Arab Countries and COP30

posted on: Nov 19, 2025

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

By: Diksha Tyagi/Arab America Contributing Writer

As COP30 reaches its halfway point in Belém, Brazil, the 30th Conference of the Parties has entered its most decisive stage. The COP was launched by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1995 and is the annual United Nations conference on climate change. 193 countries and the European Union are in attendance this year, with the notable exceptions of officials from the United States, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and San Marino. This article recounts the positions of several Arab countries at this critical event for international environmental policy.

The Importance of COP30

Each COP is important, but 2025 marks a significant milestone. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, governments agreed to submit new NDCs (national climate plans) every five years. COP30 marks the due date for a new round of NDCs, with the added urgency that 2025 is on track to be among the three warmest years ever and approaching the limit set 10 years ago.

The UNFCCC includes almost every country, which is why it has such broad representation. However, this diversity also creates tensions, as COPs must reconcile vastly different priorities. COP30 includes smaller, developing countries that have much to lose without effective climate action. However, it also features larger, developed, resource-rich countries like Canada and Saudi Arabia. This combination makes agreements difficult to achieve, but all the more consequential when they are.

UAE at COP30

The host of COP28 (2023) in Dubai, the UAE maintains its influence on the global climate stage. COP28 culminated in the UAE Consensus, which included a global commitment to transition away from fossil fuels and significantly increase energy capacity and efficiency by 2030. The passage of this agreement surprised many, given the UAE’s oil-dependent economy. In line with this, the transition away from fossil fuels has yet to take place. This is partly due to pushback from other countries, led by Saudi Arabia.

As one of the most active Arab countries at COP30, the UAE has affirmed its commitment to “multilateral climate cooperation”. It has framed itself as a bridge between fossil-fuel-dependent nations and those pursuing a more radical energy transition. However, some remain skeptical about whether the UAE will follow through, noting a gap between commitments and the pace of action.

Saudi Arabia at COP30

Saudi Arabia has actively challenged elements of the UAE Consensus, claiming the agreed transition away from fossil fuels is merely one option among many. According to the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2026, Saudi Arabia is the lowest-performing country among the 63 that account for 90% of global emissions.

At COP30, Saudi Arabia has opposed discussions on accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels, including proposals like Colombia’s Belém Declaration. This stance aligns with its role as one of the world’s largest oil producers and its long history of resisting similar initiatives. Instead, Saudi Arabia has emphasized technological solutions such as carbon capture and storage, promoting the continued viability of oil in the global energy system. This resistance represents a major obstacle for countries seeking more ambitious climate action.

Kuwait and Iraq

Similar to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq are major fossil-fuel producers balancing economic dependence with international pressure. Kuwait has aligned with OPEC positions, supporting renewable energy investments while avoiding explicit fossil-fuel phaseout commitments. Iraq faces particular tensions: highly vulnerable to climate impacts yet heavily reliant on oil revenue. Its delegation has called for energy diversification and attention to water-related risks but has stopped short of endorsing anti-fossil-fuel measures.

Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan

Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan represent a less oil-dependent bloc at COP30, allowing for more ambitious climate approaches. Hosting COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt has been a leader among developing countries, expanding renewable energy and advocating for financial support from wealthier nations. Morocco has set an ambitious regional emissions-reduction target of 53%, while Jordan has prioritized mobilizing climate finance for projects, highlighting its vulnerability due to water scarcity.

Going Forward

The outcomes of the five days left of COP30 will shape international climate action in the coming year and beyond. Arab countries are expected to continue playing many diverse roles. Petrostates like Saudi Arabia will likely remain pivotal in contentious negotiations, potentially slowing agreements on fossil-fuel reduction. Going forward, we expect to see proposals of concrete plans to finance clean energy in developing countries and implement emissions reductions. 

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