United Arab Emirates’ Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).

This Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) is a multisectoral strategy aimed at achieving substantial, economy-wide absolute emissions reductions. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to global climate leadership and its transition from a fossil-fuel-based economy to a knowledge-driven green economy. This NDC marks a key milestone in the UAE’s sustainability efforts, setting an ambitious target to cut emissions by 47% by 2035 from the 2019 baseline, aligning with the 1.5°C climate goal. Developed through an inclusive and consultative process, it ensures strong government ownership and broad stakeholder engagement, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to a collaborative and sustainable future.
The NDC 3.0 outlines both mitigation and adaptation measures to address climate change. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 47% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. The targeted sectors are as follows: (i) in the power and water sector, efforts concentrate on increasing renewable energy capacity, implementing energy efficiency programs, and expanding waste-to-energy projects; (ii) the industrial sector focuses on adopting carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, improving energy efficiency in industrial processes, and promoting the use of alternative fuels and materials; (iii) in transport, priorities include increasing electric vehicle adoption, enhancing public transportation infrastructure, and implementing fuel efficiency standards; (iv) the waste sector aims to boost recycling rates, implement landfill diversion strategies, and expand waste-to-energy initiatives; (v) in buildings, measures involve updating building codes for energy efficiency, promoting solar thermal systems, and increasing retrofitting rates for existing structures; (vi) the agriculture sector emphasizes improving water use efficiency, promoting climate-smart practices, and enhancing soil carbon sequestration; (vii) for negative emissions, strategies include expanding mangrove afforestation projects, developing direct air capture (DAC) technologies, and implementing carbon sequestration initiatives. Regarding adaptation measures, the NDC 3.0 aims to develop a comprehensive and inclusive approach to climate resilience, ensuring (i) the UAE’s ability to withstand future climate impacts across all sectors; (ii) integration of adaptation into national and sectoral planning; (iii) protection of vulnerable communities and ecosystems; and (iv) promotion of sustainable development and economic diversification. The relevant sectors include: (i) energy, through regular maintenance, modernization, and adoption of clean energy technologies; (ii) infrastructure, by designing and constructing climate-resilient buildings, urban planning, and flood management systems; (iii) health, with early warning systems, heat stress management, and climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure; (iv) environment and biodiversity, focusing on protected area conservation, coral reef restoration, and wetland management; (v) blue carbon ecosystems, through mangrove afforestation, seagrass restoration, and coastal protection; (vi) agriculture and food security, emphasizing climate-smart practices, water efficiency, and innovation in food production; (vii) culture and heritage, by preserving cultural sites, integrating traditional knowledge, and promoting sustainable tourism; (viii) insurance, through developing climate risk insurance products and financial instruments to enhance resilience.