abu dhabi dark sky
policy
December 2023
Table of Content
01
Introduction
Strategic Objectives
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
02
3
General Policy Standards
Geographic Applicability
Technical Applicability
Application Framework
Relevant Regulations
Glossary
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
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Introduction
Strategic Objectives
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
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Introduction
The Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy aims to enhance the wellbeing of people and wildlife in
the Emirate by limiting light pollution. It will also enhance the visibility of the evening
sky, allowing people to see the stars at night. Finally, following this policy will make Abu
Dhabi’s cities among the first in the region to be part of the global dark sky community.
Strategic Goals
Limiting light
pollution
Promoting the use of sustainable
and evnironmentally friendly
lighting systems
Protection and preservation of the
ecosystem and native wildlife
Supporting studies and research in
the field of astronomy
Improving public health and
wellbeing
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
Promoting sustainable
development
4
Abu Dhabi
Dark Sky
Policy
Strategic Principles
Gographic Applicability
Technical Applicability
Application Framework
Relevant Regulations
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
5
General Policy Standards
Light pollution can be limited throughout the emirate by following the principles below:
Covered Lighting
Fixtures
Unacceptable Lighting Fixtures
All the lighting fixtures within the public realm
as well as those on the building facades shall be
covered in order to prevent light pollution.
Acceptable Lighting Fixtures
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
The lighting fixtures shown above are only examples and do not show all unacceptable and acceptable lighting fixtures.
6
Sensor-Activated
Security Lighting
Security lighting in buildings and public open
spaces shall be activated by motion sensors.
Color temperatures for street lighting shall
Color Temperature
Below 4000K
adhere to a maximum of 4000K, while color
temperatures for public open spaces and
building facades shall adhere to a maximum of
3000K.
Activating Lighting
Curfew Starting at
12:00AM
Private Lighting
is Located within
a Maximum
of 5 meters of
Nearest Facility or
Residence
Smart Asset
Surveilance and
Data Collection
Lighting on building facades and public open
spaces shall be turned off at 12:00AM, unless
it is controlled by motion sensors or is used for
security purposes.
All buildings and facilities shall install lighting
fixtures in locations that are no more than 5
meters from the building limits in order to
prevent light pollution.
Providing a methodology to survey and assess
the performance of lighting fixtures through
innovative technology and data collection
sources.
Temporary lighting for certain events may be exempted from some principles of the policy, such as
cultural festivals, religious holidays, among others.
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
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Geographic Applicability
This policy is applicable to the entirety of Abu Dhabi Emirate:
Al Ain
City
Abu
Dhabi
City
AlDhafra
Region
Technical Applicability:
This policy will impact external lighting fixtures that are new/existing on the plots with
the following land allocations:
Residential Governmental Recreational
Housiing
(Including ezaab
and resthouses)
Investment
Agricultural
Public
Building
Commercial
Open
Space
Industrial
Utilty
Temporary
public open spaces, among other areas that include external lighting fixtures)
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
The policy also impacts external lighting in areas that are not plotted (i.e public right of way, undeveloped
8
Application Methodology
New: Reviewing submissions in
accordance with existing and new
regulations.
Public
(Streets, Parks,
Beaches, Public
Open Space)
Existing: Taking necessary measures to
retrofit existing public realm based on
regulations and in accordance to public
lighting control systems.
Municipalities inspect external lighting
based on a check-list ensuring they are
compliant with local policies.
Implementation
in new and
existing external
lighting.
New: Reviewing submissions in
accordance with the new regulations and
policies.
Private
(External
lighting facade
lighting,
internal lighting
spilling outside
buildings)
Existing: Giving a grace period for
building owners to comply with the new
regulations and policies.
Municipalities inspect external lighting
based on a check-list ensuring they are
compliant with local policies.
Relevant Regulations
In order to achieve the required goals and outcomes of this policy, the following
regulations and guidelines shall be adhered to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Abu Dhabi Lighting Handbook
Abu Dhabi Facade Design Manual
Abu Dhabi Storefront Design Manual
Estidama Pearl Public Realm Rating System
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
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Glossary
Lighting Pollution: Is the disturbance caused by artificial lighting that is not natural and
affects the wellbeing of humans on one hand and wildlife on the other.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Lighting: Is lighting that emits less glare than
and consumes a smaller amount of electricity than traditional lighting.
Covered Lighting Fixtures: An electrical device containing an electric lamp that provides
illumination and has a cover that prevents light from spilling into areas other than those
which need illumination.
Security Lighting: Lighting that is intended to deter or detect intrusions or other criminal
activity occuring on a property or a location.
Lighting Curfew: A rule that imposes restrictions on the activation of lighting in certain
areas during specific hours of the day.
Abu Dhabi Dark Sky Policy
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Abu Dhabi
Dark Sky
Policy
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