Explore our insights on sustainability in the Middle East. Our thought leadership section addresses the region's challenges and innovations, including renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable urban development. Stay informed with our analyses, case studies, and expert perspectives, driving actionable insights for a more sustainable future.
Featured
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Regional investors show strong interest in transformative areas at a global level, such as advancements in electric mobility and AI-driven solutions for sustainability. But by directing a greater proportion of funds to homegrown innovation and across underfunded sectors, stakeholders have the opportunity to drive impactful change and advance the region's net zero goals
Countries throughout the Middle East face increasing environmental challenges: loss of wildlife, land degradation, poor air quality, and declining water resources are just some of the many examples. The region is also highly exposed to the accelerating impacts of climate change, including heat waves and floods, as seen in the region-wide floods of April 2024.
Amid transformation and an evolving economic landscape, resilience and vision become critical for business success. Today, we see Qatar at the forefront of the financial services industry in the Middle East as the country’s banking sector has shown remarkable adaptability and stability over the last three years. At a macroeconomic level, this favourable position prepares the country for sustained growth. As the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) continues to successfully navigate the global economic landscape, the country’s banking enterprises are rising to the opportunity and continue to remain competitive. Doing so requires modern processes. That’s where technology will play a key role in Qatar’s future.
Blog
Amid the global excitement around the energy transition and the need to accelerate it, senior voices in the energy sector in the Middle East, particularly in the GCC where most hydrocarbons are produced, have expressed caution regarding the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability. While they acknowledge that emission reduction is essential, they have emphasised that the energy transition “revolution” must proceed at a measured pace. This perspective has become more relevant with the recent announcement of a “national energy emergency” in the US and the reprioritisation of economic and social security, sparking growing debate on the matter, despite Europe’s continued push toward net zero commitments.
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Cybersecurity will be a critical driver for electric vehicle growth. As governments across the GCC position eMobility as a key pillar of national transformation, learn about the vulnerabilities and critical measures needed to protect this complex ecosystem.
Leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have committed to making their economies more environmentally sustainable. The transport and logistics (T&L) sector is pivotal in this transformation due to its substantial emissions footprint and interconnections with other industries. Achieving meaningful carbon reductions in T&L will require a paradigm shift beyond incremental technological changes, demanding coordinated action across the value chain.
Companies the world over have been setting targets to reduce CO2 emissions from their operations and supply chains. That’s not new: what is new is the trend to calculate the carbon footprint of individual products, something that regulators and industry associations are increasingly pushing companies to do.
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As part of an Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week dialogue, this white paper sets out the latest thinking from industry stakeholders on the critical role of local investment, policy incentives and collaboration in accelerating the adoption of climate technologies in the UAE.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries have much arid desert, but they are also home to mountain forests, rangelands, wetlands, and mangroves forests. Yet these habitats playing a vital role in supporting biodiversity and traditional culture in the region are at risk. Degraded land increased from 0.7% in 2015 to 9.5% in 2019, according to UN reports, but some experts estimate the actual percentage may be much higher.
At PwC, we are committed to driving sustainability and addressing critical global challenges, including land degradation. As part of our participation in the UNCCD COP16 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we gathered valuable insights from experts in the agricultural sector who are working to combat this pressing issue. Through exclusive video interviews, we share their expertise and innovative solutions.
Blog
To build a more sustainable future, the world needs green electrons to power energy grids, green molecules to make products including chemicals and metals less carbon intensive, and innovative greener technologies that can reduce or eliminate emissions. And all of this is needed at a time when demand for power is growing. To give one example, an internet search using GenAI consumes 10 times more energy than doing the same search with a traditional web browser—and we are still only at the beginning of the GenAI era.
Blog
Driving sustainability in Saudi Arabia: A bold vision towards a greener future
Blog
قال شريك في "استراتيجي آند" بقطاع الحوكمة والممارسات من شبكة بي دبليو سي، سامر الشيخاني، إن المنطقة تواجه تحديات أساسية تتعلق بالتصحر وتدهور الأراضي والجفاف وهي ليست تحديات في منطقة الخليج فقط ولكنها عالمية.
