UAE Tops Arab Region in 2026 Environmental Performance Index

The United Arab Emirates ranked first among Arab countries in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), according to the latest report, which evaluates countries across environmental health, ecosystem vitality, and climate change.

The 2026 index assesses countries using 47 performance indicators across 12 issue categories and three policy objectives: Environmental Health, Ecosystem Vitality, and Climate Change.

According to the report, the UAE’s performance reflects progress across several environmental indicators, supported by investments in environmental infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and the use of technology to improve environmental data and monitoring.

“The UAE’s environmental stewardship is not a recent development, but a core value woven into the nation’s fabric,” Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said. “Building on the enduring environmental legacy of the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his visionary recognition of the importance of protecting the environment and conserving natural resources, the UAE continues to reinforce this strategic approach across government institutions, the private sector, and society. This achievement is a testament to tireless work, strategic investments, and a unified ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole-of-society’ approach. From local communities and private enterprises to federal entities, the entire nation has rallied around our ecological targets.”

“Guided by Net Zero 2050 Strategy the UAE accelerated decarbonisation across all industrial sectors, cementing the UAE’s leadership in the global energy transition powered by effective national policies and strategic government investments, as well as collaboration among government entities, the private sector, and community supportive engagements reinforcing the country’s position as a global model for sustainability and environmental development,” Dr. Al Dahak added.

“With some of the largest solar plants in the world we are setting new benchmarks for the region and the world in renewable energy. Our journey does not stop here. We will continue to pioneer global standards, proving that economic prosperity and environmental sustainability can and must go hand in hand.”

The UAE recorded a score of 100 for waste management, ranking first globally in that category. It also received a score of 100 for bottom trawling fisheries, indicating that bottom trawling does not occur within the country’s maritime zones.

In wastewater treatment, the UAE recorded a score of 94.99, ranking 19th globally.

The report also ranked the UAE first in the region and ninth globally for the protection of marine Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). The country placed second in the Arab region for marine habitat protection.

According to the report, the UAE’s environmental strategy includes initiatives focused on renewable energy, water security, biodiversity conservation, air quality, and the circular economy.

The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aims to triple the contribution of renewable energy while investing between AED150 billion and AED200 billion by 2030 to meet growing energy demand.

The report noted that the UAE’s installed renewable energy capacity increased by 117% between 2022 and 2025, supported by projects including Noor Abu Dhabi and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

It also highlighted the recently announced 5.2GW solar photovoltaic project with a 19GWh battery energy storage system near Abu Dhabi, being developed by Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).

Other initiatives referenced in the report include the UAE’s National Air Quality Agenda 2031, Circular Economy Policy 2031, and its target to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, more than 50 million mangroves have already been planted across the country.

The report also cited the UAE’s use of artificial intelligence and satellite technologies to support environmental monitoring, including mangrove planting, blue carbon tracking, air quality monitoring, and resource management.

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