Ministry of Culture Launches UAE’s First National Study on Culture’s Role in Climate Action
The UAE Ministry of Culture has announced the findings of a groundbreaking national study titled “Rooted in Resilience: How Culture Shapes Climate Resilience in the UAE,” co-commissioned with the British Council. The research—unveiled during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW)—marks the first comprehensive assessment of the cultural sector’s role in climate mitigation and adaptation in the country.
The study’s launch was highlighted at a high-level roundtable hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), attended by senior policymakers, cultural leaders, and climate experts.
Representing the Ministry of Culture, H.E. Shatha Al Mulla, Assistant Undersecretary for the National Identity and Arts Sector, underscored the significance of culture as a catalyst for sustainability and resilience.
“Culture has long been overlooked in climate action, despite its vast, untapped potential to drive transformative change,” H.E. Al Mulla said. “In the UAE—a nation deeply rooted in heritage and innovation—the question is no longer whether culture is relevant to climate action, but how it can be systematically integrated into our national climate strategies. This includes mitigation, adaptation, resilience-building, and addressing non-economic loss and damage.”
Culture at the Heart of Climate Policy
H.E. Al Mulla noted that COP28, hosted by the UAE, marked a turning point by recognizing cultural heritage as a key indicator of the Global Goal for Adaptation (GGA). She also referenced the establishment of the Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action—an international coalition co-led by the UAE and Brazil—to advance the integration of culture into UN climate policies under the UNFCCC.
“Against this backdrop, this study represents a critical step toward frameworks that not only support the UAE’s Long-Term Net Zero by 2050 goals but also embed cultural considerations within Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs),” she added.
Key Findings from the Study
The report highlights a vibrant and evolving cultural landscape that is already contributing to sustainability through heritage, arts, and community initiatives. However, it also identifies key challenges that must be addressed for the sector to reach its full potential.
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Culture-based climate action exists but lacks coordination:
76% of respondents reported involvement in climate-related activities, but only 20% had clear definitions, strategies, or skills for effective delivery. -
Traditional knowledge under threat:
Heritage practices like falaj irrigation systems and vernacular architecture are declining due to urbanization and generational knowledge loss. -
Policy engagement is high but siloed:
While the cultural sector appears in NDC 3.0 and Net Zero frameworks, cross-ministerial coordination remains limited. -
Capacity, inclusion, and measurement need strengthening:
Only 31% of institutions track outcomes beyond participation metrics, and groups such as youth, migrants, and community practitioners remain underrepresented. -
Culture as a driver of behavioural change:
Cultural platforms—such as festivals, exhibitions, and performing arts—show significant potential for raising environmental awareness and inspiring sustainable lifestyles.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The Ministry emphasized that the study reinforces its ongoing partnership with MOCCAE and other national entities to integrate cultural perspectives into the UAE’s broader sustainability agenda.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week served as a fitting venue for the announcement, bringing together global government, private sector, and academic leaders to accelerate progress on climate solutions.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to developing evidence-based policies, capacity-building initiatives, and international collaborations that position culture as a core driver of climate resilience, community engagement, and sustainable development in the UAE.