Video
Discover Arabian Gambit, a book accompanied by a visually stunning 2.5-minute cinematic documentary. The book is inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Yahya Anouti and Dr. Shihab Elborai, leading sustainability experts at PwC's Strategy& Middle East.
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Saudi Arabia is on the way of advancing sustainability by integrating satellite technology for efficient and automated environmental monitoring. This approach addresses critical challenges such as desertification, vegetation tracking, and resource management, supporting initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative and Red Sea protection programs. By aligning with Vision 2030, these efforts aim to achieve ecological security and foster sustainable development. Through the use of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, autonomous monitoring systems provide real-time data and actionable insights. These innovations enhance decision-making, accountability, and transparency while promoting resource conservation and operational efficiency. Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to accelerate the adoption of space data and move towards more autonomous sustainability monitoring. Explore how the Kingdom is leveraging some of these tools already that can lead to a transformative journey toward sustainability and resilience.
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Following the success of its Path to COP28 campaign, GEFI, in partnership with PwC Middle East, launched the pioneering ESG Majlis Dubai series in 2024. The series brings together financial services leaders for exclusive, invitation-only sessions focused on key regional ESG opportunities and challenges. The first three events covered critical topics such as the UAE COP28 legacy, decarbonising the built environment, and building economic resilience through nature and land conservation
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At PwC Middle East, we view corporate responsibility not only as an obligation but as an opportunity to create lasting, positive change. We prioritise it because it is the right thing to do. With this in mind we aim to harness the knowledge, time and expertise of our people to actively support communities and help create a more equitable future for the Middle East. Our corporate sustainability initiatives are aligned with our core values, so that every effort we make is both meaningful and impactful.
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تواصل المملكة العربية السعودية التقدم بخطى ثابتة في جهودها الرامية إلى تنويع مواردها الاقتصادية والاستمرار في التحول لمستقبل أكثر استدامة. وسعياً لتأمين الاستقرار والاستدامة في مجال الطاقة والوصول بصافي الانبعاثات إلى الصفر بحلول عام 2060، تواصل المملكة تعاملها مع المعضلات الثلاثة التي تواجه قطاع الطاقة وذلك من خلال الموازنة بين الحاجة إلى ضمان استمرارية الإمداد الموثوق بالطاقة، وخفض الأثر البيئي إلى أدنى مستوى ممكن، وضمان توفر الطاقة بتكاليف ميسورة - وهي عوامل محورية في تحقيق الاستقرار الاقتصادي وحماية البيئة. وفي الإصدار الثاني من تقرير نشرتنا الاقتصادية في المملكة، نستكشف تقدم المملكة نحو تحقيق هذه الأهداف وجهودها لتشكيل مستقبل أكثر مرونة في مواجهة التحديات.
The degradation of natural landscapes impacts the wellbeing and livelihoods of ~3.2 billion people - that’s a staggering 40% of the world’s population - and poses significant risks to businesses by disrupting supply chains, increasing operational costs, and reducing the availability of essential resources. The sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), takes place in Riyadh this year, and presents a critical opportunity for businesses, especially in the Middle East, to engage with pressing issues that directly impact their operations, resources and - ultimately - their bottom line.
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Sustainability is emerging as a key differentiator in customer-facing sectors, including banking services. Banks have an opportunity to strengthen relationships with personal banking customers by prioritising sustainability in product innovation. This report, in collaboration with Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), explores how this is transforming retail banking, driving innovation, and creating long-term value for customers.
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Sustainable mobility readiness index.
As leaders gathered for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, from 30 November to 12 December 2023, PwC joined the discussions to help advance meaningful action to address climate and nature challenges. Solving these twin crises requires deep collaboration across all sectors and geographies, and PwC’s Net Zero Economy Index 2023 and the UN Global Stocktake synthesis report underscore the urgency needed.
