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Carbon Footprint of Dubai
Dubai, UAE · Pop. 3.5 million · 2022 data
22.4tonnes CO₂eper capita
+9% vs UAE avg (20.5t)79.5 Mt total
Based on 2022 data from Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy / DEWA. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions. Use our calculators for personal estimates.
Key Takeaway
Dubai's extreme heat drives massive cooling demand, and its gas-fired desalination plants add significant energy overhead not present in most cities.
550
gCO₂/kWh grid
12%
Renewable electricity
2050
Target: −75%
3.5M
Population
Emission Breakdown by Sector
How Dubai's emissions are distributed across key sectors.
18%
42%
28%
Transport18%
~14.3Mt CO₂e
Buildings42%
~33.4Mt CO₂e
Industry28%
~22.3Mt CO₂e
Waste6%
~4.8Mt CO₂e
Other6%
~4.8Mt CO₂e
Dubai vs UAE National Average
Dubai
22.4t
per capita
UAE avg
20.5t
per capita
Dubai's per-capita emissions exceed the UAE national average by 9%. This is driven by buildings (42% of emissions) and a grid intensity of 550 gCO2/kWh.
Electricity Grid Profile
Grid Carbon Intensity
550 gCO₂/kWh
High — significant fossil fuel dependence
Renewable Share
12%
Climate Target
Target Year
2050
Reduction Goal
75%
Dubai aims to cut emissions by 75% by 2050. Achieving this will require significant shifts in buildings and continued growth in renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the carbon footprint of Dubai?
Dubai emits approximately 22.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per person per year (2022 data). The city's total emissions are around 79.5 million tonnes annually, with a population of 3.5 million.
How does Dubai compare to the UAE national average?
Dubai's per-capita emissions of 22.4t are 9% above the UAE national average of 20.5t per capita. Key contributors include a heavy industrial base.
What are Dubai's biggest sources of emissions?
The largest emission source in Dubai is buildings at 42% of total emissions, followed by other sectors. Transport accounts for 18%, buildings for 42%, and industry for 28%.
What are Dubai's climate targets?
Dubai has set a target to reduce emissions by 75% by 2050. The city's electricity grid currently has a carbon intensity of 550 gCO2/kWh, with 12% of electricity from renewable sources.
How clean is Dubai's electricity grid?
Dubai's grid is relatively carbon-intensive at 550 gCO2/kWh. Only 12% of electricity comes from renewable sources, indicating significant room for decarbonisation.
Data Sources
- Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy / DEWA (2022)
- C40 Cities Climate Data
- Our World in Data — CO₂ Emissions
Per-capita values depend on city boundary definitions and emission scoping methodology. Figures represent scope 1 and 2 emissions unless otherwise stated.
