Climate change in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces the impacts of climate change such as water stress, rising sea levels, dust storms, desertification and extreme heat.

[1] Climate change threatens the country's water resources, wetland ecosystems, human health, economic stability, and international affairs.

The UAE is one of the highest producers and exporters of oil and gas globally[4] and relies on fossil fuels for the country's electricity power.

[9] Sea temperatures are rising, along with ocean acidification, leading to high vulnerabilities for marine life and coastal ecosystems in the area and globally.

Mangrove forests, coral reefs, salt marshes and grasses are at risk due to salinization, sea level rise, increased air and ocean temperatures, and changes in precipitation patterns.

The population of Arabian Gulf countries is concentrated near the coast, with 26 million people living in areas concierge coastal zones.

[15] The most vulnerable areas in the UAE span from the middle of Dubai city's coast to Umm Al Quwain to Ras Al-Khaimah.

[15] Climate change and sea level rise are expected to have a severe impact on the UAE's coastline, where the country holds its tourism and development for revenue.

[17] As part of the UAE's mitigation plans, the country is implementing economic diversification to support its economy to address the strains from climate change.

[18] The Arid climate and poor soil health make it difficult to form a robust agriculture sector, however, they have still made developments.

The UAE has also planned to include agriculture in their tourism sector, as they feel there is interest in their organic farms and camel milk industry.

However, climate change can potentially deter future visitors, as tourist infrastructure (hotels, housing, and restaurants) is built in areas vulnerable to rising sea levels.

This project has been deemed a failure as it has eroded the natural coastline, as 5.5 million cubic meters of rock were quarried with an astronomical carbon footprint.

Therefore the project is already being built on top of their natural shoreline, so as climate change raises the sea level in Dubai, Palm Island will be the most vulnerable location.

[23] There are also popular tourist areas that will be damaged because of the effects of climate change in particular coral bleaching will occur, as the sea temperature rises.

In the U.S., dust is the main contributor to deteriorating air quality as in all UAE cities, Annual mean PM2.5 levels were significantly higher than the global mean (WHO, 2024).

The UAE has developed mitigation practices to equip the country for increased sea level rise, salinization of freshwater, and decarbonization.

[13][25] The UAE's mangrove ecosystems provide high levels of carbon sequestration, storage in its biomass in an arid region, and overall climate mitigation.

[3] In the delivery of the UAE Consensus at COP28, plans suggested a full transition from fossil fuels in the energy sector to support the net zero goal by 2050.

[1] Adaptation and resilience measures are expected to include localized plans for the country, focusing on the improvement of climate change data, health and education, financial well-being, and healthy ecosystems.

[26] The UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative upholds the Paris Agreement's goals and is the first country in the Middle East to implement a carbon-neutral plan.

[27] Expansion of renewable green energy has occurred during the 2020 decade, as the UAE began the country's first program for wind power in October 2023.

[27] The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is working with government bodies at all levels to ensure the reduction of total carbon emissions, the sectors of power/energy, agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure being the top priorities.

[28] As part of Dubai's contribution to the UAE's energy transition efforts, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is being constructed to have a capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030.

[29] It is the largest solar power park in the world and it is expected to save 6.5 million tons carbon emissions each year once completed.

[33] He is head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and minister of industry and advanced technology of the United Arab Emirates.