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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is steadily advancing its economic diversification efforts while transitioning towards a more sustainable future. To secure a stable and sustainable energy future, and achieve net zero emissions by 2060, the country is tackling the energy trilemma by balancing the need for reliable energy supply, minimising environmental impact, and ensuring affordable energy costs - critical factors for both economic stability and environmental protection. In the second edition of our Saudi Economy Watch, we explore the Kingdom’s progress towards these goals and its efforts to shape a more resilient future.
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VAT can be a powerful tool for advancing ESG goals across the GCC. By offering incentives for green products, promoting social equity through exemptions on essential goods, and enhancing governance with digital tax systems, VAT can support sustainability, fairness, and transparency.
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Sustainable finance plays a critical role in the global transition towards a more resilient and inclusive sustainable economy. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed to transition to a net zero economy by 2050.
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The EU CBAM applies to imports of certain goods to the EU, impacting producers exporting these goods to the eurozone – including those exporting from the Middle East. A key element of the EU Green Deal, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030, the mechanism currently applies to six product groups – aluminium, iron and steel, fertilisers, cement, hydrogen and electricity – and is expected to create a level playing field between EU and non-EU producers, who are subject to different levels of local carbon regulations and carbon taxation/pricing.
Thought leadership
In the Middle East, while companies prioritise ESG and sustainability, employees are more focused on reward and benefits that impact them personally like fair pair and career development. Bridging this gap requires aligning ESG initiatives with employee priorities to foster engagement and drive meaningful organisational change for a positive societal impact.
Ending “trash for cash”: The $20 billion opportunity to transform the MENA’s informal waste management sector
Inserting the missing ‘T’ in CCUS: The critical role of transmission in carbon capture, utilization, and storage
The national carbon management framework
Sustainability in the Built Environment experience
Sustainability in the built environment
A sustainable and inclusive cultural renaissance for the Middle East
How the MENA region can win in the future plastics economy
Companies say that reporting under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive will bring tangible business benefits even as they grapple with tight timelines and the complexity of implementing the regulation.
Thought leadership
يشكّل هذا العام حتى اللحظة، محطة حافلة بالإنجازات على مستوى الاستدامة في الشرق الأوسط. وقد تجلّى ذلك من خلال المقاربات الفعالة التي انتهجتها الشركات لتذليل العقبات في سبيل تحقيق أجندات الاستدامة الخاصة بها. ونلاحظ أن شركات عدة وضعت الاستدامة بكامل أركانها في صلب استراتيجياتها وعملياتها سعيًا إلى ترجمة هذا الزخم من طموح إلى واقع. وعليه، أصبح الافتقار إلى التمويل، الذي كان يومًا إحدى أكبر العقبات في هذا السياق، في طور التداعي. إلا أن ذلك لا ينفي الحاجة إلى جهود حثيثة من القطاع الخاص والجهات الحكومية على حدٍ سواء من أجل الحفاظ على هذا الزخم.
Thought leadership
This has been a breakthrough year for sustainability in the Middle East. Businesses in the region are actively overcoming barriers as they advance their sustainability agenda. Many are fully integrating sustainability into their strategy and operations, driving the momentum from ambition to action. One of the big obstacles – a lack of access to finance – is falling away. Further momentum will require both decisive private sector and government efforts. Sustainability in the Middle East 2024
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Carbon credits, also known as carbon offsets, are permits that allow the owner to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. The direct relationship between sustainability and human prosperity prompts us to reimagine possibilities to integrate sustainable considerations, preferences, and practices in our day-to-day life. Carbon Credit tokenisation
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At the recent COP28 in Dubai, the roundtable on Scaling Climate Tech Innovations – hosted by ADSW and co-hosted by PwC Middle East and Strategy& – created an opportunity for private sector and semi-government organisations to come together with investors and innovators themselves. Following on ADSW’s 2023 report on climate tech innovation and investment, the discussion addressed the opportunities around leveraging continued large-scale investment in sustainability infrastructure in the Middle East, to position the region as a global leader in climate tech.
