Environmental Sustainability in the United Arab Emirates’ Digital Records Management Landscape: An Analysis of Strategies and Policies

Abstract

This article analyzes the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) efforts to achieve sustainable digital records management through government strategies, policies, and initiatives. Document analysis and literature review were employed to examine the UAE’s initiatives alongside global research on sustainable digital records management. The analysis benchmarks the UAE’s strategies against international practices, identifying gaps in research and policy that may affect progress toward environmentally sustainable records management. Key findings reveal that while UAE has made significant advancements in promoting overall sustainability, its policies and initiatives lack specific focus on digital records management. The study underscores the potential for achieving sustainability in digital records management, through the involvement of information management professionals in policy development and implementation. The research highlights both the strengths of the UAE’s current efforts and opportunities for improvement, offering a comprehensive understanding of the country’s commitment to achieving sustainability in the management of digital records.

1. Introduction

As global discussions on climate action continue to intensify, the UAE has introduced a range of strategies, policies, and frameworks to support sustainability across all sectors, including digital transformation. The UAE’s journey toward sustainable digital records management is anchored in its broader vision of becoming a technologically advanced and environmentally conscious nation. In recent years, the government has launched numerous initiatives aimed at digitizing services and promoting sustainable development [1]. The UAE positions climate change as a national priority, aligning its sustainability efforts with global commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [1]. Among the major policy frameworks guiding this transition are UAE Vision 2021, which emphasizes knowledge-based economic growth, and the UAE Green Agenda 2030, which provides a comprehensive framework for implementing green economy initiatives. Additionally, the country has implemented commendable e-waste collection strategies as part of its broader environmental efforts, an aspect with direct relevance to digital records sustainability.

Globally, sustainable digital records management has emerged as a critical area of concern. As organizations increasingly transition to digital operations, the environmental impact of data generation, storage and long-term preservation is drawing significant attention. Sustainable practices in this area help reduce the carbon footprint of physical records storage while optimizing energy consumption in digital infrastructure [2]. The benefits of such practices range from cost savings and energy efficiency to improved data security and regulatory compliance. Studies show that organizations adopting sustainable digital records management often achieve better operational efficiency and environmental performance [2].

Research Problem and Case Justification

Despite the UAE’s progressive stance on sustainability and digital transformation, there is limited scholarly analysis on how its national initiatives explicitly incorporate sustainable digital records management. Most existing policies focus broadly on digital government services or environmental sustainability, but seldom address the intersection between the two particularly in relation to the long-term environmental impact of digital records management systems, data storage, and records lifecycle management. This lack of focused attention raises concerns, especially given the exponential growth of digital data and its associated energy demands, hardware obsolescence, and e-waste challenges. Without targeted strategies for managing digital records sustainably, the environmental gains from broader digital transformation efforts are undermined. The UAE provides a compelling case for this investigation. It has positioned itself as a key player in both environmental innovation and digital governance, with ambitious national visions such as UAE Vision 2021 and the Green Agenda 2030. These frameworks offer an opportunity to explore how a country with high digital ambitions and strong sustainability rhetoric addresses or overlooks the specific demands of sustainable digital records management. Understanding this intersection is critical not only for policy refinement in the UAE, but also for informing global best practices.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Green Digital Records Management

The widespread adoption of digital records creation and management has often been praised as an environmentally sustainable approach. By reducing the need for physical storage space and minimizing material waste, digital technologies appear to offer clear environmental benefits [3]. Additionally, digital preservation can consume less energy than physical archives, eliminating the environmental costs of space, transportation, and materials. However, the implementation of these technologies also raises new challenges. Notably, there remains a gap in understanding the specific skills and competencies required to use digital systems in ways that are genuinely sustainable [4].

As the concept of sustainable digital records management evolves, it now encompasses more than long-term preservation. Contemporary approaches prioritize management effectiveness, resource efficiency and the minimization of environmental impact. For instance, tiered preservation strategies enable institutions to allocate resource-intensive methods to high-value collections while opting for less demanding solutions for lower-value materials. Similarly, decisions around storage technologies and redundancy must strike a balance between operational requirements and ecological responsibility [5].

Beyond technological considerations, open governance and transparency are essential for fostering knowledge sustainability. Ensuring that digital records continue to serve societal needs without depleting natural resources requires an integrated approach that accounts for environmental, economic and social factors [6]. Against this backdrop, this study examined the policies and initiatives adopted by the UAE government to support environmentally sustainable digital records management.

Sustainability in digital records management encompasses more than the optimization of storage. It involves a holistic approach across the entire lifecycle of digital records, from creation to final disposition. This lifecycle-based perspective requires systematic control, including the establishment of clear retention schedules, disposal criteria and the assignment of appropriate lifespans to digital assets. When properly implemented, such practices can reduce the overall carbon footprint of recordkeeping systems, positioning digital records as a more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective alternative to paper-based systems. Moreover, integrating the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” framework into digital records management supports resource conservation and waste reduction objectives [7]. Beyond energy efficiency and carbon minimization, green digital records management also calls for the adoption of circular economy principles, such as the reuse of hardware components and the strategic optimization of IT resources. Emerging innovations, including the recycling of heat generated by data centers, demonstrate the potential for creative, environmentally responsible practices within the digital information environment.

