A high expectation that companies should more clearly communicate what they are doing to improve their performance on ESG issues
Transitioning to renewable/clean energy sources is a priorty for the wider community
UAE residents have very high expectations for businesses to act responsibly on Environmental, Social and Governance issues, a landmark survey has revealed. Of those asked, 90% of UAE participants have given an importance rating of 7 or more out of 10 for large businesses, and a similar rating (88%) for small to medium businesses. Globally, expectations are lower with only 81% saying the same for large businesses and 75% for small to medium businesses, showing that corporations in the UAE are held to a much higher standard by the population.
More than 14,300 people across 14 countries and territories were surveyed* as part of the fourth annual ESG Monitor report from SEC Newgate, the global strategic communications, advocacy and research group, with regional offices in Dubai and Riyadh. Just over four in five (82%) in the UAE said that companies should play a more active role in society – but getting the balance right is critical.
However, optimism is high in the UAE, and there is a strong belief (83%) that performing well on ESG responsibilities doesn’t have to come at the expense of profitability, while people overwhelmingly believe (67%) that companies should act in the best interests of all stakeholders rather than prioritising shareholders ahead of other stakeholders.
People care a lot about broader social and environmental issues, and significantly, 97% asked said the UAE is on the right track (putting the UAE in first place and much higher than the global average of 47%)
Some of the additional key findings from the UAE included:
Of those asked, 87% think it’s important to transition to renewable/clean energy sources
85% think it’s important to act decisively on climate change
The research found that awareness of the term ‘ESG’ was stable in 2024, scoring 54% globally versus 53% in 2023. Respondents in the UAE are very familiar with the term, being the 3 rd most likely country to say they had a good understanding of ESG (39%), behind only Singapore (41%) and Hong Kong (43%).
With regards to communicating their concerns around ESG, the vast majority of people in the UAE (84%) agreed that companies should more clearly communicate what they are doing to improve their performance on ESG issues.
Speaking on the findings, Elena Gramatica, Founder and CEO, SEC Newgate Middle East, said, “Our annual ESG Monitor has shown that people have high expectations of organisations to behave responsibly on ESG matters, particularly in the UAE.
“Despite other pressing concerns of the public in their day to day lives, most still see environmental, social and governance issues as important to address – even if they don’t view these through a formal ‘ESG’ lens. This is both a communication and operational challenge for businesses and governments so there is still more work to be done when it comes to ESG.
“However, there is great optimism in the UAE with people having a comprehensive understanding of ESG and the positive role that the government is playing and supporting corporations to be more accountable.”
Speaking on the findings, Fiorenzo Tagliabue, Group CEO of SEC Newgate, said, “Our global ESG Monitor has found that corporate communication shortcomings are clear to see, with a large majority believing companies need to more clearly communicate what they are doing to improve their performance on ESG issues and address stakeholder needs.
“Compliance with ESG reporting standards is just a starting point, it ensures business meets its regulatory requirements, but it does not signify excellence or an ambitious plan to drive impact through corporate operations.
“Clearly, a considered approach is needed to overcome scepticism, with many not trusting what companies claim about ESG and given that many believe companies focused on ESG initiatives are too politically focused. “Business is under intense scrutiny on ESG issues, but failing to act ambitiously and failing to be transparent about your plans and achievements on ESG issues poses a significant reputational risk.”