Arabian Gambit argues that GCC countries can benefit economically in significant ways as they shift from being “petro states” to becoming “green states.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, much like the rest of the Middle East, remains vulnerable to climate change, but at the same time it is best positioned to harness a renewable energy advantage in mitigating the effects of climate change. There is now an upward-growing commitment in the region - and in the Kingdom itself - towards climate action. Saudi-based investors focus funds on homegrown climate tech innovation at higher levels than any other regional economy, channelled under the circular carbon economy framework that aims to manage emissions while ensuring socio-economic development.
Article
The planet is in a perilous position. Figures released in the lead-up to COP28 from PwC’s Net Zero Economy Index present a stark reality: to cap global warming at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, an annual global decarbonization rate of 17.2 percent is essential. From 2000 to 2022, the world achieved an average decarbonization rate of just 1.4 percent, and last year, managed only 2.4 percent.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to advance its strategic commitment to cybersecurity, led by its National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA), the driver of many of the country’s cyber protection initiatives.
West Africa’s energy sector demands renewal and decarbonisation. Pro-investment policy coupled with renewable energy technologies could transform the sector and meet urgent social and economic needs – and sovereign wealth funds could play a big part in the process
Survey
If you are operating here in the region and your company is developing technology with the potential to make a difference to climate change, please complete our Quick Entry Form to be considered for the first selection round for the PwC Middle East Net Zero Future50 initiative.
Report
Our second regional climate technology report suggests that the Middle East players almost tripled their funding of climate tech innovation globally in the year to end-September 2023, to US$5 billion, supporting innovators in the United States, China and across Asia, and in Europe. Governments and national champions are also continuing with an aggressive build-out of renewable energy infrastructure that will accelerate the energy transition in the region, relying heavily on existing and new climate technology to drive this success.
Thought leadership
Watch the full 4 part COP28 in the UAE video mini series here. We’ll be adding new episodes in the lead up to COP28, so stay tuned to see them all.
Publication
In recent years, sustainable finance has gathered significant attention embracing the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable development. The term has emerged as a thoughtful approach to impact investing, addressing environmental, social, and governance considerations (ESG). As the world seeks to address global challenges more comprehensively, it is critical to explore sustainable finance and its offerings and distinguish similar practices such as green and climate finance.
Article
A significant shift is transpiring in the Middle East, as companies of all sizes are making concrete moves to advance from the startup mode to a newer and more profound scale-up mode in sustainability.
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This article was jointly written by Richard Chudzynski, Data Privacy & Protection Legal Leader, PwC Legal Middle East; and Lori Baker, Vice President Legal and Director of Data Protection, DIFC Authority
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Bassam Hajhamad, Qatar Country Senior Partner and Consulting Lead at PwC Middle East, sheds light on the intricate landscape of Qatar's sustainability efforts in this interview. With the nation's ambitious environmental goals in sight, Hajhamad reveals key insights from the recent 2023 PwC ESG survey on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in the Middle East, addresses the pivotal role of Qatari companies in the green revolution, and unveils both the challenges and opportunities on their path towards a sustainable future.
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Qatar is stepping up its focus on sustainability, and Qatari companies are helping drive the momentum. The country’s National Vision 2030, published in 2008, already put an emphasis on environmental sustainability long before the term ESG became part of the global conversation. More recently, the establishment of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the launch of the National Climate Change Action Plan, both in 2021, accelerated the drive to meet targets, including a 25% reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030.
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The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and PwC Middle East join forces to brief private sector entities on why COP28 in the United Arab Emirates is a watershed moment for involving businesses in the region and around the world in the climate talks.
