12:30 pm - September 2, 2025
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has unveiled the 2025–2050 plan, a science-based roadmap with 142 adaptation actions (86 prioritised for the next five years) aimed at safeguarding groundwater, soil and biodiversity while boosting water and food security and ecological resilience.
Abu Dhabi has rolled out its inaugural Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector—a long-range, science-based roadmap aimed at protecting the emirate’s natural resources from the mounting impacts of climate change. Debuted in late July 2025, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) positions the 2025–2050 plan as a cornerstone of the emirate’s climate strategy, zeroing in on three environmental systems considered most vulnerable to climate pressures: groundwater, soil and biodiversity.
Guided by the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027, the plan lines up with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050 and with the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience introduced at COP28. It lays out 142 adaptation actions to be delivered by 2050, with 86 prioritized for implementation over the next five years. The aim, quite clearly, is to bolster water and food security, advance sustainable land and water management, and safeguard ecosystem health, thereby reducing both environmental and economic risks to Abu Dhabi’s communities and industries. The plan is being rolled out as part of a broader emirate-wide adaptation framework that will see sectoral plans for energy, health and infrastructure developed in tandem.
The latest plan reflects a broader policy conversation in the UAE about resilience and accountability. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, secretary-general of EAD, described the launch as “a defining moment for the environmental future of the emirate,” emphasising that the document combines rigorous science with a concrete action agenda and a commitment to safeguarding natural heritage. She added that the roadmap “will enhance the resilience of our natural resources, safeguard biodiversity and strives to ensure water and food security.” The comments were issued as part of the official launch material accompanying the plan’s rollout. In the same communications package, Sheikha Al Mazrouei, executive director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, described the plan as setting “a new benchmark for environmental resilience in the region,” noting its adaptive, forward-looking design that integrates the latest climate data and projections.
Development of the plan involved input from more than 40 government, semi-government, academic and civil society organisations, including youth representatives. This collaborative process mirrors the broader push across Abu Dhabi to align sectoral action with national and international climate commitments, while ensuring mechanisms for regular review and incorporation of new science and climate projections. The National emphasised that the plan’s development drew on a cross-sector partnership model, portraying it as an emblematic moment in Abu Dhabi’s transition to a more resilience-oriented governance framework.
The 2025–2050 climate adaptation plan sits within a broader Emirate strategy that will produce parallel sectoral plans for energy, health and infrastructure. Taken together, these plans are intended to provide a cohesive framework for climate resilience across Abu Dhabi’s public services and economy. Government communications stress that the adaptation plan supports national objectives such as improving food self-sufficiency and advancing ecological stability, while reinforcing the emirate’s social and ecological resilience in the face of climate stress.
Analysts point to the plan’s alignment with the UAE’s national and international climate architecture as a strength. The UAE’s National Climate Change Plan was updated in May 2024 to sharpen focus on emissions management, adaptation programmes and private-sector diversification, and it emphasises a national information system for climate data and reporting. In parallel, COP28’s UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience places emphasis on monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) and on inclusive, gender-responsive participation across multiple actors. Industry observers note that the plan’s success will hinge on robust MEL systems and timely financing—tools that are central to the FGCR’s approach. The Global Framework’s emphasis on learning loops and accountability is widely viewed as a critical overlay for Abu Dhabi’s 25-year plan. Meanwhile, the national plan and the FGCR framework are intended to help translate local actions into measurable progress toward broader resilience goals.
Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi’s plan is being positioned not only as a climate adaptation instrument, but as a signal of the emirate’s intent to lead regional action on resilience. By prioritising groundwater, soil and biodiversity—the lifelines of water security, agriculture and human health—the plan aligns with a tightening policy environment, in which climate adaptation is treated as a core component of sustainable development. As with any long-range programme, practical delivery will be tested by funding, governance, and the integration of new data; nevertheless, officials emphasise that the plan’s 86 high-priority projects will get underway in the near term, with periodic reviews built into the framework to ensure the strategy remains responsive to evolving climate projections.
In its own framing, the plan represents a milestone for Abu Dhabi and for the UAE as a whole. Described by national outlets as a “defining moment” for the emirate’s climate action, the initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi’s intention to place itself at the forefront of regional adaptation planning while contributing to national objectives for food security, land and water stewardship, and ecological resilience. If effectively implemented, officials and observers say, the plan could serve as a benchmark for other jurisdictions pursuing integrated, sector-spanning approaches to climate resilience in a rapidly changing climate.