One example of an innovative sustainability practice relevant to digital records environments is heat recovery from data centers, where vast amounts of energy are typically used for cooling. These facilities, often integral to large-scale digital preservation infrastructures, present opportunities to reduce environmental impact through thermal energy reuse. The heat recovery process begins when warm air, generated by IT equipment is drawn into the air conditioning system. The thermal energy is then transferred to circulating water via a heat exchanger, which redirects it to a Heat Recovery Unit (HRU). Within the HRU, the water temperature is adjusted to meet the needs of specific end-use applications. The recycled heat is subsequently distributed through specialized networks, preventing waste and enabling beneficial reuse [8,9]. A suite of technologies supports this recovery process. Heat exchangers ensure efficient thermal transfer without mixing separate water circuits, while heat pumps upgrade low-grade waste heat to temperatures suitable for external use. Thermal energy storage systems, such as insulated tanks or underground aquifers, store excess heat for later demand. District heating systems then transport this recovered energy via insulated pipes to residential and commercial buildings, contributing to community-wide energy efficiency [8,10].

Applications of recycled heat span several sectors. In urban settings, it supports district heating networks for buildings; in agriculture, it warms greenhouses to support year-round cultivation; and in public infrastructure like hospitals and schools, it ensures consistent heating [11,12]. Industrial processes that require thermal energy also benefit, reducing dependence on conventional fuels. An illustrative example is Meta’s data center in Odense, Denmark, which uses copper coils to capture server-generated heat and supply it to the local heating grid. This initiative aims to contribute 100,000 megawatt hours of recycled energy annually to surrounding facilities, including a hospital, highlighting the broader community value of such systems [13]. The benefits of heat recycling are substantial. It boosts energy efficiency, lowers carbon emissions, reduces operational costs, and fosters stronger ties between data centers and local communities. Fundamentally, it operationalizes the circular economy by transforming a traditionally discarded byproduct into a sustainable, shared resource [11,12].

While improving technical efficiency in digital infrastructure is beneficial, it can paradoxically lead to increased data storage demand rather than a net reduction in environmental impact. Addressing this requires a multifaceted approach that integrates carbon reduction, water management, biodiversity protection and resource efficiency, all underpinned by transparent carbon accounting standards and heightened environmental awareness [14]. Sustainability must be embedded within formal regulatory and architectural frameworks rather than relying on isolated organizational efforts. The Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) offers a structured methodology for aligning enterprise architecture with sustainability objectives. It promotes modular system design, lifecycle management and resource efficiency, supporting the creation of adaptable IT infrastructures that accommodate evolving environmental goals. By emphasizing scalable and interoperable technologies, TOGAF helps reduce the frequency of hardware upgrades, thereby minimizing e-waste and conserving resources [15].

Complementary tools such as the Data Carbon Ladder provide organizations with lifecycle-based insights into the carbon emissions of their data processes. By identifying high-carbon activities, these tools support targeted mitigation strategies. For such strategies to succeed, cross-sector collaboration is essential. Governments, private enterprises and NGOs must work together to establish standardized sustainability metrics and shared best practices. A comprehensive approach to sustainability extends across the entire lifecycle of IT infrastructure from manufacturing to usage and disposal. Best practices include repurposing data center waste heat, tracking water consumption and properly disposing of outdated hardware. Further environmental benefits can be achieved by addressing hardware obsolescence through software sustainability and implementing effective e-waste management systems, all of which demand global cooperation and systemic industry reform [16].

In digital records management, reducing energy consumption requires both technical innovation and sustainable practices. Examples include powering down servers during off-peak periods and using renewable energy. Environmentally conscious archival methods, such as deduplication and Information Lifecycle Management, help limit storage volume and automate data disposal, reducing energy use [17]. Sustainable digital records management must go beyond operational efficiency to address the ecological footprint of digital content while supporting sustainable development.

2.2. Digital Records Management and Environmental Sustainability Challenges

The production and disposal of electronic devices contribute significantly to environmental degradation and public health concerns, largely due to unsustainable material extraction, energy-intensive processes and the release of toxic substances [16]. The exponential growth in data generation driven by trends like cloud computing further compounds this problem by intensifying energy consumption and material usage, often nullifying the benefits of efficiency improvements and renewable energy adoption [14]. Data centers are at the core of these challenges, consuming substantial amounts of electricity and water, with some centers using up to 10% of a region’s water supply [18]. Much of this energy consumption is linked to the storage of redundant or unused data, exacerbated by poor data management practices and a lack of awareness among organizational decision-makers [19,20]. As a result, the unchecked expansion of digital information continues to strain both energy and natural resources.

