Through investment, policymaking and partnerships, the UAE is working with the US to build a prosperous, secure and sustainable future. This collaboration is driving action to diversify the economy, create jobs and expand access to reliable, affordable and secure energy.
As host of COP28 in 2023, the UAE delivered the most realistic breakthrough in years. Negotiators produced the UAE Consensus, a historic agreement that took a practical approach to triple renewables and double energy efficiency by 2030. Learn more.
Domestically, the UAE is creating a diversified energy mix that includes low-carbon intensity fuels, nuclear power and commercially viable renewables. In July 2023, the UAE updated its third nationally determined contribution (NDC), aiming to curb carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030, up from its previous 31 percent target.
Explore the Embassy’s website to learn about the UAE’s climate leadership across the following areas.
- The UAE brought together world leaders at COP28 to take unprecedented action.
- Through global partnerships, the UAE is mobilizing climate cooperation on energy and environmental initiatives.
- At home, the UAE is deploying diversified, low-carbon energy.
- Partnership with the United States is central to the UAE’s action on energy transformation.
The UAE convened the global community as the host of the 28th UN Climate Conference of the Parties (COP28 UAE) at Dubai Expo City in December 2023.
Water Spotlight: The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative
The UAE and its neighbors in the MENA region are among the most water-stressed nations on earth. Water scarcity is accelerating in many parts of the world and has become an urgent threat to global security and prosperity.
Through the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, the UAE has provided $150 million to the American XPrize Foundation to fund the XPrize Water Scarcity competition. The first of its kind, the contest will bring together competing teams to develop technologies that can responsibly expand access to clean water through sustainable and affordable seawater desalination solutions.
This effort builds on a 2023 UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs report, “Ripple Effect: Water Scarcity – The hidden threat to global security and prosperity,” which highlights the causes, implications, and potential solutions to this growing issue.
The next United Nations Water Conference will take place in the UAE from December 2–4, 2026.
“Increasing water scarcity is a growing threat to global security and prosperity that demands a decisive and coordinated response from the international community. The establishment of XPRIZE Water Scarcity is consistent with the ambition of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative to raise the importance of water scarcity on the global agenda and to help accelerate the development and deployment of transformative new solutions to this urgent challenge.”
- HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative
