Dubai Chamber of Commerce survey reveals growing awareness among local business community on the importance of ESG standards
72% of surveyed companies are aware of the importance of ESG standards and related initiatives.
• 50% of companies are implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
• The highest rate of ESG implementation is recorded in the professional, scientific, and technical activities sector, followed by the insurance, financial services, and real estate sector.
• 87% of large companies and 83% of multinational corporations are applying ESG-related initiatives.
• Advanced recycling technologies and waste reduction lead corporate circular economy strategies.
Dubai, UAE – Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced the results of its 2025 ESG Pulse Survey. The survey evaluates the level of awareness and adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards among the local business community, as well as the extent to which companies are implementing related initiatives.
The survey results, conducted by the Centre for Responsible Business, reveal a growing awareness among Dubai's business community about the importance of ESG standards. A total of 72% of participating companies indicated they are familiar with ESG standards and related initiatives, while 50% confirmed they are actively implementing ESG-related initiatives. In addition, 35% of companies reported that they prepare specific reports on the initiatives they have adopted.
Corporate values and institutional goals ranked as the primary motivation for implementing ESG initiatives, followed by regulatory compliance, corporate reputation, innovation and growth, competitiveness, customer expectations, and investor demands.
Among the companies participating in the survey, 87% of the large companies reported implementing ESG initiatives, compared to 83% of multinational corporations and 46% of small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs.
In terms of sectors, 55% of surveyed companies in the professional, scientific, and technical activities sector reported implementing ESG initiatives, representing the highest rate among all sectors. This was followed by the insurance, financial services, and real estate sector, with 52%, and the transport and storage sector at 50%.
In terms of environmental sustainability initiatives, waste management ranked first, followed by pollution reduction, climate change practices, and sustainable procurement. For social initiatives, transparency and communication practices came first, followed by employee relations, customer relations, and community engagement.
For governance-related initiatives, business ethics and compliance ranked first, followed by leadership and strategy, risk management, and then impact on businesses and stakeholders.
The survey findings also highlighted that advanced recycling and waste reduction strategies are the top approaches adopted under companies' circular economy strategies. This is followed by collaboration with external stakeholders to implement circular economy projects and the development of sustainable products using recycled materials.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce's Centre for Responsible Business plays a key role in promoting responsible and sustainable business practices across the emirate. The Centre is committed to encouraging and supporting companies in adopting corporate social responsibility, with the goal of enhancing their performance, competitiveness, and social and environmental contributions. It offers a range of platforms, tools, and knowledge resources to help businesses integrate governance, sustainability, and social responsibility into their corporate practices.
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