Efforts to enhance sustainability through improved energy efficiency often result in rebound effects, where the gains are offset by increased demand for storage. These technocentric approaches, while useful, are insufficient in addressing broader concerns such as e-waste, biodiversity loss and water usage [14]. The absence of standardized sustainability frameworks and metrics further complicates organizational attempts to implement effective practices. A significant barrier is the widespread lack of an understanding of sustainability within organizations. Many decision-makers fail to recognize the ecological implications of data hoarding, with 60% of cloud-stored data remaining unused and 83% of IT leaders acknowledging their companies’ excessive data retention habits [19]. These issues are compounded by poor infrastructure knowledge, delayed responses to environmental costs and limited financial and human resources for implementing sustainable strategies [5,18,19].

Moreover, the lifecycle of digital information from creation to preservation demands increasing amounts of energy, particularly in research-intensive environments. Balancing usability with sustainability is difficult, especially as rapid technological change pressures organizations to continuously adapt and invest in newer systems [20,21]. A lack of digital literacy and inadequate research on sustainable integration further hinder progress in this area [6,7]. Additional obstacles arise from storage inefficiencies and data duplication, which elevate energy usage and complicate regulatory compliance. While systems like Information Lifecycle Management offer promise for optimization, their adoption is often limited by resource constraints [22]. Moreover, organizations frequently prioritize operational needs such as power and space over archival strategies, limiting the adoption of sustainable practices. The limited research into and awareness of environmentally friendly archival methods underscores the need for broader systemic change [23].

The continuous operation of data centers for digital records management poses major environmental risks, particularly due to their substantial energy consumption, rapid hardware obsolescence, and high storage demands. These facilities contribute heavily to carbon emissions and operational costs while also requiring frequent system upgrades to meet advancing performance standards. Hardware components, typically replaced every three to five years, generate enormous volumes of e-waste estimated at up to 20 million tons annually, with materials like lead, mercury and cadmium threatening soil and water quality if not properly handled [24,25].

Water consumption is another critical concern. Many data centers rely on water-based cooling systems to maintain server performance, but these systems place considerable pressure on local water resources, especially in arid or drought-prone areas. Such demand often conflicts with agricultural and municipal water needs, generating environmental and social challenges [26]. Additionally, the release of heated or chemically altered water back into ecosystems disrupts aquatic life and further degrades water quality [26]. Despite efforts to adopt renewable energy, data centers remain largely dependent on fossil fuels, exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating climate change [25,27]. The growth of energy-intensive technologies, such as artificial intelligence, worsens the problem, with estimates suggesting data center-related emissions could reach 40% of the United States’ current total annual emissions by 2030 if left unchecked [25].

In addition to emissions, data centers release excess heat into surrounding environments, leading to localized micro-climates that alter temperature and humidity patterns. Although some of this waste heat is reused in district heating systems, much remains untapped, contributing to ongoing environmental stress. Noise pollution, caused by constant server and fan activity, also affects nearby residents and wildlife [25,27]. Environmental impacts extend upstream as well, with the extraction and manufacturing of hardware placing further strain on ecosystems. The production of servers and networking equipment requires large quantities of rare-earth elements and finite resources, processes that often result in habitat destruction, pollution and long-term ecological damage (

Table 1. Key environmental problems of data centers.

Problem	Description
High energy consumption	Massive electricity use, especially for AI and cloud operations
E-waste generation	Frequent hardware upgrades create millions of tons of electronic waste
Water usage	Large volumes used for cooling, stressing local water supplies
Greenhouse gas emissions	Reliance on fossil fuels increases carbon footprint
Micro-climate creation	Waste heat alters local temperature and humidity patterns
Noise pollution	Constant operation generates disruptive noise
Resource extraction impacts	Manufacturing hardware depletes non-renewable resources and damages ecosystems
Improper disposal of technology	Hazardous chemicals can contaminate soil and water if not properly managed

). Given the short replacement cycles, these extractive practices represent a recurring and unsustainable pressure on already vulnerable environments [26].

2.3. The Application of AI and IoT in Sustainable Digital Records Management

Technological innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly contributing to environmentally sustainable practices in digital records management. These technologies enhance operational efficiency by streamlining waste management processes and optimizing the use of resources, thereby enabling organizations to align their digital transformation initiatives with environmental priorities. When integrated effectively, IoT and AI support a model of sustainable digital records management that balances efficient record-keeping with broader ecological and developmental goals [6]. This expanded view of sustainability emphasizes not only the long-term preservation of digital content, but also the creation and use of digital artifacts that contribute to sustainable development while minimizing ecological harm. Specifically, the integration of IoT and AI improves energy efficiency, resource utilization, and data governance [28,29].

