UAE Non-State Actors Climate Action Report Launched At ADSW 2026 By MOCCAE And UACA

The UAE Alliance for Climate Action unveils new analysis showing strong climate ambition among UAE non-state actors, yet clear gaps in delivery. The "Navigating Decarbonisation" assessment finds over three-quarters of surveyed organisations set 2030 and 2050 climate goals, but just 55% adopt science-aligned net-zero commitments, with supply-chain emissions and climate finance access posing major hurdles.

The Ministry of Climate Change & Environment hosts the launch on 15 January during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, underlining federal support for private-sector engagement. The event gathers representatives from government, businesses, financial institutions, academia and civil society to examine how non-state actors contribute to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and near-term emissions pathways.

The "Navigating Decarbonisation: Assessing the UAE Non-State Actor Landscape and Potential" report presents a detailed national assessment of private-sector climate ambition and readiness. It reviews businesses, financial players, research institutions and civil society groups, mapping their current progress on decarbonisation and highlighting where additional support, clearer policies and stronger collaboration can help accelerate emissions reductions across the UAE economy.

The assessment supports the UAE’s NDC3.0 targets by aligning non-state efforts with the country’s updated emissions-reduction pathway. It also informs work on a unified national MRV system, designed to standardise emissions measurement and reporting. By offering evidence-based guidance, the UAE Alliance for Climate Action aims to help decision-makers integrate corporate climate strategies with national objectives in a consistent, transparent manner.

Survey data in the Navigating Decarbonisation study shows more than 75% of participating organisations hold both mid-term targets for 2030 and net-zero objectives for 2050. However, only 55% translate these ambitions into science-based net-zero commitments. Addressing Scope 3 emissions emerges as the main barrier, with 40% identifying supply-chain emissions as their most difficult challenge.

Respondents point to climate finance as a crucial enabler of deeper decarbonisation. Many stress the need for financial products tailored to transition projects and better knowledge of available funding tools. The UAE Alliance for Climate Action highlights that wider access to suitable finance could support renewable energy deployment, energy-efficiency upgrades and low-emissions technologies across key sectors, including industry and transport.

UACA is convened by Emirates Nature-WWF and operates as a multi-stakeholder coalition focused on raising climate ambition. Supported by HSBC Bank Middle East as founding donor, the UAE Alliance for Climate Action works to build momentum behind science-based targets, encourage collaboration among non-state actors and help create a regulatory environment that supports practical, large-scale decarbonisation efforts within the UAE.

Dr. Alanoud Alhaj Al Ali, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of Green Development & Climate Change Sector at MOCCAE, links the assessment to national policy direction. Dr. Alanoud Alhaj Al Ali commented, "The UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy calls for robust collaboration across all sectors of society. The leadership and innovation of non-state actors, including businesses, financial institutions, academia, and civil society organisations, are essential to achieving the UAE’s climate goals. The Navigating Decarbonization report, published by the UAE Alliance for Climate Action, offers a timely and comprehensive assessment of how non-state actors in the UAE are progressing on climate action, where action is already underway, and where momentum can be accelerated to reduce emissions. By grounding dialogue in evidence, the assessment demonstrates how national priorities and non-state leadership can advance together - across technology, climate finance and policy - to deliver the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambition."

HSBC Bank Middle East’s involvement reflects the broader role of financial institutions in mobilising transition capital. Mohamed Al Marzooqi, CEO, UAE, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, commented: "Achieving the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 aim requires coordinated action across government, business and the financial sector. This national review highlights the importance of collaboration in translating policy direction and private-sector commitment into delivery on-the-ground. As the founding donor of the UAE Alliance for Climate Action, HSBC is focused on mobilising climate finance, strengthening partnerships and supporting the frameworks needed to accelerate decarbonisation at scale.

Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, notes changing practices among non-state actors, particularly around renewable energy and efficiency. Laila Mostafa Abdullatif said, "The Navigating Decarbonisation report from UACA underscores the growing momentum among non-state actors, with increased adoption of renewable energy, energy-efficiency measures and electric mobility, alongside a clear appetite for more consistent emissions reporting." "At the same time, it reveals a persistent implementation gap – particularly across supply chains, climate finance and technical capacity. If climate ambition is to translate into impact, 2026 must be the year we close the gap, unlock climate finance at scale and create an enabling environment for faster emissions reductions," she added.

The Navigating Decarbonisation findings position the UAE Alliance for Climate Action as a reference point for aligning non-state climate strategies with national objectives. By clarifying progress, barriers and finance needs, the report offers UAE-based stakeholders, including those in the Middle East region, practical insights to refine policies and investments, support implementation across supply chains and strengthen delivery against the Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

With inputs from WAM