UAE Tops MENA in ESG Integration, Driving Sustainable Growth

Cicero & Bernay (C&B), a leading communication advisory in the MENA region, has released its MENA ESG Report 2025, providing a comprehensive overview of how companies across the Middle East and North Africa are responding to rising environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations.

The report underscores the UAE’s role as a regional leader in ESG practices. Findings reveal that 60% of UAE enterprises now address all three ESG pillars—environmental, social, and governance—equally, demonstrating strong alignment with national sustainability initiatives, including the UAE Net Zero 2050 and the We the UAE 2031 Vision.

UAE companies are increasingly moving beyond mere compliance, actively embedding ESG into core business strategies. The study found that 71% of organizations involve employees in ESG-related initiatives, while 67% support volunteering programs that feed directly into corporate sustainability objectives.

Ahmad Itani, Founder and CEO of C&B, stated:
"We’re witnessing a significant shift from discussion to tangible action. This year’s report highlights how companies are linking ESG to measurable business outcomes, reflecting genuine momentum in the region."

The report surveyed 361 senior executives and C-suite leaders across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. Over the past five years, C&B’s research has documented a transition from ad hoc CSR initiatives to ESG strategies that are central to corporate identity, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and long-term value creation.

Key insights from the 2025 report include:

• Brand and Commercial Impact: 74% of executives report that ESG initiatives now directly enhance brand value.

• Balanced ESG Implementation: Over 52% of firms actively support all three ESG pillars in equal measure.

• Shift to Social Focus: 83% of respondents plan to prioritize the social dimension of ESG in the coming year, reflecting increased stakeholder expectations.

• Communication Gaps: Only 32% of companies provide structured ESG updates, highlighting the need for clear, consistent stakeholder communication.

Tariq Al Sharabi, Managing Director of C&B, added:
"This report equips leaders, communicators, and policymakers with actionable insights, helping foster a more connected and confident ESG ecosystem across MENA."

Now in its fifth edition, the report has evolved from promoting corporate social responsibility to tracking ESG maturity, offering country-specific analysis and highlighting the shift from philanthropy to data-driven, long-term business priorities.

The path forward emphasizes embedding ESG into every layer of business operations—from strategic planning to daily workflows—to ensure alignment, fluency, and measurable impact.