IoT devices equipped with embedded sensors can monitor real-time metrics such as power consumption, cooling efficiency, and hardware performance. This allows for dynamic adjustments and predictive maintenance that reduce energy waste and improve operational resilience [5,9,30]. Complementing this, AI technologies automate critical records management tasks such as classification, retention scheduling and usage forecasting. Through smart tiered storage strategies, AI can direct frequently accessed records to high-performance systems and migrate infrequently used data to energy-efficient storage, reducing power demands by up to 30% [5,10,12]. Moreover, machine learning algorithms have demonstrated up to 89% accuracy in predicting document relevance, thereby facilitating the removal of obsolete data and addressing the challenge of dark data, which may consume as much as 55% of storage capacity [10]. The figures, such as a 30% reduction in power demand, an 89% prediction accuracy and a 55% consumption of storage by dark data, are based on controlled studies and pilot implementations reported in the literature [5,10,12]. While promising, their generalizability to UAE contexts requires further empirical validation. Complementary tools such as Natural Language Processing tools may also support these goals by enhancing efficiency through improved metadata tagging and data accessibility [31].

In support of these advancements, green computing practices such as model pruning and quantized neural networks are being employed to reduce the energy requirements of AI systems [32,33]. The convergence of AI and IoT opens further opportunities for sustainability. AI can analyze real-time data from IoT systems to schedule energy-intensive tasks such as backups or indexing during off-peak hours when renewable energy is available [5,33]. Additionally, IoT can monitor hardware lifecycle metrics, enabling AI to extend equipment usage and reduce electronic waste. A case study from Costa Rica demonstrated a 28% decrease in hardware turnover when applying this integrated approach [29].

Together, AI and IoT foster significant improvements in operational efficiency, reduce the need for manual intervention and promote environmental sustainability. Their combined application lowers energy consumption, minimizes e-waste and supports resilient, scalable digital records management systems aligned with global sustainability and net-zero targets [10,29].

3. Methodology

This study employed a qualitative document analysis approach, using purposive sampling to select documents relevant to the UAE’s digital sustainability policies and frameworks. Key documents reviewed included the General Framework for Adopting Sustainable Digital Transformation (2024) [23] UAE Vision 2021 [34], Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030 [35], and the UAE Green Agenda 2030 [36]. Selection was based on criteria such as authority, timeliness and relevance to digital records management. Documents were primarily sourced from official UAE government websites. The use of qualitative document analysis as the data collection technique is known for offering authoritative insights into government priorities and commitments, and obtaining contextual data, especially when examining policy frameworks and institutional strategies [37]. This made it a valid method for examining digital records management sustainability efforts in the UAE. The findings of this study are therefore appropriately limited to the policy level, and serve as a foundation for future empirical research on implementation. The document analysis was guided by the six thematic areas outlined in

Table 2. Conceptual framework for assessing sustainable digital records management in the UAE.

Pillar/Theme	Key Questions
National Frameworks for Sustainable Digital Transformation	- How does the General Framework for Adopting Sustainable Digital Transformation (2024) define and guide sustainability in digital records management? - What specific strategies or policies are outlined in this framework to promote sustainable digital transformation?
UAE Vision and Carbon Abatement Strategies	- How do UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030 address digital transformation and sustainability? - In what ways do these strategies align with digital sustainability objectives?
Renewable Energy in Digital Records Management	- What initiatives exist for integrating renewable energy (e.g., solar power) in sustainable digital records management? - How are data centers and digital infrastructure leveraging renewable energy?
E-Waste Collection and Management	- What are the methods and initiatives for e-waste collection and management in the UAE? - How do policies address the disposal and recycling of obsolete digital records and devices?
The UAE Green Agenda 2030	- How does the UAE Green Agenda 2030 incorporate sustainable digital transformation and records management? - What targets or actions are set for digital sustainability within this agenda?

.

Limitations of the Study

Although this study offers valuable insights into the UAE’s initiatives for sustainable digital records management, there are limitations to be acknowledged. Thematic analysis revealed a predominant policy focus on carbon reduction and energy efficiency, with limited attention paid to broader environmental concerns such as e-waste, device lifecycles, water use, and biodiversity factors crucial to a more holistic sustainability assessment [38]. Methodologically, the study relied on document analysis and literature reviews, which are appropriate for assessing official policies but do not capture how strategies are implemented or experienced at the organizational level. The study is therefore limited by the absence of institution-level implementation data on digital records practices, such as energy audits or e-waste outputs from specific entities. Consequently, the findings reflect policy intent rather than real-world practices. The use of publicly available data also limits the study’s ability to account for the most recent or unpublished developments. Moreover, due to the lack of publicly available statistics on water use, biodiversity impact, and lifecycle assessments specific to the UAE’s digital records infrastructure, this study could not include empirical data in these areas. Future research should seek collaboration with environmental monitoring agencies and infrastructure operators to address this gap. Despite these constraints, the study serves as a strategic overview of the UAE’s policy landscape, and provides a foundation for future research into implementation, sectoral dynamics, and innovative sustainability practices in digital records management. Future research should gather empirical data directly from data centers and public institutions managing digital records to substantiate policy impact claims.