Source Panel
– Nature News Africa. Abu Dhabi launches Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (lead article) by Abdullahi Lukman. July 2025.
– Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Media Office). Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector 2025–2050. July 23, 2025.
– The National. Abu Dhabi launches 25-year climate action plan in defining moment for emirate. July 23, 2025.
– Zawya. Abu Dhabi delivers climate change adaptation plan for environment sector 2025–2050. 2025.
– Al Etihad. Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi launches Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector 2025–2050. 2025.
– United Arab Emirates – National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050. Updated May 2024.
– International Institute for Sustainable Development. What is the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, and how can countries move it forward? Deep dive. 2024.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://naturenews.africa/abu-dhabi-launches-climate-adaptation-plan-to-protect-environment-sector/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/ – Abu Dhabi’s Environment Agency (EAD) has unveiled Abu Dhabi’s first Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050). The plan is presented as a science-based, action-oriented roadmap to safeguard groundwater, soil and biodiversity—the three vulnerable environmental systems. It forms part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027 and is aligned with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050 and the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience introduced at COP28. The document identifies 142 adaptation actions to be implemented by 2050, with 86 priority projects slated for the next five years. It aims to bolster food security, land and water management, and ecological resilience.
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/23/abu-dhabi-launches-25-year-climate-action-plan-in-defining-moment-for-emirate/ – The National reports Abu Dhabi has launched its first Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050). The plan identifies 142 adaptation actions to be implemented by 2050, including 86 priority projects planned for the next five years. It concentrates on groundwater, soil and biodiversity—environmental systems essential for water security, agriculture and human health. Developed under the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027, the plan aligns with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050 and COP28’s UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience. The process involved more than 40 government, semi-government, academic and civil society organisations and forms part of an emirate-wide adaptation strategy.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/abu-dhabi-delivers-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-environment-sector-k33vimpl – Abu Dhabi has delivered its Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050), the emirate’s first such plan. The plan focuses on three vulnerable environmental systems—groundwater, soil and biodiversity—and outlines 142 adaptation actions to be undertaken by 2050, including 86 high-priority projects in the next five years. It is part of the broader Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy and aligns with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050 and COP28’s Framework for Global Climate Resilience. Developed with input from more than 40 government and academic bodies, the plan aims to bolster water security, food security and ecological stability.
- https://en.aletihad.ae/news/business/4592199/environment-agency—abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/ – Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector (2025–2050), a comprehensive, science-based roadmap to protect the emirate’s natural resources. The plan, the emirate’s first, forms part of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023–2027 and aligns with the UAE National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050 and COP28’s UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, which sets time-bound targets for sectoral adaptation. It focuses on groundwater, soil and biodiversity, and identifies 142 adaptation actions to 2050, including 86 high-priority projects in the next five years. It seeks to enhance food self-sufficiency and sustainable land and water management.
- https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/national-climate-change-plan-of-the-uae – National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2017–2050 provides the framework for addressing climate change across the country. The plan aims to manage greenhouse gas emissions while sustaining economic growth, minimise risks and improve adaptation capacity, and drive private-sector-led diversification. It highlights three key priorities: national GHG emissions management, adaptation programmes, and private-sector-driven diversification. The plan supports development of a national climate information system and reporting framework, and encourages integration of adaptation into sector plans and development strategies. It was updated in May 2024, reflecting ongoing government commitment to climate action and resilience nationwide.
