Launched to strengthen transparency and accountability across high-emitting sectors, the MRV programme has already captured emissions data representing approximately 90 million tonnes of CO₂. This figure accounts for the majority of emissions generated by major regulated activities across the emirate, signalling both scale and seriousness in Abu Dhabi’s approach to climate governance.
The programme currently covers more than 10 strategic economic activities across four key emitting sectors: power, oil and gas, industry, and transport. By introducing consistent, facility-level emissions measurement, the MRV system enables operators to identify carbon-intensive processes, prioritise energy-efficiency improvements, reduce operational costs, and lower the carbon intensity of their outputs. Over time, this measurement-led approach is expected to support productivity gains and closer alignment with long-term decarbonisation objectives.
According to Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the first year of MRV represents a decisive shift from ambition to execution. By bringing more than 250 companies and approximately 80 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s major emitting activities under a single, transparent framework, the programme lays the foundation for a high-performance, low-carbon economy that strengthens long-term competitiveness.
Crucially, the emissions intelligence generated through the MRV programme directly underpins Abu Dhabi’s target to achieve a 22 per cent emissions reduction by 2027. By translating data into actionable insights, the system supports the adoption of advanced technologies, sharper operational efficiency, and enhanced economic resilience across industrial sectors. Alignment with international reporting standards further positions Abu Dhabi as an increasingly attractive destination for green investment and climate-aligned capital.
The programme has been developed in close consultation with public and private stakeholders, ensuring that implementation remains practical while meeting regulatory requirements. It operates under Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024 on the Reduction of Climate Change Effects, which mandates covered entities to measure, report, and verify greenhouse gas emissions. This legal framework reinforces regulatory oversight while providing clarity and consistency for operators.
As the MRV programme enters its next cycle, facilities within scope will be required to submit emissions data for the January to December 2025 reporting period by 31 March 2026, in line with MRV Technical Guidance issued by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. This next phase is expected to further enhance data quality and reporting consistency, strengthening the emirate’s long-term decarbonisation infrastructure.
Beyond emissions reduction alone, Abu Dhabi’s MRV programme highlights a broader shift toward climate-informed economic competitiveness. By embedding transparency, accountability, and emissions intelligence into its industrial ecosystem, the emirate is building the foundations for scalable transition strategies across energy, transport, and emerging mobility systems.
These system-level approaches to decarbonisation, governance, and investment readiness align closely with the themes explored at Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit and EcoMobility Global, taking place on 13–14 October 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. As global platforms connecting policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and innovators, EVIS and EMG continue to spotlight how data, regulation, and technology converge to accelerate sustainable mobility and low-carbon economic transformation worldwide.
Source: Gulf News
