The UAE is moving climate action from ambition into implementation: With Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 on the Reduction of Climate Change Effects, climate-related data, emissions management and reduction planning are becoming increasingly important for organisations operating in the country.
For the sports sector, this development is highly relevant. Clubs, academies, leagues, venues and event organisers all depend on energy, water, transport, cooling, catering, procurement and travel. These areas can create emissions and climate-related risks.
This article explains what the law is about, why sports organisations should pay attention, what may need to be measured or reported where applicable, and how organisations can start with a practical first step.
What the UAE Climate Law is about
Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 creates a national framework for reducing the effects of climate change in the UAE. The law supports the country’s climate neutrality ambitions and applies to “sources” in the UAE, including free zones. In the law, sources are described as public and private legal persons, as well as individual enterprises, whose operations or activities result in the release of greenhouse gases.
The law focuses on emissions management, climate change mitigation, adaptation, data sharing, innovation and alignment between national and local climate plans. It also refers to greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases.
For sports organisations, the law is relevant because climate impact is often connected to everyday operations. A club may use significant electricity for lighting and cooling. An academy may depend on transport, equipment and water use. A venue may have emissions linked to air conditioning, waste, catering, refrigerants and event operations. A league may influence suppliers, clubs, fan travel and common standards across its ecosystem.
The key message for the sports sector is clear: climate action is becoming part of good governance. Organisations that start early can better understand their risks, prepare for future requirements, strengthen internal processes and communicate more credibly with sponsors, members, athletes, parents, fans and authorities.
What may need to be measured or reported
One of the most important parts of the law is the section on Measurement, Reporting and Verification. According to the law, sources determined by the Ministry and the competent authority, in coordination with the relevant entity, shall measure emissions from their activities on a regular basis, prepare an emissions inventory, submit periodic reports according to the applicable standards, take reduction measures, submit data on current and planned reduction measures, and keep records of measured emissions for five years.
This wording is important. The law does not automatically mean that every sports club, academy or event organiser has the same immediate reporting obligation. The specific obligations depend on whether an organisation is determined as a relevant source by the Ministry or the competent authority, and on the implementing resolutions, standards and procedures that apply.
However, the direction is clear. Sports organisations should prepare for a more data-driven regulatory environment. Even where reporting is not yet directly required, sponsors, venue partners, public authorities and international stakeholders may increasingly ask for climate-related information.
For practical preparation, organisations can start by mapping their main emission sources. This may include purchased electricity, cooling, fuel, owned or leased vehicles, generators, refrigerants, waste, water, team travel, business travel, supplier activity, merchandise, construction and event operations. Although the law itself does not prescribe a specific Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 structure in the article text, these categories can be a useful internal method to build a first emissions baseline.
The goal is to move from assumptions to evidence.
How sports organisations can start
The best starting point is a structured but practical assessment. A sports organisation does not need to solve everything at once. The first step is to understand the current position, identify gaps and define realistic priorities.
At Mustadam Sports, we recommend starting with a Sustainability Quick-Check or a first organisational footprint. The Quick-Check helps clubs, academies, leagues and sports venues understand where they already stand across governance, environmental management, social responsibility and operational readiness. It identifies quick wins, potential compliance gaps and priority areas for improvement.
A first footprint then adds a measurable baseline. It helps the organisation understand which activities create the most emissions and which data is already available. Electricity bills, water bills, fuel records, travel data, waste invoices, venue information and supplier details can already provide a strong starting point.
For example, a sports club may discover that its biggest opportunities are cooling efficiency, lighting, waste separation and team transport. An academy may identify water use, heat protection, inclusive programming and supplier standards as priorities. A league may decide to introduce common sustainability criteria for all member clubs and events.
Starting early also creates a communication advantage. Instead of making broad sustainability claims, organisations can show what they have measured, what they are improving and what they plan to do next. This builds trust and helps avoid vague or unsupported green claims.
This is the meaning of Measure, Prove, Improve. Measure where you stand. Prove progress with data and evidence. Improve through targeted actions that fit your organisation.
Climate readiness starts with knowing your baseline
The UAE Climate Law shows that climate action is becoming part of the future operating model for organisations across the country. For sport, this creates both responsibility and opportunity. Clubs, academies, leagues, venues and event organisers can use this moment to become more resilient, more efficient and more credible.
The most important first step is simple: understand where you stand today. Without a baseline, it is difficult to set priorities, prove progress or prepare for future reporting requirements.
Mustadam Sports supports sports organisations with practical sustainability assessments, UAE climate law readiness checks and first carbon footprints tailored to the realities of sport. Whether you are a club, academy, league, venue or event organiser, we help you turn sustainability from a general topic into a clear action plan.
Start with a Quick-Check. Build your first footprint. Then improve step by step.
Measure, Prove, Improve.
