UAE’s new climate legislation signals a shift towards credible and transparent climate communication

As COP30 concludes in Belém, the global communication landscape around climate action is marked by a notable shift from high-profile visibility to a more cautious and evidence-driven approach. This year’s summit, described by COP30 President André Aranha Corrêa do Lago as the “COP of Truth,” reflects a broader trend away from the high-impact, brand-led messaging seen at COP28 in Dubai towards measured, substance-focused dialogue, often conducted behind closed doors in the style of Chatham House discussions. These more discreet conversations shape lasting policy outcomes, underscoring the summit’s emphasis on verified impact and transparency over mere rhetoric.

This shift arrives amid wider global reticence around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) communications, particularly in Western markets. The Oxford–GlobeScan Corporate Affairs Survey reveals a trend of green-hushing, with half of companies in North America deliberately dialling back ESG messaging to avoid political backlash, despite maintaining their commitments. In contrast, the Middle East exhibits a distinct dynamic: national strategies continue advancing on climate action with confidence, and businesses maintain a public narrative of purpose and sustainability. Events like Saudi Arabia’s Athar Festival highlight the region’s proactive and creative engagement in climate issues, while Gulf companies progress with concrete climate plans without hesitation.

A pivotal development supporting this regional ambition is the introduction of the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024, which came into effect on May 30, 2025. This landmark legislation mandates that all public and private entities within the UAE must measure, report, and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. The law enforces strict transparency and accountability, with financial penalties for noncompliance ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 2 million, doubling for repeated violations within two years. This robust legal framework underpins the UAE’s commitment to its Net-Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and aligns with its obligations under the Paris Agreement.

Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa has commended this law for its rigor and regional significance, noting it positions the UAE as a leader in climate governance across MENA. The law also encourages sector-specific adaptation plans and participation in emerging carbon credit markets, reflecting a comprehensive approach that balances regulatory oversight with market mechanisms. Such frameworks provide marketers and communicators in the region a clearer and more reliable context in which to articulate progress, turning regulatory certainty into a source of credibility.

The UAE’s leadership extends beyond regulations, exemplified by its active diplomatic engagement at COP30. The country reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral climate cooperation based on a comprehensive “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” ethos. Ahead of the summit, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinated an intensive internal retreat to align national climate priorities and prepare increasingly sophisticated climate diplomacy strategies. This approach, combining strong domestic policy with international partnership-building, highlights the UAE’s intent to play a significant role in advancing the global agenda and keeping the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach.

For communications leaders, these developments bring three crucial imperatives when engaging on climate topics: prove it, say it with integrity, and shape it together. Evidence-based communication that prioritises measurable impact and transparency is now essential to build trust in an era where misinformation abounds. Communicators must demonstrate authenticity by maintaining coherence and consistency, engaging openly with stakeholders both publicly and behind the scenes. Strategic collaboration has also become a vital tool, with influence increasingly earned through active participation in policy-making forums, technical working groups, and coalition-building rather than simply through public messaging.

Cara Nazari, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Dubai, emphasises that communicating on climate is a test of organisational integrity, with lasting impact forged through meaningful engagement with policymakers. Mohamed El Dabaa, Chairman of the Circular Packaging Association, echoes this view, asserting that true sustainability impact relies on deep public-private collaboration beyond surface-level messaging.

In this climate of cautious but determined communication shaped by regulatory clarity and purposeful diplomacy, Middle East CMOs and communications leaders are well positioned to set new standards. By leveraging evidence, authenticity, and collaborative influence, they can convert regional ambition into a competitive advantage, guiding the transition beyond green-hushing towards transparent and credible climate leadership.