You have seen the acronym everywhere: ESG — Environmental, Social, and Governance. For years, it might have seemed like a “nice-to-have” corporate buzzword, a box to tick for annual reports.
That era is over.
In the UAE, ESG has rapidly evolved from a peripheral concept to a core business priority. It is no longer about public image; it is about resilience, profitability, and regulatory survival.
Yet, a major capability gap persists. A recent PwC survey found that while 80% of Middle East executives have a formal ESG strategy, a 2025 KPMG report reveals that 76% of businesses are still in the early or mid-stages of ESG maturity.
You may have the strategy. But do you have the capability to execute it?
This is where the right training becomes a strategic asset. ESG training is no longer an optional workshop—it is an essential investment for every company operating in the UAE.
The “E” in ESG: The Environmental Mandate
The UAE is moving decisively toward a sustainable future. With the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and over $54 billion in planned investments to meet 2030 climate goals, the regulatory landscape is transforming fast.
For businesses, this means:
Mandatory Reporting is Here:
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) already mandates sustainability reporting for all listed companies. Beginning May 2025, a new federal law will also require both public and private sector organizations to measure and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Beyond Compliance:
Investors and lenders now evaluate companies based on ESG performance. A weak environmental score can directly impact access to financing, increase borrowing costs, and erode investor confidence.
The Training Gap:
Do your managers understand how to conduct a GHG inventory? Can your operations team implement effective carbon reduction strategies? Without structured ESG training, regulations become liabilities instead of opportunities.
The “S” in ESG: The Human-Centric Advantage
The “Social” pillar is often overlooked, yet it can define your ability to attract and retain top talent.
In competitive markets such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a strong social strategy is your differentiator.
The War for Talent:
By 2025, Gen Z will make up 27% of the workforce. A Deloitte study shows that more than half of them research a company’s environmental and social impact before accepting a job offer.
The Retention Multiplier:
Employees are 11 times more likely to stay with companies they believe make a positive social impact, according to Great Place To Work. A Bupa study further found that 52% of professionals would work longer for organizations with clear ESG commitments.
Building a Purpose-Driven Culture:
Effective ESG training helps employees understand the “why” behind their work. It creates a sense of shared purpose that directly improves engagement, collaboration, and productivity.
The Training Gap:
Is your HR team equipped to design an ESG-centric employee experience? Are your leaders trained to communicate social goals that inspire and retain talent?
The “G” in ESG: The Governance Foundation
Governance is the structural backbone of ESG. It defines how your organization ensures transparency, accountability, and ethical operations.
Weak governance is no longer an internal issue—it is a public risk. In a connected world, one compliance failure can undo years of brand trust.
Investor Confidence:
Institutional investors demand evidence of strong ESG governance. Boards must demonstrate oversight, risk management, and ethical leadership.
Risk Mitigation:
Robust governance training enables leaders to detect and address risks before they escalate, from supply chain vulnerabilities to data protection gaps.
The Training Gap:
Are your executives and board members equipped to oversee new ESG requirements? Do they know how to ensure transparent and accurate reporting across departments?
The Capability Gap: Why Strategy Alone Is Not Enough
The UAE’s evolving ESG regulations and investor expectations have created one of the region’s fastest-growing skills gaps.
A recent EnableGreen report highlights a significant shortage of ESG-trained professionals in finance, HR, operations, and procurement across the UAE.
Appointing a “Head of Sustainability” is not enough. True progress requires building ESG literacy and capability throughout your organization.
This is where Adilzone, through its subsidiary Compliance 360, plays a critical role.
Your Next Step: Partner with Adilzone and Compliance 360
At Adilzone, we help organizations move from ESG intention to ESG integration. Our specialized subsidiary, Compliance 360, is a KHDA-certified ESG training provider delivering corporate training programs tailored to the UAE business environment.
We turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Our ESG Services Include:
1. Customized Corporate Training:
From board-level briefings to operational workshops, Compliance 360 delivers targeted ESG training aligned with your sector, maturity level, and business goals.
2. Compliance and Reporting Support:
We guide your teams through UAE SCA requirements, the new GHG reporting law, and global frameworks such as GRI and SASB, ensuring confident and accurate reporting.
3. Strategic Advisory:
Adilzone’s ESG advisory experts work with your leadership to embed sustainability into your business model—transforming ESG principles into measurable operational and financial results.
The most successful companies of the next decade will be those that view ESG not as an obligation but as an opportunity to future-proof their business.
Do not let the skills gap become your business gap.
Contact Adilzone today for a confidential consultation on your ESG training and compliance needs, and let our KHDA-certified partner Compliance 360 build your team’s ESG capability for long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ESG training?
ESG training is a structured learning program that equips employees, managers, and executives with the knowledge and tools to identify ESG risks, implement sustainable practices, and meet compliance obligations.
Q: Why is ESG so important for UAE businesses?
The UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and new GHG reporting laws are making ESG a legal requirement. Investors also now use ESG scores to evaluate business performance, and talent increasingly seeks purpose-driven employers.
Q: What is the ROI of ESG training?
ESG maturity leads to tangible business benefits including improved profitability, stronger market positioning, enhanced investor trust, and better employee retention—all backed by findings from the 2025 KPMG ESG Assurance Maturity Index.
Q: Who should receive ESG training?
Training is essential for all levels—board members for oversight, managers and HR for culture and engagement, finance for reporting accuracy, and operations for sustainable implementation.
Q: Does ESG training apply to SMEs?
Yes. The UAE’s new GHG reporting law applies to both public and private sector organizations. Moreover, many SMEs must now provide ESG data to clients or partners, making early training a strategic advantage.
