Abu Dhabi, UAE – UAE National Day 2025 coincides with the UAE’s announcement of a significant number of environmental and climate achievements. These achievements are based on transforming international commitments into binding legislation. They also include the implementation of mega-projects for clean energy and nature-based solutions. These steps have solidified the country’s position as a “comprehensive force for climate action regionally and globally.”
First federal climate law and updated national goals
The landmark climate law: Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 on mitigating the effects of climate change officially entered into force on May 30, 2025.
This law is significant because it translates the UAE’s consensus into measurable and actionable policies. This strengthens national governance.
Emissions reduction target 2035:
The UAE has updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), targeting an absolute reduction of 47% in emissions by 2035 compared to the 2019 baseline. This is coupled with a commitment to climate neutrality by 2050, reflecting a shift from promises to internationally binding figures.
Nature-based and blue carbon solutions take center stage
The UAE places mangrove forests at the heart of its climate strategy as a nature-based solution for blue carbon. The country has set a target of planting 100 million seedlings by 2030, given mangroves’ ability to store up to four times more carbon than tropical forests.
The “Mangrove Alliance for Climate,” led by the UAE and Indonesia, has also grown to 45 members. Its goal is to mobilize funding and accelerate the restoration of coastal ecosystems globally.
The state currently protects about 2,956 km² of seagrass meadows and about 183 km² of mangroves as natural carbon sinks.
Global leadership and the transition to clean energy
استضافة المؤتمر العالمي للطبيعة 2025: تستضيف أبوظبي “المؤتمر العالمي للحفاظ على الطبيعة 2025”. هذا يعزز الترابط بين مسارات اتفاقيات المناخ والتنوع الحيوي بعد الزخم الذي أطلقه “اتفاق الإمارات” في COP28.
كما تواصل أبوظبي عبر “مصدر” احتضان القمة العالمية لطاقة المستقبل 2025. مع نمو القدرة المتجددة في الدولة إلى 6.1 جيجاواط بنهاية 2023.
كما تهدف مبادرات دبي إلى تحقيق قدرة إنتاجية نظيفة 100% بحلول منتصف القرن.
Governance, measurement and impact
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) won the “Gold Award for Environmental Policies.” This was supported by the introduction of a Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system. This system is one of the first of its kind in the Gulf and is consistent with the Paris Agreement, ensuring transparency and traceability.
Abu Dhabi’s climate strategy also aims for a 22% reduction in emissions by 2027, driven particularly by the energy sector.
Water management:
Water was a prominent theme at the World Green Economy Summit 2025, where solutions for less carbon-intensive desalination and demand management were presented. This supports adaptation in a water-scarce environment.
Water was a prominent theme at the World Green Economy Summit 2025, where solutions for less carbon-intensive desalination and demand management were presented. This supports adaptation in a water-scarce environment.
