Takeaways

• The UAE and Gulf countries are emerging as global sustainability leaders, driven by strong regulation and long-term national strategies.
• A new PROI report shows how governments and businesses are moving from ambition to measurable ESG impact.
• Social and governance priorities, including workforce development and gender balance, are gaining momentum across the region.

The UAE and the wider Gulf region are fast establishing themselves as global sustainability leaders, according to the Global ESG Report 2025 released by PROI Worldwide.

Put together by the world’s largest partnership of independent communications consultancies, the report is based on insights from more than 90 partner agencies across 65 countries. Mojo Communications has contributed perspectives from the UAE and Gulf markets for the past decade, offering a long-term view of how sustainability priorities in the region have evolved.

The report finds that governments and businesses across the Gulf are incorporating sustainability directly into regulation and commercial decision-making. In the United Arab Emirates, a new climate law that came into effect on 30 May 2025 requires all companies to measure, report, and reduce emissions by 2026. Firms that fail to comply may face financial penalties, marking a clear shift from voluntary action to mandatory accountability.

Read More: The Growing Need for ESG Companies, Sustainability, and Climate Solutions

While Gulf economies have historically depended on oil revenues, the report highlights a growing effort to link sustainability with job creation, innovation, and economic diversification. National frameworks such as Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Net Zero 2050, and Qatar National Vision 2030 are reinforcing this transition. These strategies position environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals as central to long-term economic resilience rather than as standalone initiatives.

Public communication around sustainability is also changing. According to the report, organisations are focusing more on practical outcomes that matter to people, such as skills development and employment, while still using ESG language required by regulators and investors.

Marianna Wisden, Associate Partner at Mojo Communications Consultancy, said sustainability in the region is increasingly shaped by real-world impact. “Sustainability here is driven by outcomes that genuinely matter to people. It shapes how companies create jobs, build skills, and support a future that relies on a broader base than oil alone. The frameworks are in place, and businesses are getting on with the work. As real results emerge, they will build confidence in what our region can achieve at scale,” she said.

Beyond environmental action, the report points to a stronger emphasis on social and governance issues. Companies are improving disclosure around workforce development, inclusion, and national participation. The UAE, in particular, has made gender balance a priority, encouraging greater representation of women in leadership and across key industries.

The region’s global profile rose sharply after the UAE hosted COP28 in 2023. Since then, attention has shifted from pledges to proof, with stakeholders closely watching how ambitions translate into measurable benefits for communities and the climate.

Also Read: Why COOs Are Emerging as Key Sustainability Leaders

The report highlights several regional case studies, including Ecolab’s water management programmes, EQUATE Petrochemicals’ circular economy initiatives, Mars’ progress on gender balance, and Spinneys linking executive KPIs to ESG performance. Together, these examples show how Gulf companies are aligning sustainability performance with governance standards and national priorities.

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Source: Utilities (Middle East)