Sustainable transformation of the United Arab Emirates oil and gas sector

This paper critically examines the sustainable transformation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil and gas sector in the context of global climate imperatives and economic diversification. The UAE, a major hydrocarbon exporter, faces the dual challenge of sustaining economic growth while achieving ambitious decarbonisation targets, as outlined in the Paris Agreement and the Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative. Drawing on transition management and comparative policy analysis, the study explores the UAE’s adoption of advanced technologies—including Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), Direct Air Capture (DAC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)—and evaluates their potential to mitigate emissions and modernise the sector. The analysis benchmarks the UAE’s strategies against global leaders such as Norway, Canada, and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of policy innovation, regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder engagement in enabling a just energy transition. The findings reveal that while the UAE has made substantial investments in clean energy and technological innovation, further progress is needed in regulatory enforcement, carbon pricing, and regional cooperation. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for strengthening the UAE’s decarbonisation roadmap, emphasising the integration of advanced technologies, green finance, and workforce reskilling to ensure long-term economic and environmental resilience.

Citation

Zayer, N., Renukappa, S. & Suresh, S. (2025) Sustainable transformation of the United Arab Emirates oil and gas sector, Paper presented at 39th British Academy of Management Conference, On the Border: Management Challenges, Business Opportunities and Disrupted Institutional Contexts, 1st - 5th September 2025 at Kent Business School, University of Kent

Type

Conference contribution

Language

en

Description

This is an accepted manuscript of a conference paper presented at 39th British Academy of Management Conference, On the Border: Management Challenges, Business Opportunities and Disrupted Institutional Contexts, 1st - 5th September 2025 at Kent Business School, University of Kent. The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.

Collections

Faculty of Science and Engineering