The natural world provides the air we breathe, the water we drink and the essential resources and services that enable our societies and economies to thrive. So when nature is under threat, it has an impact on all of us. And right now, our natural world is declining at an unprecedented rate. In the Middle East, the impacts of this decline are very real - increased rates of desertification and habitat degradation, loss of arable land, the threat of multi-year droughts, frequent sandstorms, and rising temperatures puts the region’s 400 million people - and its natural environment - at growing risk.
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As ESG continues to gain momentum as a top priority around the world and in our region, the spotlight is on how the organisations transform themselves to be fit-for-ESG.
Report
Our region is undergoing a rapid transformation, with this change driving economic growth, diversifying economies, creating jobs and improving overall quality of life. Reflected in national visions set out by individual countries, this transformation is threaded through every aspect of Middle Eastern society.
Publication
نشهد في يومنا هذا، على الرغم من المستويات القياسية من المساعدة الإنمائية الخارجية 1، معدلات غير مسبوقة من انعدام الثقة في الحكومات 2، وارتفاعاً في الحرمان الاقتصادي، وازدياد الفجوة بين الأغنياء والفقراء حول العالم. من هذا المنطلق، تبرز أكثر من أي وقت مضى الحاجة إلى تركيز المساعدات الدولية على المبادرات التي تُحدث تأثيراً أكبر، ما يعني أنّه يتعيّن على جهات التمويل أن تأخذ الفرص الممكنة بالاعتبار وليس فقط التبرّع لغرض أن تكون جهات مانحة جيدة.
Article
The State of Qatar is becoming increasingly proactive on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. The continuing evolution of the ESG agenda in Qatar over the last number of years has galvanised the appetite for a legal framework to underpin ongoing changes and developments within legislation. Here, we take a look at Qatar’s ESG journey so far and the regulatory developments that are driving this focus and ambition.
Article
تكثّف دولة قطر يومًا بعد يوم، الجهود التي تبذلها في ما يتعلّق بالمعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية. وقد أدى التقدّم المستمرّ لأجندة هذه المعايير في قطر في السنوات الأخيرة إلى تحفيز وضع إطار قانوني يدعم هذه التطوّرات. ونستعرض في ما يلي رحلة دولة قطر في المعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية، والتطوّرات التنظيمية التي توجّه هذه الجهود والطموحات. تمت صياغة مصطلح "المعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية" في العام 2004، عندما أصدر الأمين العام للأمم المتحدة كوفي عنان تكليفًا بإعداد تقرير ينظر في طرق لدمج القيم البيئية، والاجتماعية، وقيم الحوكمة في أسواق رأس المال الدولية. وقد أظهر التقرير الذي تمّ نشره في العام 2005 تحت عنوان "من يهتم يفوز" / "Who Cares Wins" بشكل واضح أن المعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية لا تسهم في إعداد مجتمع أفضل وحسب، إنمّا أيضًا في ضمان "أسواق أكثر استقرارًا وقابلية للتوقّع، ما يصبّ في مصلحة جميع الجهات الفاعلة في السوق." وأصبحت معايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية في يومنا هذا أولوية رئيسية على المستوى العالمي، والإقليمي، والمحلي في دولة قطر.
Publication
The younger generation’s focus on ESG is the key to the sustainable success of family businesses in the Middle East When it comes to talking about the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues across an organisation, young people are amongst the most engaged, informed and driven, with a rising cohort of young family business leaders - the ‘NextGen’ - sitting at the heart of this growing movement.
Blog
28 July 2022, we reached Earth Overshoot Day—the day on which we have used all the biological resources that the Earth regenerates in a year. Our rapid industrial and now technological advancement is the culprit. But that same technology will, it is hoped, prove to be our salvation.
Publication
Despite record levels of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), we are facing historically low levels of trust in government, elevated levels of economic deprivation globally and an increased disparity between rich and poor. More than ever there is a need to focus international aid on initiatives with the greatest impact, meaning funding bodies need to look for opportunities not just to donate but to become better donors.
