CLEARING THE AIR: UAE'S BOLD STEP TOWARDS EMISSION TRANSPARENCY.
- ayshasathar101
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
The UAE’s skyline always told us a story of rapid growth and big dreams. But behind that shine, emissions quietly piled up and were often unnoticed.
In those early years, the environment and emissions were rarely discussed and the focus was on growth and opportunity, not on the emissions that were left behind.
But that started to change
By the 2010s, investments in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives took shape, signaling a shift in priorities.
The real turning point came in the 2020s. As global pressure intensified and the UAE prepared to host COP28(Conference of the Parties), the government took decisive steps to make emission transparency mandatory.
"This is a true victory for those who are sincere and genuine in helping address this global climate challenge. This is a true victory for those who are pragmatic, results-oriented and led by the science" - Sultan Al Jaber, COP President and UAE's Special Envoy for climate change
By 2024, the government dropped Federal Decree-Law No. 11, making it mandatory for big companies to measure and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions .
Who Must Report: Companies emitting greater than 500,000 tCO₂e/year (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year) must disclose their emissions.
What to Report: Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions annually through the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) centralised electronic platform. covering direct, energy-related, and supply chain carbon.
Somehow, the UAE made emissions reporting sound.... cool? Is this a climate glow up?
Why It Actually Is Cool (and Fast)
1. Made Law Quickly & Decisively
In just eight months after hosting COP28, the UAE enacted Federal Decree‑Law No. 11 on August 28, 2024.
The law takes effect on May 30, 2025, forcing major emitters (500,000 tCO₂e+/year) to measure, report, and have their GHG emissions independently verified and it’s nationwide, including free zones .
2. The First to Act, First Report
Tristar Group Issues UAE’s First GHG Report
In June 2025, Tristar Group ,a major logistics and petrochemicals services provider became the first UAE-based company to publish a formal greenhouse gas emissions report under the new law.
The logistics and petrochemical giant revealed 2.51 million( tCO₂e) for its 2024 operations, a bold move under Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024.
“We did not just comply ahead of regulatory requirements but wanted to take the lead in climate change mitigation as a responsible business.” - CEO, Tristar Group
It wasn’t a PR stunt , but a moment of carbon accountability, setting a new bar for corporate transparency in the Emirates.
3. Trusted Data ,Third party Verified
The law demands MRV(Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) backed by third party audits, aligning with GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 standards , leaving no room for unchecked or voluntary claims.
4. Reporting, More Than a Formality
Entities are also required to submit carbon management and reduction plans ,not just as a formality, but with real expectations for implementation. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to AED 2 million.
5. Public Transparency and What's following
The Transparency framework includes launching a centralized electronic platform that publicly shares emissions data making it real, credible, and trackable.
The UAE’s ‘Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative’ isn’t just a promise , it’s backed by a massive government fund of $163 billion to invest in clean energy, decarbonization, and sustainable tech.
If this is how fast the UAE can move, the road to net zero doesn’t look so distant after all. And it’s a path we’re all walking, one step at a time.
So, as always, let this be your reminder to know that climate knowledge isn’t reserved for experts. It belongs to you, too.
Concept Writer and Researcher: Aysha Abdul Sathar
Reviewer: Pratiksha More
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