Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the agency, told Khaleej Times that these industrial units were brought to book for failing to dispose of waste in the landfills allocated for the purpose, thereby violating rules for treating wastes as per the process determined by the EAD. The units were also faulted for not renewing their licences.

"The EAD is keeping a blanket environmental control and supervision on the industrial city in Abu Dhabi as per regulations set by the agency," he added.

Meanwhile, Al Mansouri said that expansion of facilities at the Falcon Hospital at Suweihan in Abu Dhabi would cost Dh15 to 16 million. These expansions, he explained, would increase the number of wards in the falcon facility to 65 from 40. Laboratories for research and diagnosis will be added, he added.

"Last year, the hospital treated 4,271 cases and the figure will go up even higher after the new facilities are ready by the end of next August and open in September," he said.

He disclosed that an action plan was chalked out to enable the hospital cover its annual Dh5 million expenditure. Around 80 per cent (Dh 4 million) were offered in support for the hospital.

The hospital is the only accredited facility for treatment of falcons. Other private facilities are not part of EAD. On natural reserves, he said, most of them will be included in tourism programmes in the emirate.