4. Results and Analysis

The UAE has introduced several strategic government policies and initiatives to advance environmental sustainability in digital records management. Section 4.1, Section 4.2, Section 4.3, Section 4.4, Section 4.5 present and analyze the key outcomes of these efforts. The findings are structured under the following subheadings:

-

The General Framework for Adopting Sustainable Digital Transformation (2024);

-

UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030;

-

Renewable energy in sustainable digital records management;

-

E-waste collection methods and initiatives in the UAE;

-

The UAE Green Agenda 2030.

4.1. General Framework for Adopting Sustainable Digital Transformation

This framework was launched in 2024. It offers a comprehensive strategy that integrates sustainability principles into digital transformation activities within the UAE government entities [23]. Key components of the strategy include the following:

-

Enhancing the transition to digital services and operations to reduce paper usage and minimize environmental impact;

-

Encouraging the use of sustainable, energy-efficient data centers and cloud services to minimize environmental impacts;

-

Establishing sustainability standards in procurement processes for digital products and services;

-

Adopting sustainable design practices and developing reusable software solutions;

-

Implementing circular economy principles in managing digital devices, focusing on reuse and responsible e-waste disposal.

The pillars of the General Framework for Adopting Sustainable Digital Transformation underscore paperless operations, green data centers, and responsible e-waste management [23]. The framework’s emphasis on circular economy principles is particularly relevant, as the UAE saw a 60% increase in e-waste generation over the past decade, yet only 30% of e-waste is currently disposed of through proper channels [39]. To this effect, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment [40] highlighted systemic barriers that hinder full compliance and effective waste management. These include weak enforcement mechanisms, limited public awareness, and insufficient infrastructure for e-waste collection and recycling. Additionally, the lack of a unified, nationwide enforcement mechanism results in uneven compliance among private recyclers and informal waste handlers. Studies suggest that enforcement agencies often lack the capacity for regular audits or to penalize non-compliant actors effectively [41]. As a result, illegal dumping and improper disposal persist, impeding the goal of comprehensive, environmentally sound e-waste management.

Another systemic barrier is the low level of public awareness regarding e-waste hazards and disposal practices. Surveys indicate that only 20–25% of residents are aware of proper e-waste disposal [42]. This knowledge gap reduces consumer participation in formal collection schemes, leading to reliance on informal disposal methods that often violate environmental standards. Moreover, the deployment of specialized infrastructure for e-waste recycling, such as certified collection centers and facilities for hazardous waste treatment, is limited across emirates. Although Dubai has established several e-waste collection points, these are insufficiently distributed across the emirates and the capacity of existing facilities often falls short of handling the volume of generated waste [43]. This infrastructure gap results in the accumulation of uncollected waste and reliance on export or informal disposal channels.

There is also a lack of coordination among government agencies such as the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, and local municipalities, hence limiting policy coherence and enforcement. Fragmented responsibilities and ambiguous jurisdictional authority hinder the development of a comprehensive, systemic approach for e-waste management [44]. These systemic barriers, weak enforcement, low public awareness, infrastructure deficits and institutional fragmentation impede the UAE’s ability to meet its sustainability targets, such as the 30% e-waste recycling rate by 2030. Without addressing persistent implementation barriers, sustainability policies risk remaining superficial, leading to limited environmental impact in practice. To move from rhetoric to results, policy frameworks must be supported by robust enforcement and practical infrastructure.

A comprehensive strategy should begin with the strengthening of enforcement mechanisms through unified regulations, regular compliance audits, and the imposition of clear penalties for violations. At the same time, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate citizens and organizations about responsible disposal, recycling practices, and the broader implications of electronic waste. Effective implementation also requires strategic investments in infrastructure, particularly for waste collection, recycling facilities, and hazardous materials treatment. Additionally, inter-agency coordination is crucial to ensure a coherent and systemic approach. This coordination should be aligned with international standards, such as the Basel Convention [45] and benchmarks established by the Global E-waste Monitor [43]. By systematically addressing these operational and institutional challenges, the UAE can translate sustainability policy declarations into actionable and measurable outcomes. To support this transition, future research should incorporate empirical assessments, including compliance audits, stakeholder interviews, and case studies to evaluate progress, identify gaps, and refine strategies for long-term environmental impact.

4.2. UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai’s Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030

UAE Vision 2021 was a national agenda launched by the United Arab Emirates government in 2010 with the goal of making the UAE one of the best countries in terms of environmental sustainability by its 50th anniversary in 2021. In 2014, Sheikh Mohammed launched a seven-year National Agenda leading to Vision 2021. The National Agenda identified the following six national priorities as the key focus of government strategy:

-

Cohesive society and preserved identity;

-

Safe, public and fair judiciary;

-

Competitive knowledge economy;

-

First-rate education system;

-

World-class healthcare;

-

Sustainable environment and infrastructure [34].

