The National Plan for Climate Change of the United Arab Emirates, 2017-2050

Last updated: 7 March 2024

The purpose of this plan is to manage greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring sustainable economic development.  The country plans to unify efforts done within all different sectors to address climate change. The plan sets a unified framework to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, referring to best international practice.
With regards to the energy sector, the plan references: 
• Revising tariffs to reform subsidies for electricity and water;
• New specifications for public lighting;
• Use of smart meters for electricity;
• A program for buildings sustainability and related ratings for design, planning, and construction;
• A mandatory code for all buildings, including energy standards;
• Facilitating the creation of energy service companies; 
• Increasing the share of trips made by public transportation; 
• A push for green vehicles;
• A fuel economy standard;
• Waste to energy facilities.
Within the oil and gas sector, the United Arab Emirates adopts a zero-flaring policy: flaring is not allowed unless under force majeure (i.e. in an emergency). 

Want to know more about this policy ? Learn more (Arabic)