6:35 pm - February 14, 2026
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The UAE has introduced its first federal climate law requiring businesses to measure greenhouse gas emissions and adopt adaptation plans, reinforcing its regional leadership with enhanced transparency under the Paris Agreement and a net-zero target by 2050.
In a significant step towards environmental stewardship, the United Arab Emirates has adopted its first legislative framework aimed at mitigating climate change effects. Officially implemented recently, the federal decree law—entitled “Concerning the Reduction of the Effects of Climate Change”—requires businesses within the country to rigorously measure their greenhouse gas emissions and develop comprehensive climate adaptation plans. This pioneering initiative is notable, not just for the UAE but for the entire Middle East, as it sets a precedent for legislative action in response to global warming.
The UAE government has been making strides in its commitment to combat climate change through various sustainable practices. These include transitioning to cleaner energy sources, implementing extensive renewable energy projects, and fostering the use of eco-friendly technologies such as electric vehicles and sustainable building materials. This legislative move comes on the heels of a broader environmental agenda that reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to sustainability, particularly as it prepares to host significant international climate events.
Abu Dhabi, in particular, has distinguished itself as a leader in the region by becoming the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to implement the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement. This framework is designed to ensure countries credibly report their greenhouse gas emissions and make progress towards their nationally determined contributions. With the local implementation of this framework, Abu Dhabi underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability in climate action, which complements the newly introduced federal law.
Additionally, the UAE has recently announced its Strategic Initiative for Climate Neutrality 2050, marking a bold commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2050, making it the first nation in the region to set such an ambitious target. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and reinforces its dedication to sustainable economic development and environmental responsibility. It is designed not only to reduce emissions but also to stimulate new avenues of economic growth through green technologies and practices.
Furthermore, the UAE’s updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) present an increased ambition for reducing emissions by 31% by 2030, aligning with global calls for enhanced climate action. This updated commitment reflects a comprehensive strategy that encompasses a wide range of sectors, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a frontrunner in climate initiatives and an advocate for sustainable practices throughout the region.
As the UAE continues to develop its environmental policies, the recent legislative framework will likely serve as a foundational element in driving further initiatives aimed at combating climate change. With both legislative and practical measures in place, the nation is taking a significant stand against the pressing challenges posed by climate change, aiming to not just comply with international norms but also to inspire other countries in the region to follow suit.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://almarsad.co/2025/05/31/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A5%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%AA%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.uaelegislation.gov.ae/ar/legislations/2558 – The UAE has enacted Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 concerning the reduction of climate change impacts. This law mandates companies to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions and requires the development and implementation of climate adaptation plans across various sectors. The law aims to address climate change challenges and promote environmental sustainability within the country.
- https://u.ae/more/uae-net-zero-2050 – The UAE has launched the ‘Strategic Initiative for Climate Neutrality 2050’, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This initiative makes the UAE the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to announce such a goal. It aligns with the UAE’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and seeks to stimulate sustainable development and economic progress.
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/ar/environment/abu-dhabi-first-city-in-mena-region-to-implement-subnational-environmental-enhanced-transparency-framework-etf-under-paris-agreement/ – Abu Dhabi has become the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to implement the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) locally, as part of the Paris Agreement on climate change. This framework aims to build mutual trust and facilitate effective implementation of the agreement by guiding countries to report on greenhouse gas emissions and progress towards their nationally determined contributions.
- https://www.alkhaleej.ae/2024-11-24/أبوظبي-أول-مدينة-بالمنطقة-تطبق-إطار-الشفافية-المعزز-بشأن-تغير-المناخ-محلياً/أخبار-من-الإمارات – Abu Dhabi has become the first city in the region to apply the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) locally, supporting the national framework launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Developed under the Paris Agreement, the ETF is designed to build mutual trust and facilitate effective implementation by guiding countries to report on greenhouse gas emissions and progress towards their nationally determined contributions.
- https://www.moccae.gov.ae/ar/media-center/news/30/12/2020/uae-announces-ambitious-climate-commitments-as-part-of-second-nationally-determined-contribution.aspx – The UAE has submitted its second nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, raising its ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The updated NDC includes increased efforts to reduce emissions, enhance reliance on clean energy, and expand carbon capture projects, supporting the UAE’s commitment to the Paris Agreement.
- https://economymiddleeast.com/ar/news/الإمارات-تعتمد-رفع-طموحها-لخفض-الانبع/ – The UAE has updated its second nationally determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, increasing its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 31% by 2030. This updated target supports the UAE’s strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and aligns with the Glasgow Climate Pact’s call for countries to enhance their climate ambitions.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative reports on the UAE’s recent adoption of its first legislative framework aimed at mitigating climate change effects, with the federal decree law titled ‘Concerning the Reduction of the Effects of Climate Change’ officially implemented recently. ([thesustainabletimes.com](https://thesustainabletimes.com/climate-change/uae-climate-law-2024-net-zero-business-compliance/?utm_source=openai)) This is a new development, with no prior reports found, indicating high freshness. ([kpmg.com](https://kpmg.com/ae/en/home/insights/2024/10/setting-the-stage-for-climate-action-in-the-uae.html?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative does not include any direct quotes, suggesting it is potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The narrative originates from Almarsad, a Libyan news outlet. While it references Reuters, a reputable organisation, the primary source is less well-known, which may affect the overall reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the UAE’s new climate change legislation align with other reputable sources, such as Reuters, which reported on the UAE’s plans to present its new national climate plan under the Paris Agreement before COP29. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/uae-unveil-national-climate-plan-under-paris-pact-before-cop29-2024-09-26/?utm_source=openai)) The narrative’s details are consistent with these reports, indicating high plausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative reports on the UAE’s recent adoption of its first legislative framework to combat climate change, with no prior reports found, indicating high freshness. However, the primary source, Almarsad, is less well-known, which may affect the overall reliability. The claims are consistent with other reputable sources, suggesting high plausibility. Therefore, the overall assessment is ‘OPEN’ with medium confidence.