In the context of sustainability, UAE Vision 2021 placed strong emphasis on environmental protection, green growth, and the development of sustainable infrastructure. The policy aimed to reduce the nation’s ecological footprint while advancing innovation, good governance, and economic diversification initiatives [46]. Importantly, Vision 2021 laid the foundation for a sustainable digital transformation by prioritizing carbon emission reductions and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. As part of this agenda, Dubai reported a 21% reduction in carbon emissions by the year 2021, and has since set an ambitious target of achieving a 50% reduction by 2030 under the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy [47].

The Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy represents a comprehensive framework designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions through a mix of demand- and supply-side interventions. The strategy outlines sector-specific emission reduction targets and clearly assigns responsibilities to key sectors including power, water, manufacturing, transport, and waste management. Progress is monitored against international carbon accounting and mitigation standards, positioning the initiative within a globally benchmarked climate governance model [48].

At the national level, these commitments are reflected in the UAE’s increasing reliance on clean energy. In 2023, clean energy accounted for 27.83% of the country’s total energy mix [49]. This figure represents historical actual data based on national energy reporting, and includes solar, nuclear, and waste-to-energy sources. The report indicates a national target of 32% by 2030. Notably, between 2019 and 2022, the country’s renewable energy capacity more than doubled, reaching 6.1 gigawatts in 2023, a 70% increase in annual capacity [50]. These developments illustrate the UAE’s broader commitment to integrating sustainability into its digital infrastructure and economic development agenda.

However, attributing emissions reductions solely to policy measures requires caution. Emission trends often reflect multiple influences, including economic conditions, technological change, and external market dynamics [51]. For instance, temporary reductions during events like the COVID-19 pandemic may not stem from targeted policies [47]. Moreover, aggregate national data often lack the granularity required to isolate the effects of specific policies. Changes in emissions may be influenced by external factors such as global oil demand or fluctuations in energy markets. As a result, it becomes difficult to attribute observed outcomes solely to domestic interventions.

Environmental policy scholars emphasize that robust causal inference requires detailed, sector-level data. They also recommend the use of advanced methodologies, such as longitudinal studies or difference-in-differences approaches. These methods, combined with supply chain and energy consumption data, enhance attribution accuracy. This enables a clearer understanding of the relationship between emissions reductions and specific interventions, such as renewable energy adoption or the implementation of efficiency standards [52,53]. Thus, Dubai’s reported 21% reduction should be seen as a promising trend rather than definitive evidence of policy impact. Cautious interpretation, supported by ongoing evaluation, is vital for evidence-based environmental governance [54].

4.3. Renewable Energy in Sustainable Digital Records Management: Dubai Solar-Powered Data Center

Digital records management requires significant amounts of energy primarily because data centers—the backbone of digital storage and processing—must power vast networks of servers, cooling systems, and supporting infrastructure around the clock [11]. As organizations generate and store ever-increasing volumes of data, driven by trends like cloud computing, big data analytics, the proliferation of connected devices, and the expansion of AI and machine learning, the electricity demand escalates rapidly. This continuous need for power is not only to keep servers operational, but also to manage temperature and ensure reliability, as overheating can lead to data loss or hardware failure. Without efficient management and regular audits to eliminate unnecessary or outdated records, much of this energy is wasted on storing dark data that are never accessed again, further compounding the environmental impact [11]. As a result, digital records management systems contribute significantly to the overall energy consumption and carbon footprint of modern digital infrastructure. Shifting to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power reduces the carbon footprint of running data centers, cloud services and IT infrastructure necessary for managing digital records. In this regard, the UAE made remarkable efforts in promoting the use of renewable energy in running data centers.

Dubai hosts the world’s largest solar-powered data center, located within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park [55]. Recognized by Guinness World Records, the facility aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050 [56]. As part of its broader commitment to climate goals, the UAE aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, emphasizing clean energy transitions and improved energy efficiency. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 seeks to increase the share of clean energy in the national energy mix and reduce the carbon footprint of power generation by 70% [57]. Solar-powered data centers play a critical role in advancing sustainable digital records management by minimizing the environmental impact of data storage and processing.

As the demand for sustainable solutions increases, the integration of solar power into data centers is becoming more widespread, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient digital era. In this respect, several companies have partnered with this solar-powered data center in Dubai and signed agreements as key technology partners. These companies include Dell Technologies, Microsoft, Huawei, VMW, Emirates National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank and Digital Dubai Authority [58]. The data center aims to provide services in digital transformation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data hosting, smart cities, Internet of Things, and other services supported by ChatGPT technology [56]. The exact version of the ChatGPT software is not indicated in the consulted publication [56]. However, it is documented that the integration of ChatGPT technology into the solar-powered data center started in early 2023, shortly after the initial release of ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022 [59].

