Dubai is steadily moving toward a cleaner energy future, with the emirate recording a further decline in its carbon footprint as it advances sustainability policies, cleaner power generation, and more efficient resource use. The latest findings reviewed by the Supreme Council of Energy highlight how coordinated planning across sectors is helping Dubai lower emissions while strengthening its green economy agenda.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai, chaired the 95th meeting of the council, which was held virtually, with the attendance of the Vice Chairman, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer.
At the meeting, the council reviewed Dubai’s performance in meeting sustainable development goals and approved the 2025 greenhouse gas emissions assessment, which indicated the continued decline of Dubai’s carbon footprint. The result reflects the emirate’s ongoing progress in implementing policies and initiatives that support sustainability and the transition toward a greener economy, driven by increased output from clean energy sources, more disciplined electricity and water consumption, improved operational efficiency across sectors, and wider adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles.
The council also discussed the feasibility of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from organic waste in Dubai, aligning with global trends aimed at increasing the blending ratios of sustainable fuel with conventional aviation fuel in the coming years. This initiative is expected to provide a cleaner local alternative for the aviation sector and enhance the principles of the circular economy in Dubai.
The Vice Chairman of the council, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, stated, “These achievements translate the vision and directives of the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, aimed at establishing Dubai as a global model for sustainable development and the green economy.”
Strategic projects delivering measurable results
He added that the projects stemming from the “Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2050” and the “Dubai Carbon Emissions Reduction Strategy 2030” have demonstrated the effectiveness of the emirate’s strategic direction. They have successfully attracted investments and partnerships from the private sector at both local and global levels to implement pioneering projects in solar energy, battery storage, green hydrogen production, waste-to-energy conversion, waste recycling, and the establishment of green buildings.
These initiatives have helped position Dubai as an active hub for clean-energy investment while also supporting long-term reductions in emissions. Officials say the momentum behind the continued decline of Dubai’s carbon footprint is the result of a practical policy framework that integrates planning, execution, and private-sector participation.
Governance and demand management
For his part, the Secretary-General of the council, Ahmed Butti Al Muhairbi, emphasized that the governance model adopted by the council, which has been developed over the past 15 years, has been a fundamental pillar in achieving qualitative results and outstanding performance indicators through the implementation of a comprehensive system of programs and initiatives within the energy and water demand management strategy. These efforts have contributed to significant savings in electricity and water consumption, based on a clear roadmap and a sustainable work methodology applied since 2012.
The council’s approach has focused on making energy and water management more efficient while ensuring sustainability targets align with Dubai’s broader economic growth. This consistency has been central to the ongoing progress behind the continued decline of Dubai’s carbon footprint, and it continues to support the emirate’s ambition to expand clean technologies, reduce waste, and reinforce its standing as a regional leader in low-carbon development.