Abu Dhabi Expands Greenhouse Gas Emissions Monitoring Framework

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) has implemented a multi-stage system for measuring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions across the emirate. The programme introduces new requirements for facilities to monitor and report their emissions data annually.

Resolution No. (03) of 2026, issued by EAD on 21 September 2026, established a mandatory framework for emissions reporting. Facilities that meet or exceed the emission thresholds defined in this resolution are required to submit reports that have been verified by EAD-accredited verifiers, following standards for technical competence and independence.

The MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) programme began in December 2024, with the first set of reports due in 2026. The system is underpinned by Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024, which addresses climate change mitigation, and Law No. (16) of 2005, which reorganised EAD’s responsibilities.

EAD has set up a digital database to receive, verify, and store emissions reports submitted by facilities. The agency stated that this database will also be used to generate indicators and reports for policy development, using advanced analytics to ensure data quality and confidentiality.

What the numbers show

• Over 250 companies submitted emissions data in the first year.
• Approximately 90 million tonnes of CO₂ were reported for 2025.
• Emissions data for 2025 was due by 31 March 2026, with a grace period until 14 April 2026.

In January 2026, EAD reported that the MRV programme’s initial year covered more than ten strategic activities across four main sectors. The data collected represented emissions from a wide range of companies operating in Abu Dhabi.

Facilities required to report under the MRV scheme had to submit their emissions data for the 2025 reporting period by the end of March 2026. EAD provided a grace period extending to mid-April 2026, and from 2027, external verification of reports will become mandatory for all covered facilities.

To support compliance, EAD organised training workshops in early March 2026. These sessions were designed to assist facilities in understanding the reporting requirements and preparing their submissions according to the new framework.

The introduction of these measures reflects a structured approach to gathering emissions data and supporting policy decisions in Abu Dhabi. The MRV programme is intended to ensure that emissions reporting is accurate, consistent, and aligned with federal climate objectives.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.