The facility is designed to cater to both national and global customers striving to achieve net-zero commitments [60]. The development of solar-powered data centers has significant implications for sustainable digital records management. A solar-powered data center uses 100% renewable energy, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with digital records storage and management. By eliminating reliance on fossil fuels, this approach significantly cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions typically associated with data centers, hence supporting environmental sustainability in managing digital records. Large-scale digital records management relies on energy-intensive data centers. The UAE’s electricity generation from renewables is projected to reach 10.31 billion kWh in 2025 [49]. The UAE’s renewable energy investments exceeded AED 45 billion by 2024, with major projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the Barakah nuclear plant contributing to clean energy goals [50]. These initiatives significantly reduce the carbon footprint of digital infrastructure and set benchmarks for sustainable digital records management.

4.4. E-Waste Collection Methods and Initiatives in the UAE

The digital records management ecosystem depends on hardware like servers, computers, storage devices and networking equipment, which eventually become obsolete. It is therefore crucial to have clear waste management guidelines that ensure e-waste generated by these devices is properly handled and disposed of responsibly. Notable initiatives are exemplified in the Dubai Municipality, which has set up e-waste collection centers that accept a wide range of electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, televisions and household appliances [61]. In addition to the Municipality of Dubai, private-sector entities such as Enviroserve, Averda, Escrappy Recyclers and Green Solutions UAE provide comprehensive e-waste management services, including secure data destruction, systematic collection and environmentally compliant disposal practices. Robust recycling efforts reduce the environmental impact of digital records management by minimizing the waste sent to landfills and preventing hazardous substances from entering ecosystems [62].

The recycling of digital records management equipment plays a vital role in environmental sustainability by enabling the recovery of valuable and potentially hazardous materials, including metals such as copper, gold, silver and aluminum, and rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium, as well as plastics and circuit boards [63,64]. The recycling process comprising safe collection, as well as manual dismantling and mechanical separation using magnets, eddy currents and water-based density techniques, conserves resources and prevents toxic waste from polluting ecosystems [64,65,66]. In the UAE, both government and private sector initiatives such as the Sharaf DG Trade-In Program, Samsung Recycling Program, Cartlow Buyback, Tadweer, EnviroServe, Averda, and Escrappy Recyclers support e-waste recovery through take-back services and environmentally responsible disposal. Despite these efforts, the country generates approximately 162,000 tonnes of e-waste annually, an actual recorded volume, not a projection, placing it among the highest per capita e-waste producers globally [39]. Of this amount, only 30% is properly recycled [39].

The current regulatory framework falls short of ensuring effective national oversight. It lacks standardized recycling targets, comprehensive certification schemes, and an integrated tracking system [39]. Data on e-waste flows remain fragmented and largely informal [67]. While some recyclers hold ISO 14001 [68] certification or environmental permits [69,70], there is no compulsory adoption of international standards like R2 or e-Stewards. Abu Dhabi’s Standard Operating Procedure includes measures such as GPS-based transport tracking and weighbridge systems, yet these are not coordinated nationally. Regional reviews confirm persistent gaps in data, compliance, and enforcement across the UAE and neighboring countries [67].

4.5. The UAE Green Agenda 2030

The UAE Green Agenda 2030 serves as a comprehensive national strategy for long-term environmental and economic sustainability, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its emphasis on digital transformation and resilient infrastructure establishes foundational conditions for secure, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible digital records management. One illustrative initiative is the UAE SDG Data Hub, a centralized digital platform that facilitates progress monitoring and transparent reporting on SDG targets, underscoring the critical role of digital records in governance accountability [71].

The agenda’s focus on innovation and sustainable technologies reinforces SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by promoting the adoption of scalable, energy-efficient IT systems vital for long-term digital preservation. Projects such as the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s Big Data Ecosystem and Digital Twin Platform leverage live data analytics to optimize resource use and support climate neutrality goals [72,73]. These efforts are complemented by the nationwide implementation of electronic records systems across sectors, including healthcare, finance and licensing, which enhance interoperability, reduce paper usage and support informed public service delivery, thereby advancing SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) [36]. Cloud-based digital records systems, promoted under the Green Agenda, further contribute to sustainability by offering improved energy efficiency and resilience compared to traditional, siloed approaches [74]. Academic and policy literature concur that embedding records management into digital transformation efforts from the outset is essential to achieving sustainability objectives [74,75].

With the UAE’s real Gross Domestic Product growth projected at 3.5% in 2024, outpacing the global average, the country is positioned to sustain significant investments in green digital infrastructure, including low-emission data centers and advanced cloud services [76]. These developments reflect the Green Agenda’s integrated approach to digital innovation and ecological responsibility, reinforcing the strategic importance of sustainable digital records management in achieving national and global sustainability goals (

Table 3. Key quantitative indicators related to environmental sustainability in UAE digital records management.

Indicator	Value	Source	Nature of Data
E-waste generated (annually)	162,000 tonnes	EcoMena [39]	Historical actual
E-waste recycling rate	30%	Global E-waste Monitor [43]	Estimated
Clean energy share	27.83% (2023)	Statista [49]	Historical actual
Renewable energy target	32% by 2030	UAE Energy Strategy 2050	Forecast/target
Carbon reduction (Dubai)	21% by 2021	Dubai Carbon Strategy [35]	Reported performance

).

