The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment hosted a significant event during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, where a comprehensive local assessment was released regarding the private sector’s efforts and readiness to tackle climate change.
The report, titled “Decarbonization Management: Assessing the Landscape of Non-Governmental Entities in the UAE and Their Capabilities,” was created by the UAE Climate Action Alliance. It serves as the first comprehensive study that reviews the climate action landscape of non-governmental actors in the country.
This release coincided with a special event held by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the UAE Climate Action Alliance during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, attended by various stakeholders from both public and private sectors to discuss the role of non-governmental actors in the national efforts to achieve climate neutrality.
Drawing on insights from businesses, financial institutions, academia, and civil society organizations, the report provides a practical, evidence-based guide for both public and private sectors to support the UAE’s goals regarding their Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0 (the updated path for emissions reduction). It aims to establish a unified national system for reporting, monitoring, and verification to standardize emissions measurement and reporting practices.
In this context, Dr. Alanoud Al Haj, Assistant Undersecretary for the Green Development and Climate Change Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, stated that the UAE’s 2050 climate neutrality strategy necessitates close collaboration across all sectors of society. The contributions of non-governmental actors—including businesses, financial institutions, academia, and civil organizations—play a pivotal role in achieving the UAE’s climate objectives. The “Decarbonization Management” report offers a thorough assessment of the progress made by non-governmental entities in climate action, identifies areas of advancement, highlights opportunities to accelerate national emissions reduction efforts, and provides a solid foundation for evidence-based dialogue. It emphasizes the significance of integrating national priorities with non-governmental capacities in technology, climate finance, and policy to fulfill the ambition of climate neutrality by 2050.
While over 75% of surveyed organizations established long-term climate goals (up to 2050) and medium-term targets (up to 2030), only 55% committed to achieving climate neutrality based on recognized scientific principles. Addressing Scope 3 emissions has emerged as the biggest challenge for many institutions, with 40% of respondents identifying supply chain emissions as the primary hurdle.
Access to financing is deemed a critical enabling factor, with participants expressing the need for more suitable financial solutions and increased awareness of available financing options.
Leila Mustafa Abdul Latif, Director General of the Emirates Nature Association, noted that the “Decarbonization Management” report indicates a rising participation of non-governmental entities in emission reduction efforts through increased reliance on renewable energy, enhanced energy efficiency, expanded adoption of electric mobility solutions, and a growing focus on standardizing emissions reporting practices.
Abdul Latif also pointed out a clear gap in implementing emissions reduction measures, particularly concerning supply chains, climate finance, and technical capabilities. To translate climate ambitions into tangible results by 2026, there is a need to bridge this gap, expand climate financing, and create a conducive environment for faster emissions reductions.
Mohammed Al Marzooqi, CEO of HSBC UAE, remarked that achieving the UAE’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050 requires collaborative efforts and close coordination between the government, business community, and financial sector. This national assessment highlights the importance of cooperation in transforming political commitments and private sector obligations into real-world outcomes. As a founding partner and supporter of the UAE Climate Action Alliance, HSBC remains focused on mobilizing climate finance, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the necessary frameworks to accelerate widespread carbon emissions reductions.