Global warming is a long-term threat to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in several ways, including:

Temperature rise

The UAE's hot desert climate is already vulnerable to climate change, and temperatures are projected to rise in the region. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects a temperature rise of 1.3°C to 4.7°C by the end of the century.

Water scarcity

Global warming contributes to water scarcity, drought, and water contamination in the UAE.

Rising sea level

90% of the UAE's infrastructure is at risk from rising sea level.

Intense rainfall

Climate change makes extreme rain events more intense. In April 2024, scientists found that greenhouse gas emissions made the deadly flooding in the UAE and Oman 10% to 40% more intense than it would have been in the preindustrial era.

Infrastructure

Cities in arid regions like Dubai may not be prepared for heavy rain events because their buildings, landscapes, and infrastructure have not been designed with drainage in mind