United Arab Emirates: environment

How much CO2 does the UAE emit?

The UAE emitted 200.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2024, excluding land use, according to the World Bank, which uses the EDGAR database. That was 18.3 tonnes per person. Total greenhouse gas emissions were 264.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Per-person emissions are high because of oil and gas production, energy-intensive industry, desalination and air conditioning, and because exports are produced in the UAE. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment reports the national inventory to the UN climate convention, which may differ from EDGAR's figures.

Official sources: World Bank: CO2 emissions (total), UAE · World Bank: CO2 emissions per capita, UAE

What is the air quality like in Abu Dhabi?

The average concentration of PM10 particles across the Abu Dhabi region was 125.4 micrograms per cubic metre in the second quarter of 2026, according to SCAD air quality statistics, using Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi data. The highest station average was 202.7 at Al Mafraq.

PM10 in the UAE is driven largely by desert dust and sandstorms as well as traffic and industry, so it peaks in spring and summer. The quarterly tables also cover ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. For live readings, the UAE Government portal points to the National Air Quality Platform.

Official sources: SCAD: Air quality statistics, Q2 2026 · u.ae: Air

How hot does it get in the UAE?

The highest air temperature recorded in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in July 2026 was 49.8°C, and the average temperature for the month was 36.6°C, according to SCAD climate statistics, using National Center of Meteorology data. The average daily maximum was 43.8°C.

Average relative humidity in July was 46%, and rainfall was about 1 millimetre. Figures are averages across Abu Dhabi's weather stations, so coastal and inland readings differ. The National Center of Meteorology publishes forecasts and warnings; SCAD releases these tables monthly.

Official sources: SCAD: Climate statistics, July 2026 · National Center of Meteorology

How much of the UAE's electricity comes from nuclear power?

The Barakah nuclear plant supplies about 25% of the UAE's electricity needs from four reactors with a combined capacity of 5.6 gigawatts, according to the UAE Government portal. All four units are in commercial operation, the last since September 2024.

The portal says the plant avoids about 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year. Solar capacity is growing too: the 2 GW Al Dhafra solar plant opened in November 2023. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation licenses the plant.

Official sources: u.ae: Nuclear energy · u.ae: Solar energy

Where does the UAE get its water?

The UAE's total water demand is estimated at 5 billion cubic metres a year, according to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure as cited on the UAE Government portal. Groundwater provides around 46% of the supply and 93% of farm irrigation water, with about 2.3 billion cubic metres extracted each year.

Non-conventional sources, desalinated seawater and treated wastewater, make up much of the rest. The ministry manages 109 dams with a combined storage capacity of more than 90 million cubic metres. The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 sets out plans to preserve groundwater as an emergency reserve.

Official sources: u.ae: Water

What is the United Arab Emirates' carbon footprint per person?

According to the European Commission's EDGAR database, carbon dioxide emissions per person in the United Arab Emirates was 18.3 tonnes in 2024. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 3.6 tonnes, and the United Arab Emirates placed 6th highest of 22. Worldwide: 9th of 186.

How much greenhouse gas does the United Arab Emirates emit?

The European Commission's EDGAR database puts total greenhouse gas emissions in the United Arab Emirates at 264 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 103 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, and the United Arab Emirates placed 6th highest of 22. Worldwide: 32nd of 186.

What share of the United Arab Emirates' energy comes from renewables?

The latest figure from the IEA, IRENA, the UN Statistics Division, the World Bank and the WHO, for 2021, is 1.0%. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 15th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 3.4%. World rank, highest first: 178th of 191.

What share of the United Arab Emirates is covered by forest?

According to the FAO, forest area as a share of land in the United Arab Emirates was 4.6% in 2024. No year since 2005 has been higher. It is 6th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 1.6%. Worldwide: 166th of 190.

What is air pollution like in the United Arab Emirates?

The Global Burden of Disease study puts average exposure to fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) in the United Arab Emirates at 57.2 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023. The peak was 67.7 micrograms per cubic metre in 2022 and the low 47.9 micrograms per cubic metre in 2020. It is 5th highest of 22 in Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan, where the median is 40.3 micrograms per cubic metre. Of 192 countries with 2023 data, 8th highest.

What share of the United Arab Emirates is protected land?

19.2%: that is the share of land in protected areas in the United Arab Emirates for 2025, according to the UN Environment Programme. Its high point since 2013 was 2020, at 19.4%; its low point was 2016, at 13.1%. Across Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan the middle value was 9.8%, and the United Arab Emirates placed 4th highest of 22. World rank, highest first: 86th of 192.

What is water stress in the United Arab Emirates?

1509.9%: that is water stress in the United Arab Emirates for 2022, according to the FAO. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan median: 116.7%; the United Arab Emirates is 2nd highest of 21. Worldwide: 2nd of 175.