ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has banned the cultivation, production, and spread of the toxic oleander plant in Abu Dhabi. This decision follows local and federal laws to protect people, especially children and pets, from the plant’s dangers.
Oleander, a popular plant for its beauty, is poisonous in all parts, including leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds. Ingesting even a small amount can cause serious symptoms like vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and, in extreme cases, death.
Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director General at ADAFSA, said this ban is essential to ensuring the health and safety of the community. She highlighted that removing oleander helps protect both people and animals and is part of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to create a safer, healthier environment. This aligns with the “One Health” approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health. Al Muhairi also stressed the importance of public awareness and cooperation for the ban’s success.
Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, Director General at the Department of Municipalities and Transport, confirmed their partnership with ADAFSA to remove oleander from public spaces and help private landowners do the same. Resolution No. 4 of 2024, passed by ADAFSA, requires everyone to comply with the ban and safely remove the plant within months.
Also read: UAE to Launch Its First-Ever National Baseball Team
The ban does allow oleander cultivation for research, with ADAFSA’s approval. Public awareness campaigns will be run to inform people about the plant’s dangers. ADAFSA encourages residents to report violations and seek help through the Poison and Drug Information Services (PDIS) hotline if they come into contact with harmful plants.
Both the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment have also raised concerns about oleander’s toxicity, advising against its planting in public spaces.
