A new survey conducted by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce has found that awareness of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards is on the rise, with 72% of respondents recognising the importance of ESG principles and related efforts.
According to the 2025 ESG Pulse Survey, carried out by the Centre for Responsible Business under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, half of the surveyed companies have already taken steps to implement ESG-related measures. The survey aimed to assess the extent to which local businesses are both informed about and actively engaged in ESG practices.
The findings show that 72% of participating firms are aware of ESG standards and initiatives, while 50% are actively putting them into practice. Moreover, 35% of respondents noted that their organisations generate dedicated reports to track ESG activities and outcomes.
The main drivers behind the adoption of ESG initiatives include corporate values and institutional objectives. These were followed by legal and regulatory obligations, brand reputation, innovation, competitive positioning, evolving customer expectations, and investor pressure.
Survey results also revealed that 87% of large enterprises have integrated ESG initiatives into their operations, alongside 83% of multinational companies. In comparison, 46% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are engaged in ESG-related efforts.
Among industry segments, companies involved in professional, scientific, and technical activities showed the highest level of ESG engagement, with 55% implementing such initiatives. This was closely followed by the insurance, financial services, and real estate sectors at 52%, and the transport and storage sector at 50%.
When looking at environmental practices, waste management emerged as the top initiative pursued by companies, ahead of pollution control, climate change strategies, and sustainable sourcing. On the social side, transparency and communication ranked highest, with employee engagement, customer relations, and community involvement following.
For governance initiatives, business ethics and regulatory compliance took the lead, followed by leadership frameworks, risk governance, and assessing impacts on stakeholders and overall business health.
Circular economy strategies among surveyed firms are also evolving. The leading approach includes advanced recycling solutions and efforts to reduce waste. This is complemented by collaboration with partners on circular economy projects and the innovation of sustainable products incorporating 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. Through its wide range of tools, knowledge-sharing platforms, and advisory support, the Centre helps businesses enhance their governance and sustainability practices while boosting their market competitiveness and positive impact.