5. Implications

The findings of this study hold significant theoretical, policy and practical implications for sustainable digital records management in the UAE. The document analysis affirms that national strategies, such as the General Framework for Adopting Sustainable Digital Transformation (2024), UAE Vision 2021 and the UAE Green Agenda 2030, demonstrate clear progress in promoting environmental sustainability in digital records management. These frameworks support critical sustainability pillars including energy-efficient infrastructure, digital-first public administration and circular economy models. Landmark initiatives, such as Dubai’s solar-powered data center, highlight how clean energy integration can advance both environmental and digital transformation goals.

Nevertheless, policy coherence remains uneven. While sustainability principles are embedded in national digital transformation agendas, explicit references to digital records management standards such as ISO 15489 [77] and the Open Preservation Foundation’s principles are largely absent. This weakens the institutional capacity for long-term digital preservation, impairs metadata consistency, and leaves gaps in auditability and accountability. Similarly, e-waste regulation and device lifecycle management lack detailed guidance and robust enforcement, risking the environmental gains of digitization. Theoretically, this study underscores the importance of multi-level governance in sustainability transitions. The UAE’s federal structure requires coordination across national and emirate-level authorities, yet current fragmentation impedes uniform implementation. Multi-level governance theory offers a useful lens for understanding how institutional misalignment and variable capacities can hinder sustainability outcomes. Practically, the study emphasizes the urgency of bridging the gap between strategic intent and operational action. Establishing a National Digital Sustainability Working Group, integrating Environmental Impact Assessments for data infrastructure, and institutionalizing roles like Chief Digital Sustainability Officers are essential to the embedding of sustainability in daily records management practices. Equally important is the development of a UAE-specific carbon accounting framework that can measure the environmental footprint of digital records infrastructure with contextual accuracy, considering factors like desalination energy use and local solar efficiencies.

By incorporating clean energy sources and lifecycle approaches into digital records systems, the UAE not only advances its net-zero ambitions but also builds infrastructural resilience. Its proactive investment in sustainable technologies positions it to serve as a regional model for Green Information and Communication Technology development. However, to ensure long-term ecological responsibility, greater emphasis must be placed on enforcement, performance tracking, and workforce engagement. Sustainable digital records management must evolve from policy aspirations to measurable, standards-driven implementation.

6. Conclusions

This study has shown that the UAE is making commendable progress in embedding sustainability within its digital transformation agenda. Policies such as the General Framework for Adopting Sustainable Digital Transformation and ambitious clean energy projects—most notably, the Dubai solar-powered data center—exemplify this commitment. These initiatives mirror global trends emphasizing renewable energy, energy-efficient data infrastructure and environmentally responsible digital ecosystems. Yet, this progress also highlights critical shortcomings that must be addressed to realize a truly sustainable digital records management framework. Existing strategies are largely centered on carbon reduction, with insufficient attention paid to broader environmental dimensions such as water use, biodiversity impacts, and the full lifecycle of digital devices. The limited integration of records management standards and the underutilization of information professionals in policy design further weaken the long-term sustainability of digital records systems.

Achieving genuine sustainability in digital records management requires more than alignment with high-level environmental goals. It calls for the rigorous adoption of international standards, stronger regulatory mechanisms and clear environmental performance benchmarks. Inter-agency coordination, lifecycle thinking and robust environmental tracking must become standard components of UAE digital governance.

Finally, building digital literacy, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and empowering records professionals are key to operationalizing sustainability goals. If these challenges are proactively addressed, the UAE is well-positioned to serve as a global exemplar of environmentally responsible digital records governance, demonstrating that technological advancement can be fully compatible with environmental stewardship in the digital age.

7. Directions for Future Research

To advance the current study and address its limitations, future research should adopt a broader environmental lens by examining the full lifecycle impacts of digital records management, including e-waste generation, water usage and biodiversity effects. Such an approach would facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of environmental sustainability within the digital domain. Empirical investigations through interviews, surveys and case studies involving information professionals, IT personnel, and policymakers are essential to uncover real-world implementation dynamics, identify best practices, and expose operational gaps that are not made plain through policy analysis alone. Equally important is the exploration of strategies for workforce development and digital literacy as enablers of sustainable digital transformation. Future studies should also examine how training initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement shape the integration of sustainability principles into everyday records management practice. The roles of emerging technologies such as AI, the IoT and cloud computing also warrant closer scrutiny. Research should assess how these tools support the real-time monitoring, resource optimization and lifecycle governance of digital records, while also weighing their environmental costs and benefits within the UAE context.

Finally, future research should examine practical strategies for including diverse practitioner involvement in policy formulation, ensuring the participation of information management professionals. Inclusive and participatory approaches are essential to ensure that sustainability frameworks translate into effective practice, with records and information management professionals playing a central role in shaping digital governance and environmental policy.