At Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. ARCHIVE

The UAE’s new climate law officially came into effect on Friday (May 30), making it the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to establish a comprehensive legal framework for climate action and emissions accountability. A new federal decree law sets ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and waste management, while encouraging innovation in carbon reduction technologies. The law reflects the UAE’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality without hindering economic growth. Key features of the law include a robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system that mandates emissions inventories, third-party audits, and the development of a national electronic tracking platform. Violations carry steep penalties — not less than Dh500,000 and up to Dh2 million — for entities that fail to meet compliance standards. In a statement, UAE authorities highlighted the strategic intent behind the law. “This law empowers the UAE to drive climate resilience and lead the region in developing smart, science-based, and economically sustainable climate strategies,” the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said in a press release. The law also encourages the development of carbon offset markets, emissions trading systems, and internal carbon pricing, which will attract investment in renewable energy, green tech, and circular economy models. Additionally, the law sets up a National Carbon Credit Registry, designed to link the UAE to international carbon markets and reward companies engaging in proactive climate action. Sector-specific adaptation plans are now mandatory, requiring institutions to share data on climate-related damages and risks. This enables evidence-based policymaking and supports the UAE’s goals under the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions. ICA/Expat Media
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