- Energy & Process GHG Emissions refer to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from energy-related activities and industrial processes within a given year.
UAE Energy & Process GHG Emissions was 340.8 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 1.3% on 2022. The Energy & Process GHG Emissions dataset of the UAE from 2015 to 2023 provides a clear and consistent view of the country’s greenhouse gas emission landscape, highlighting emission trends, industrial activities, and energy-related emission patterns over the observed period.
UAE Energy & Process GHG Emissions moved from 320.1 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 340.8 Million Tonnes in 2023 (+6.5%), an average of +0.8% a year. The series high was 340.8 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the low 301.2 Million Tonnes in 2018.
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2018) is 39.60 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was +7.5% in 2022.
Among the 36 countries in this dataset, UAE ranks 17 for 2023, behind China (12,604 Million Tonnes) and U.S. (5,130 Million Tonnes). It accounts for 0.8% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million Tonnes.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Million Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023Peak | 340.8 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | 336.3 | +7.5% |
| 2021 | 312.7 | +2.3% |
| 2020 | 305.6 | −3.2% |
| 2019 | 315.8 | +4.8% |
| 2018 Trough | 301.2 | −4.9% |
| 2017 | 316.7 | −4.2% |
| 2016 | 330.5 | +3.2% |
| 2015 | 320.1 | — |
Regional context
Energy & Process GHG Emissions by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. UAE is highlighted.
Data definition
Energy & Process GHG Emissions — - Energy & Process GHG Emissions refer to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from energy-related activities and industrial processes within a given year. The indicator is typically expressed in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) and combines emissions from fossil fuel combustion, industrial energy use, and process-related activities into a single measure using global warming potential (GWP) factors. It provides a comprehensive assessment of emissions associated with energy production, energy consumption, and industrial manufacturing, making it a key indicator for evaluating a country's environmental impact, industrial development, and progress toward climate mitigation objectives.
The data includes greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions from industrial processes that are not directly related to fuel combustion, such as cement production, lime manufacturing, chemical production, metal processing, and other process-related industrial activities. The indicator incorporates major greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and, where applicable, fluorinated gases, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) using internationally recognized global warming potential factors. Data is compiled using standardized international methodologies to ensure consistent reporting and comparability across countries and over time.
The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), waste management, and other non-energy sectors unless explicitly included within the reporting methodology. It does not account for carbon removals through forests, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), or other negative emission technologies. The indicator excludes indirect emissions embodied in imported goods and services and does not measure sector-specific emission intensity, per capita emissions, or energy efficiency. Variations in national reporting practices, industrial classifications, emission factors, and estimation methodologies may result in minor differences in reported values across countries.
Energy & Process GHG Emissions — - Energy & Process GHG Emissions refer to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from energy-related activities and industrial processes within a given year. The indicator is typically expressed in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) and combines emissions from fossil fuel combustion, industrial energy use, and process-related activities into a single measure using global warming potential (GWP) factors. It provides a comprehensive assessment of emissions associated with energy production, energy consumption, and industrial manufacturing, making it a key indicator for evaluating a country's environmental impact, industrial development, and progress toward climate mitigation objectives.
Measured in million tonnes, the dataset reflects greenhouse gas emissions generated from energy production, fuel combustion, and industrial process activities, making it an important indicator of environmental performance, industrial development, energy demand, and progress toward climate objectives.
The UAE recorded 320.10 million tonnes of energy and process greenhouse gas emissions in 2015, increasing to 330.50 million tonnes in 2016 before declining to 316.70 million tonnes in 2017. Emissions continued to decrease to 301.20 million tonnes in 2018, representing the lowest level before the pandemic. In 2019, emissions recovered to 315.80 million tonnes, reflecting renewed industrial and energy-sector activity. During 2020, emissions declined again to 305.60 million tonnes as reduced economic activity and lower energy demand affected greenhouse gas output. Recovery in economic conditions supported emissions increasing to 312.70 million tonnes in 2021 and 336.30 million tonnes in 2022. The upward trend continued in 2023, when emissions reached 340.80 million tonnes, the highest level recorded during the review period.
Overall, the dataset illustrates moderate fluctuations in greenhouse gas emissions, with a temporary decline during the pandemic followed by sustained recovery. The increase after 2020 reflects expanding industrial production, growing energy consumption, and continued economic development while highlighting the importance of enhancing energy efficiency and advancing cleaner energy technologies.
The dataset provides valuable insights for monitoring national greenhouse gas performance, evaluating emissions from industrial and energy-related activities, and assessing progress toward climate and decarbonization objectives. It also supports sustainability assessments, regional benchmarking, environmental planning, and long-term emission forecasting, enabling policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to develop effective emission reduction strategies and support the UAE's transition toward a more sustainable, lower-carbon economy.
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Definition- Energy & Process GHG Emissions refer to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated from energy-related activities and industrial processes within a given year. The indicator is typically expressed in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) and combines emissions from fossil fuel combustion, industrial energy use, and process-related activities into a single measure using global warming potential (GWP) factors. It provides a comprehensive assessment of emissions associated with energy production, energy consumption, and industrial manufacturing, making it a key indicator for evaluating a country's environmental impact, industrial development, and progress toward climate mitigation objectives.
UAE Energy & Process GHG Emissions was 340.8 Million Tonnes in 2023, up 1.3% on 2022.
UAE Energy & Process GHG Emissions moved from 320.1 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 340.8 Million Tonnes in 2023 (+6.5%), an average of +0.8% a year. The series high was 340.8 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the low 301.2 Million Tonnes in 2018.
The highest value was 340.8 Million Tonnes in 2023 and the lowest was 301.2 Million Tonnes in 2018.
Included: The data includes greenhouse gas emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions from industrial processes that are not directly related to fuel combustion, such as cement production, lime manufacturing, chemical production, metal processing, and other process-related industrial activities. The indicator incorporates major greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and, where applicable, fluorinated gases, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) using internationally recognized global warming potential factors. Data is compiled using standardized international methodologies to ensure consistent reporting and comparability across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, forestry, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), waste management, and other non-energy sectors unless explicitly included within the reporting methodology. It does not account for carbon removals through forests, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), or other negative emission technologies. The indicator excludes indirect emissions embodied in imported goods and services and does not measure sector-specific emission intensity, per capita emissions, or energy efficiency. Variations in national reporting practices, industrial classifications, emission factors, and estimation methodologies may result in minor differences in reported values across countries.
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Million Tonnes.
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