UAE Ranks First in Arab World in Yale's 2026 Environmental Performance Index
The UAE has secured the top position among Arab countries in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) published by Yale University, reflecting the nation's progress in environmental protection, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and clean energy development.
The global index assessed 177 countries across 47 indicators covering environmental health, ecosystem vitality, and climate change. The UAE achieved a perfect score of 100 in waste management, ranking first worldwide in the category. It also scored 100 in the bottom trawling fisheries indicator, confirming that bottom trawling is not practised within the country's maritime zones, while recording 94.99 in wastewater treatment to rank 19th globally.
The UAE also ranked first in the Arab region and ninth globally for the protection of marine Key Biodiversity Areas, while placing second regionally for marine habitat protection.
Commenting on the achievement, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak said the ranking reflects the country's long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, inspired by the vision of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. She added that the milestone was made possible through collaboration between government entities, local communities, and the private sector, reaffirming the UAE's commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The country's clean energy ambitions continue to advance under the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to triple renewable energy capacity through investments of Dh150 billion to Dh200 billion by 2030. Renewable energy capacity increased by 117 per cent between 2022 and 2025, supported by major projects such as Noor Abu Dhabi and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
The UAE is also strengthening its environmental efforts through biodiversity initiatives, including its target of planting 100 million mangrove trees by 2030. More than 50 million mangroves have already been planted across the country, with AI-powered drones and satellite technology helping seed remote coastal areas and monitor ecosystem health, carbon sequestration, and air quality.
Officials said the country's environmental policies, including the National Air Quality Agenda 2031 and the Circular Economy Policy 2031, continue to support sustainable development while positioning the UAE as a regional leader in environmental performance.
