Letter from the Middle East: UAE mulls going net zero
The hydrocarbons producer could look to unlock certain benefits by being in the regional low-carbon vanguard
There are increasing hints the UAE may be about to make a commitment to net-zero carbon emissions. Although following several large developed countries as well as China, it would be a remarkable step for a leading and growing oil exporter. Such a decision would raise two important questions: why, and how? Net-zero commitments call for CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced as far as possible and for any residual emissions to be mopped up, for instance by reforestation or direct removal of atmospheric CO₂. News agency Bloomberg suggested the UAE could make a declaration before the next UN climate conference, Cop26, in Glasgow this November, potentially linked to the UAE’s ambiti
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally






