of poisoning.
“The banning of oleander cultivation is a proactive measure aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” stated Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director General for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs at ADAFSA.
She highlighted the authority’s commitment to public health, noting that removing oleander from urban areas is crucial for preventing potential poisoning incidents.
Authorities have urged citizens and residents to cooperate with the ban by safely disposing of oleander plants and reporting any violations. ADAFSA has also advised the public to avoid touching or eating any unknown plants, warning that exposure to toxic plants can lead to serious health complications.
In the event of contact or ingestion, the public is encouraged to contact the Poison and Drug Information Services (PDIS) hotline at 800424, which is available 24/7.
Inspections and Public Awareness
To ensure the effectiveness of the ban, ADAFSA will collaborate with other relevant authorities to conduct regular inspections. These inspections will focus on identifying and removing oleander plants from public and private spaces, particularly in urban areas.
The resolution also calls for a public awareness campaign to educate residents about the dangers of oleander and other toxic plants.
Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Operations Affairs at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, expressed full support for the initiative.
“Our collaboration with ADAFSA to implement all necessary measures for the removal of oleander from all public spaces within the Department’s jurisdiction, while supporting private landowners and facilities, reflects our full commitment to ensuring community safety and improving life quality in the emirate,” Dr. Al Kaabi said.
In addition to removing oleander from public spaces, the ban also extends to schools, parks, and other frequented locations. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has similarly advised against planting oleander in these areas, highlighting its toxicity.
The ministry has excluded oleander from the unified municipal guide on public afforestation management, ensuring that the plant is no longer cultivated in public areas.
Exemptions for Scientific Research
While the ban applies broadly to the production and circulation of oleander, it does allow for exemptions in certain cases. Specifically, the cultivation and propagation of oleander for scientific research purposes are permitted, but only with prior approval from ADAFSA.
This exemption underscores the emirate’s commitment to advancing scientific research while maintaining strict safety standards.
Al Muhairi emphasized that the ban is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts to promote public health while preserving the emirate’s biodiversity. “Oleander poses a serious risk, and removing it from urban areas will help protect both people and animals,” she said.
She also pointed out that the ban aligns with the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
The Dangers of Oleander
The decision to ban oleander in Abu Dhabi comes in response to growing concerns about the plant’s toxicity. Oleander contains toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides, which can interfere with the heart’s electrical activity. Ingesting even small amounts of the plant can cause serious symptoms, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Confusion, dizziness, and lethargy
- In extreme cases, heart failure and death
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has recently included oleander in its list of poisonous plants, warning the public about the dangers of coming into contact with the plant.
The department’s inclusion of oleander on this list has reinforced the urgency of ADAFSA’s ban, as well as the need for public awareness and cooperation in removing the plant from residential and public areas.
The Role of the Community
ADAFSA’s success in implementing the oleander ban depends heavily on community awareness and cooperation. The authority has urged all residents to assist in the safe removal of oleander plants and to report any instances of illegal cultivation or trading of the plant.
Authorities are also encouraging individuals to be vigilant about the risks posed by unknown or toxic plants and to educate themselves on how to recognize and avoid such hazards.
“Community cooperation is key to ensuring the success of this initiative,” said Al Muhairi. “We urge everyone to assist in the safe removal of this plant and to be vigilant about the risks posed by toxic plants.”
Oleander in the UAE
While oleander is a common plant in many parts of the world, its presence in the UAE has raised particular concerns due to the country’s hot climate and urban development.
The plant is often used in landscaping projects along roadsides and in public gardens because of its hardiness and ability to withstand high temperatures.
However, this widespread use has also increased the risk of accidental ingestion, particularly among children and animals.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has advised against planting oleander in public parks, protected areas, schools, and other locations frequented by the public.
The ministry’s guidance aligns with the ADAFSA ban, ensuring that the plant is no longer cultivated in areas where it could pose a threat to public health.
Looking Forward
Abu Dhabi’s decision to ban the cultivation and trading of oleander is a clear example of the emirate’s proactive approach to public health and safety.
By removing this toxic plant from urban areas and raising awareness about its dangers, authorities hope to prevent poisoning incidents and protect the well-being of residents.
The ban also reflects the emirate’s broader commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy environment for its people, while preserving biodiversity and encouraging scientific research.
With the support of the community, the safe removal of oleander plants will contribute to a cleaner, safer urban landscape for all residents of Abu Dhabi.
As authorities continue to enforce the ban, regular inspections and public education efforts will be critical in ensuring that oleander is no longer a threat to public health in the emirate.
The cooperation of citizens and residents will play a vital role in this effort, as Abu Dhabi moves forward with its plan to remove oleander from public and private spaces.
The safe disposal of oleander and adherence to the six-month removal deadline will be closely monitored, ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains a leader in public safety and environmental stewardship.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members