“UAE Climate Change Law Guidance – Preparing for the 2025 deadline” provides a practical guide to understanding and complying with the UAE Climate Law, officially known as Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024. This legislation, effective from May 30, 2025, mandates that businesses operating within the UAE align with national climate objectives, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
This new decree shares responsibility for the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with companies in the public and private sector, including those in free zones.
Key Highlights of the Guide:
- Four Phases of Compliance:
- Assessment & Preparation: Evaluate current operations to identify areas needing adjustment to meet the law’s requirements.
- Registration & Strategy: Officially register and develop a comprehensive strategy outlining steps to achieve compliance.
- Operational Compliance: Implement the strategy through tangible actions, such as reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability practices.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and refine strategies to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement.(Scribd)
- Key dates: enforcement begins 30 May 2025
- Enforcement and Penalties:
- The law stipulates penalties of up to AED 1 million for non-compliance, emphasizing the importance of adherence.
- Action Checklists:
- The guide includes detailed checklists for each phase, assisting organizations in systematically approaching compliance.
- Strategic Advantage:
- Beyond mere compliance, the guide encourages businesses to view adherence as a competitive edge, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability.
This resource is particularly beneficial for sustainability teams, ESG professionals, and business leaders aiming to integrate climate considerations into their operational frameworks.
Note: This guidance is based on multiple official documents, but references only the primary framework — Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 — to keep it simple and action-focused for teams just getting started. Federal decree 11/2024 is a framework for innovation. Federal Decree-Law 11/2024 provides the overarching legal framework, while Cabinet Resolution 67/2024 lays out the operational details.
Read the UAE Climate Change Law Guidance – Preparing for the 2025 deadline
Author Nahla Nabil, ESG & Sustainability Strategy
