The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country in Western Asia. The sovereign constitutional monarchy is a federation of seven emirates consisting of Abu Dhabi (which serves as the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain and had a population of 9.7 million in 2018. The official language is Arabic and Dubai is the largest city.

Although UAE has the most diversified and second largest economy in the GCC, the UAE's economy remains extremely reliant on oil. With the exception of Dubai, most of the UAE is dependent on oil revenues. Petroleum and natural gas continue to play a central role in the economy, especially in Abu Dhabi. In addition to the country’s large hydrocarbon economy, the UAE is becoming one of the world’s most important financial centers and a major trading center in the Middle East.

A huge percentage of generated power in UAE is used to desalinate seawater. Most of the power and water capacity is in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Both Sharjah and the northern emirate have limited power generation capacity, and thus purchase electricity from the Emirates National Grid.

The power sector in the UAE comprises of regional autonomous entities that independently manage their power. The development of specific regulations and policy mechanisms are generally handled by the governments of each emirate. Most of these regional entities have a vertically integrated power structure except for Abu Dhabi. Overarching guidance on renewable energy is provided by the Ministry of Energy and Industry (MOEI) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).

The UAE is also the largest and fastest growing solar market in the Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) boasting an attractive investment landscape. Solar PV has been the leading technology, while Solar Power (CSP) is the second largest technology by installed capacity. Rooftop solar programmes remain a niche market in the GCC, with the UAE taking the lead through small scale schemes to encourage rooftop applications.