- https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/uae-framework-global-climate-resilience – With COP28’s UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience (UAE FGCR), adaptation progress is guided by monitoring, evaluation and learning. The FGCR builds on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and sets 11 targets across four process dimensions: impact assessment, planning, implementation and monitoring. It emphasises gender-responsive, participatory approaches and inclusive engagement by diverse actors. The framework recognises gaps in adaptation finance and the need to increase support for developing countries. The article outlines how UAE’s approach can help other nations align national MEL systems with adaptation plans and exploit COP28 decisions to accelerate action.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
✅ Findings: The narrative is current and tied to an official rollout on 23 July 2025 (Abu Dhabi Media Office / Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi). ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) 🕰️ Earliest known publication: 23 July 2025 (official AD Media Office press release). ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ Recycling: Multiple outlets republished the same launch material (The National, Zawya, Al Etihad and numerous trade sites) within days of 23 July — this indicates a standard press-release driven news cycle rather than an older/recycled story. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/23/abu-dhabi-launches-25-year-climate-action-plan-in-defining-moment-for-emirate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/abu-dhabi-delivers-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-environment-sector-k33vimpl?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [en.aletihad.ae](https://en.aletihad.ae/news/business/4592199/environment-agency—abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-ch?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ‼️ Age check: No substantially similar narrative was found earlier than 23 July 2025; therefore it is not recycled older news >7 days prior. Multiple reprints on 23–25 July reflect broad distribution of the official communications pack. ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/23/abu-dhabi-launches-25-year-climate-action-plan-in-defining-moment-for-emirate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [esgnews.com](https://esgnews.com/abu-dhabi-launches-first-climate-adaptation-plan-for-environment-sector-to-protect-natural-resources-through-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
✅ Findings: Key direct quotations attributed to Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri and Sheikha Al Mazrouei in the narrative match verbatim text published in the official Abu Dhabi Media Office release (23 July 2025) and were reproduced identically by major outlets (The National, Zawya, Al Etihad). ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/23/abu-dhabi-launches-25-year-climate-action-plan-in-defining-moment-for-emirate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/abu-dhabi-delivers-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-environment-sector-k33vimpl?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) 🕵️♀️ Origin: Earliest online appearance of these exact quotes is the official AD Media Office release (23 July 2025). ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ Reuse flag: Identical quotes across multiple outlets indicate they were issued as part of the official communications package (normal practice) — this is reuse of press-release material, not evidence of fabrication. ❗ No evidence of prior use of the same quotes before the official launch date was found.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
✅ Strengths: The narrative originates from a verifiable official body (Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi) and was published on the Abu Dhabi Media Office site on 23 July 2025 — this is a high-reliability primary communication. ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ✅ Secondary corroboration: Reputable regional outlets (The National) and established business wires (Zawya) reproduced the communications, providing independent corroboration of the release. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/23/abu-dhabi-launches-25-year-climate-action-plan-in-defining-moment-for-emirate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/abu-dhabi-delivers-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-environment-sector-k33vimpl?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ Note: Many commercial and ESG trade sites also republished the same material, which is expected for official releases but means much of the wider coverage is derivative of the original communications pack. Be cautious when treating derivative reports as independent reporting. ‼️ No indication that named officials or the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi are fabricated; they are verifiable public entities/figures online. ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/23/abu-dhabi-launches-25-year-climate-action-plan-in-defining-moment-for-emirate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
✅ Plausibility: The plan’s scope (25-year timeframe, focus on groundwater, soil and biodiversity, 142 actions, 86 near-term priorities) is consistent across the official release and reputable regional coverage — plausible for an emirate-level adaptation plan. ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/23/abu-dhabi-launches-25-year-climate-action-plan-in-defining-moment-for-emirate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ Items for scrutiny: The narrative is high-level and—as with many long-term strategy documents—depends on implementation, financing and monitoring mechanisms (not all of which are detailed in the communications). The report itself notes the need for robust MEL and financing; however, independent reporting on funding commitments or implementation timelines is limited in the immediate coverage. ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/23/abu-dhabi-launches-25-year-climate-action-plan-in-defining-moment-for-emirate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ Lack of independent detail: Aside from reiteration of the plan’s metrics and quotes, there is minimal third‑party analysis in the initial wave of coverage (common right after official launches). This limits near-term ability to verify claims about delivery, resourcing or measurable outcomes. ‼️ Recommend follow-up reporting on budgets, governance arrangements and public procurement to fully assess deliverability.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
✅ Summary: The narrative is a valid reporting of an official rollout by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi dated 23 July 2025 (AD Media Office). ([mediaoffice.abudhabi](https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/environment/environment-agency-abu-dhabi-launches-abu-dhabi-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-the-environment-sector-2025-2050/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) Major corroboration exists from reputable regional outlets (The National) and business wires (Zawya), which reproduced the official communications and quotations verbatim. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/07/23/abu-dhabi-launches-25-year-climate-action-plan-in-defining-moment-for-emirate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/abu-dhabi-delivers-climate-change-adaptation-plan-for-environment-sector-k33vimpl?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ Risk notes: The coverage is primarily driven by a press release, so much of the wider reporting is derivative rather than independently investigative — this is normal but should be flagged. ‼️ Implementation risks remain (financing, governance, monitoring) and are not fully addressed in immediate coverage; further reporting should verify budgets and delivery mechanisms. 🕰️ Freshness note: Earliest appearance is 23 July 2025 (official release); no prior instances >7 days earlier were found, so the narrative is fresh and not recycled. ✅ Overall verdict rationale: Official primary communication + rapid corroboration by reputable outlets = PASS with HIGH confidence, though the normal caveats about press-release–driven coverage and need for later independent verification of implementation remain.
