Abu dhabi: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have officially launched the UAE's Adaptation Finance Capacity Assessment (AFCA), which assesses the nation's readiness to mobilise, allocate, and sustain funding for climate adaptation. Focusing on six key pillars, the report analyses the ways in which adaptation is currently financed across public, private, and civil society actors, and identifies opportunities to accelerate capital flows to adaptation investments.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Assessment was developed in collaboration with the GGGI and launched at a dedicated session on climate risks and resilience in the UAE during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026. Dr. Al Dahak emphasized the significance of the launch, noting it as a pivotal moment in the UAE's climate resilience journey. The assessment's findings are expected to integrate adaptation finance into the nation's development strategies, translating into tangible actions that drive progress.
Her Excellency opened the session by stressing that the assessment will enable the UAE to implement a strategy where every sector assumes responsibility. The event underscored the necessity for increased private sector participation, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in climate adaptation efforts.
Dr. Al Dahak further articulated that the UAE's vision for sustainability requires a comprehensive and inclusive ecosystem, with the assessment aiding in navigating climate action that unites UAE citizens. Dr. Sang-Hyup Kim, Executive Director at GGGI, highlighted the UAE's robust financial and institutional capacity, which provides a foundation for advancing adaptation finance and opportunities to strengthen institutional mechanisms.
The report employs a hybrid methodology informed by benchmarking and international best practices. It confirms that the UAE's financial and institutional strengths provide a solid basis for further development. The report also suggests areas for improvement, such as the creation of a unified platform or national climate risk model to guide financial institutions in risk assessment.
The launch event was attended by representatives from MOCCAE, GGGI, the private sector, and various civil society groups. Discussions from the event are set to inform the development of the UAE National Adaptation Plan (NAP), ensuring the country's climate adaptation priorities are translated into actionable and financed initiatives.