The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has submitted the third edition of its State Action Plan to Reduce Aviation Emissions to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in October 2025. The latest plan outlines 42 projects focused on operations and technology, along with 13 projects dedicated to sustainable aviation fuels, demonstrating the UAE's sustained commitment to sustainable aviation and climate goals.
UAE's Renewed Commitment to Aviation Emissions Reduction
The UAE has taken a significant step in advancing sustainable aviation by submitting the third edition of its State Action Plan to ICAO, held in Montreal earlier in October 2025. This plan builds upon the country’s pioneering efforts since 2012 when it became the first in the region to submit such a plan, with a subsequent update in 2018. The updated third edition continues to reinforce the UAE’s leadership in reducing aviation emissions and aligns with global climate commitments and ICAO resolutions.The updated State Action Plan employs a comprehensive
"basket of measures" to reduce emissions. This includes 42 projects
targeting operational improvements and technological innovations within the
aviation sector, alongside 13 projects promoting sustainable aviation fuels
(SAF) and low-carbon fuels. The plan was developed in close collaboration with
key national stakeholders such as the Ministry of Climate Change and
Environment, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Masdar, ADNOC, ENOC, Dubai
Air Navigation Services (DANS), as well as Abu Dhabi Airports, Dubai Airports,
Sharjah International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Authority,
Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Dnata.
Strategic Leadership and Vision from UAE Authorities
As reported by a statement from H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Board,“The adoption of the third edition of the UAE State Action Plan is a significant step that reflects the UAE’s firm and impactful commitment to global climate action, as well as the wise vision of the country’s leadership and its dedication to strengthening the foundations of sustainability and innovation.”
Al Marri emphasised that the aviation sector's transformation
towards sustainability is crucial for the country’s competitiveness and
economic prosperity.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, added that the updated plan
“showcases the collective efforts of the UAE’s aviation sector”
and
“provides a clear strategic pathway to reduce emissions through 2050 via tangible projects, advanced policies, and innovative solutions.”
He
also noted that the plan underscores the UAE’s steadfast commitment to
supporting ICAO resolutions that aim to promote sustainable international aviation
growth.
Collaboration Across Public and Private Sectors
The development of the third edition of the plan involved national entities across both public and private sectors, representing a broad coalition dedicated to environmental sustainability in aviation. Key partners included governmental ministries focused on climate change and infrastructure, alongside leading energy companies and major aviation stakeholders. This inclusive approach has fostered innovative projects aimed at operational efficiencies and fuel innovation, thereby reducing carbon footprint in line with the UAE's broader climate goals.Sustainable Aviation Fuel Projects Highlighted
Significantly, the plan incorporates 13 projects related to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and low-carbon fuels, reflecting global trends toward sustainable energy sources in aviation. According to a detailed report by QCIntel, these SAF projects represent a key component of the UAE’s strategy to achieve meaningful emissions reductions, promoting development and deployment of cleaner fuel alternatives in the aviation sector.UAE’s Position in Global Aviation Emissions
According to RDC Aviation’s September 2025 Aviation Emissions Report, passenger-related emissions from UAE airports in September 2025 reached 2.1 million tonnes, marking a 7% increase compared to 2019 levels. The UAE ranked as the fifth largest country by aviation emissions in that period. Despite this, the sector continues to pursue strategies aligned with international sustainability goals, with airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai actively involved in emissions reduction initiatives.Long-term Goals and Alignments with ICAO Resolutions
The UAE’s submission is consistent with ICAO Assembly Resolution A37-19 (2010) and subsequent related resolutions, which encourage member states to develop and submit national action plans for managing aviation emissions. Since voluntarily submitting its first plan in 2012, the UAE has remained at the forefront of aviation emissions management among regional countries, using the ICAO platform to support transparent reporting and progressive policy measures.The action plan also aligns with the UAE’s national net zero target for 2050 and reflects the country’s ambition to balance economic growth with sustainability imperatives. While the UAE’s broader net zero commitment excludes international aviation emissions from its target coverage, the aviation sector’s specific action plan under ICAO demonstrates proactive measures to reduce emissions domestically and internationally.
The strategic initiatives laid out in the UAE’s third aviation emissions action plan indicate a comprehensive multi-decade roadmap targeting 2050. With clear leadership from the GCAA and collaboration across government and industry, the UAE’s aviation sector is poised to continue innovating for lower emissions through technological advances, sustainable fuels, and operational improvements. The ongoing engagement with ICAO and adherence to international protocols positions the UAE as a regional leader in achieving environmentally responsible aviation growth.