Dubai: A new project to survey and control noise pollution in Dubai will start in October, Dubai Municipality has said.
Officials will study noise levels in different areas and link data to planning and construction maps of Dubai. In the second phase, action will be taken against establishments exceeding noise limits.
Some residents have complained over the years that nearby construction activity was disturbing their sleep and affecting the peace of the neighbourhood.
Hussain Nasser Lootah, director-general of the municipality, said: “When asked about the types of pollution, we all count everything except noise pollution, which leaves a deep impact on human health.
“Global studies have shown that noise is considered the most dangerous type of environmental pollution on public health, and has a negative effect on the audio, neurological and digestive tract of the human body. It increases the likelihood of stress and fatigue, with excessive exposure to auditory stimuli that exceed intensity limits approved globally.”
He added: “From this standpoint, Dubai Municipality has been undertaking special attention to this issue for a long time, giving importance to the environment in many ways, through the launch of initiatives to ensure means of comfort in the emirate, such as pure air, clean water or lowering temperature.”
Lootah said the collected data will be analysed later to identify areas experiencing high levels of noise pollution.
“After that, Dubai Municipality will take all legal measures against enterprises and institutions that exceed the noise levels emitted from their activities, in accordance with the Ministerial Decree No 12 of 2006 on prevention of air pollution.”
He added: “The objective of Dubai Municipality is to create an excellent city that provides the essence of success and comfort of sustainable living. Hence, it has decided to implement this project, in line with the department’s strategy aimed at maintaining the environmental achievements in the emirate.”
