United Arab Emirates

In the United Arab Emirates the coastal zones, water resources, dry land ecosystems, agricultural production, human settlements, public health and energy infrastructure are highly sensitive to climatic changes. In the First National Communication for the United Arab Emirates of 2 January 2007 several adaptation options are identified to respond to these vulnerabilities. These includes water conservation measures, a shift in crop types and afforestation.

The United Arab Emirates is located in Western Asia on the Arabian Peninsula between latitudes 22.0o and 26.5o N and between 51o and 56.5o E. It is a federation of seven Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah and covers an area of approximately 83,600 square kilometres. It can be divided into three main ecological areas: coastal areas, mountainous areas and desert areas. In the Northeast of the country there is the Hajar Mountain range, the central region consists of desert and scattered oases, and along the Gulf of Oman there are plains which have groundwater resources.

The United Arab Emirates has an arid climate with very dry, hot and humid summers from April to September and generally warm and dry conditions in winter from October to March. The majority of the rainfall occurs during the winter months. The climate is affected by the ocean due to its close proximity to the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Most of the country experiences severe dust storms. The most significant natural resource in the United Arab Emirates is oil reserves.

Sources: First National Communication for the United Arab Emirates of 2 January 2007