This updated NDC was developed along with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and the Long-Term Strategy (LTS). The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment coordinated the formulation of this updated NDC and the two strategies by utilizing a “rigorous, inclusive and consultative process with relevant domestic stakeholders.” The stakeholders comprised government representatives from the federal, emirate, city and municipality levels (whole-government approach); key private sector entities; local NGOs; and key social and vulnerable groups (e.g., representatives of women, youth, and “people of determination”). The latter group comprised people with disabilities and people with special needs.
A National Dialogue for Climate Ambition (NDCA) platform was set up to facilitate cross-sector climate collaboration—specifically in the manufacturing, cement, waste, transport, and energy sectors. The relevant stakeholders had monthly discussions on sectoral requirements, priorities, and ways forward to accelerate decarbonisation. The UAE in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) established the UAE Alliance for Climate Action (UACA). The UACA’s role is to facilitate the public and private actors in setting credible and transparent 2030 targets in line with the UAE’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050. After the stakeholder engagement process, this updated NDC was endorsed by the UAE cabinet.
The formulation of this NDC also took into account social benefits (such as job creation) and environmental benefits (included as part of adaptation), as well as the needs of vulnerable populations (e.g., children, youth, women and “people of determination”). Apart from country-wide targets, sectoral mitigation targets and pathways were developed for priority sectors (i.e., power and water generation, heavy industry, transport, waste, buildings, and agriculture sectors). These targets are in coherence with the national and sectoral plans, measures and policy frameworks. The UAE will work on aligning this NDC’s targets, policies and actions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)