This study examines how political institutions shape the implementation of climate policy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE represents a theoretically interesting case, as a constitutional federation in which climate policy is primarily coordinated through centralized federal institutions, and which has developed an ambitious and institutionally elaborated climate agenda. The study applies institutional theory, policy implementation theory, and multi-level governance theory to analyze how governance structures influence policy goals, implementation strategies, and implementation processes across a selection of national and international policy documents.

The findings reveal three main patterns. First, policy goals are consistently formulated as long-term, economy-wide strategies in both national documents and international reporting frameworks, suggesting institutional alignment rather than fragmented policy initiatives. Second, the implementation strategies are structured around sectoral approaches, state-led enabling conditions, and technological innovation, reflecting an institutional environment that reduces uncertainty and guides actor behavior across sectors. Third, the implementation process is organized around centralized federal coordination, with formal mechanisms such as a national Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system helping to manage coordination challenges within a multi-level governance structure.

The study concludes that centralized political institutions can create enabling conditions for climate policy implementation, while noting that whether these conditions translate into substantive environmental outcomes remains beyond the scope of this study.