The UAE celebrated Earth Day on April 22 with a series of measures across climate action, biodiversity protection and renewable energy.
Authorities continue to implement long-term plans covering the environment, energy and water sectors. These include the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the National Climate Change Plan 2017 - 2050, the Circular Economy Policy 2021 - 2031 and the National Climate Adaptation Action Plan.
In 2026, work has focused on environmental protection projects, clean energy expansion and the use of advanced technology to cut emissions.
The UAE Cabinet approved the seventh national biodiversity report under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The number of designated reserves has reached 55, covering 19.04 percent of the country. Programs are in place to protect endangered species through conservation, breeding and habitat management.
A national carbon sequestration program is also underway, with a target to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030.
A new law regulating international trade in endangered animals and plants has been introduced. In parallel, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and Mubadala launched an initiative focused on dugong protection and seagrass habitats in the UAE and four other countries.
In Abu Dhabi, the Environment Agency launched the Hamdan bin Zayed initiative, which aims to double fish stocks by 2030. The emirate recorded a sustainable fishing index of 100 percent by the end of 2025, compared with 8 percent in 2018.
Dubai approved the Al Layan Oasis project, spanning one million square meters, with a natural lake designed to highlight desert ecosystems and raise environmental awareness.
In Sharjah, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority reported the discovery of four new spider species.
Renewable energy programs continue to expand, including solar projects and the use of artificial intelligence and cloud computing to reduce emissions, along with policies supporting energy self-generation in agriculture.
Masdar and Global South Utilities announced projects across Asia, Africa and Europe, adding new capacity and employment opportunities.
The UAE is also advancing water security through initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and Suqia UAE and will host the UN Water Conference later this year in partnership with Senegal.