The Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency (EAD) has issued a new decree establishing the framework for greenhouse gas emissions verification across the emirate. This decree includes a mechanism for registering and accrediting verification specialists.
According to EAD, Decree No. (03) of 2026 marks a transition from construction standards to practical implementation based on reliable, verified climate data. This aims to enhance the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi's industrial sectors during the shift towards more sustainable production.
The new system requires enterprises falling under this decree to submit their emissions reports for verification by agency-accredited auditors. These auditors must meet standards regarding technical competence, independence, and specific requirements for preparing verification reports.
Obligations apply to facilities operating in specific sectors whose activities generate greenhouse gas emissions at levels stipulated in the decree. Such operators are required to develop plans and prepare emission measurement reports, as well as register their facilities, while auditors undergo their own registration and accreditation process.
Enterprises not covered by the decree retain the option to voluntarily measure and report emissions, coordinating with the agency and the regulatory body of their sector.
EAD forecasts that this structure will increase demand for specialized verification services in Abu Dhabi. This will create opportunities for private companies, specialized consulting firms, and qualified Emirati professionals working in this field, fostering local expertise in carbon accounting and environmental data auditing.
The system is based on Federal Decree No. (11) of 2024 on mitigating climate change impacts, which requires competent authorities across the UAE to develop mechanisms for measuring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. It also relies on Law No. (16) of 2005 concerning the reorganization of EAD.
The agency stated that the regulatory framework was developed in cooperation with relevant emirate bodies. Furthermore, EAD will create and manage a digital emissions database that will ensure the electronic receipt, verification, storage, and archiving of emissions reports, guaranteeing data quality, accuracy, and confidentiality. The agency plans to use modern technologies and advanced analytics to process and classify this data, generating indicators and reports to support evidence-based decision-making and achieve the emirate's sustainability goals.