UAE launches new national assessment amid rising climate risks

Developed in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the assessment was unveiled during a dedicated session on climate risks and resilience held at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026.

The review examines how climate adaptation is currently financed across the public and private sectors and civil society, focusing on six key pillars. It also identifies opportunities to accelerate capital flows into adaptation projects and strengthen coordination across institutions.

Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The launch of the Adaptation Finance Capacity Assessment is a key moment in the UAE’s climate resilience journey. The findings of the assessment ensure adaptation finance can be integrated into our country’s national development strategies, and therefore translated into tangible action that drives progress.”

She added that the assessment will support a whole-of-economy approach to climate adaptation, highlighting the need for stronger private sector participation, knowledge sharing and collective action.

UAE shows strong climate finance capacity

According to the report, the UAE’s financial strength and institutional capacity provide a solid foundation for advancing adaptation finance. It describes the country as operating one of the region’s most disciplined and transparent budgeting systems, supported by a highly proficient public financial management framework by regional and global standards.

At the same time, the assessment highlights areas where further institutionalisation is needed to maximise impact. These include the potential development of a unified, open-access national climate risk platform that could help insurers and banks better price climate risks and reward resilience efforts.

Dr Sang-Hyup Kim, Executive Director at GGGI, said the findings demonstrate the UAE’s strong starting position while pointing to opportunities for improvement. He noted that institutionalising adaptation finance mechanisms further could strengthen effectiveness and long-term impact.

Representatives from federal and emirate-level government, the private sector, academia and civil society attended the launch event.

Discussions held during the session will inform the development of the UAE National Adaptation Plan, ensuring that adaptation priorities are translated into concrete and well-financed actions aligned with national development objectives.