Publication
بحسب التقرير الأول الصادر عن شركة بي دبليو سي الشرق الأوسط بشأن حالة التقنيات المناخية في منطقة الشرق الأوسط، يمكن أن تكون المنطقة رائدة في مجال تطوير التقنيات التي تساعد على تحقيق الأهداف المناخية العالمية وذلك في حال جمعت بين مزاياها الطبيعية من جهة والتمويل والبحوث المركّزة من جهة أخرى
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This report voices the views, ambitions, and engagement of approximately 700 children and young adults between the ages of 10 to 20 from 81 cities across the world with the SDGs. It reflects the findings of a survey that captures their perspectives on the Goals, their vision for the future, and how they are working to support their achievement. In so doing, it is a call for action to further engage youth as architects and co-creators of a fairer, more sustainable tomorrow. The Global Youth Outlook.
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Our first Middle East State of Climate Tech report finds that by combining its nature-given advantages with focused research and funding, the region can pioneer development of technologies that help achieve global climate goals
Publication
Managing climate change and achieving net-zero carbon to cap global warming at 1.5 degrees celsius and save humanity is among many other things, expensive. An estimated USD 131 trillion in global investments is required to facilitate the transition to clean energy and preserve our planet.1 This represents a significant increase from pre-pandemic estimates and the ongoing energy supply crisis.
Publication
All eyes are on Egypt as it gears up to host the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) in the coastal city of Sharm El Sheikh this November. The fact that Egypt, a middle-income, highly populated country is hosting the foremost global convening to address the climate change crisis is not coincidental.
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At PwC, we believe that climate change isn't just a challenge for tomorrow; it is also an opportunity for us to work together today in new, innovative ways to secure a cleaner, fairer future for all. As a purpose-driven Firm committed to building trust in society and solving important problems, we have supported the engagement of businesses and countries at the annual Conference of Parties (COP) for the last 10 years. This year, we look forward to actively contributing, but also learning, from the wealth of ideas, initiatives and knowledge exchange that will take place at the upcoming 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) in Egypt in November.
Publication
لدى التمويل الإسلامي والاستثمار المستدام أو المسؤول، العديد من القواسم المشتركة، فهما يتشاركان مبدأ أساسيًا ألا وهو تفادي إلحاق الضرر. ولكن هل تعني هذه الأرضية المشتركة بالضرورة أن هذين الذراعين من قطاع التمويل قد تجمعهما فعلًا نقطة التقاء كما يزعم البعض؟ لا شكّ في أن هذه الفرضية مثيرة للاهتمام لأسباب عدّة، فمثلًا إذا تمّ اعتماد منتجات التمويل الإسلامي على أنها متوافقة مع المعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية، قد يفتح ذلك باب سوق عالمي كبير ومتنامي للبنوك في الشرق الأوسط والتي تقدّم خدمات التمويل الإسلامي.
Publication
Islamic Finance and sustainable or responsible investing have a great deal in common. They share a fundamental principle, which is the avoidance of harm. But does this common ground mean these two branches of finance could actually converge, as some have claimed? It is an intriguing possibility, not least because if Islamic Finance products could be readily certified as ESG compliant, that could open up a large and fast-growing global market to Middle Eastern banks with Islamic Finance capabilities.
Thought leadership
Examining sustainable value creation for your organisation in the evolving Middle East ESG landscape. In order to advance the sustainability agenda, regulators in the region have responded by putting in place requirements for disclosing the ESG performance for businesses by issuing guidelines on ESG reporting. The ESG reporting requirements are mandatory for certain entities in the UAE and Egypt, whereas they are voluntary in Qatar and KSA. We expect that the reporting requirements are going to be more stringent with sector-focus, entity-focus (public vs private and/or financial scale) providing the reporting context. These are expected to eventually be made mandatory in the near future to support the national ambitions on ESG - something businesses need to be ready for.
Thought leadership
We have spent the last decade building both regional and global ESG specialisms across all sectors. This includes expertise in Net Zero, low carbon transition, climate change reporting, circular economy, diversity and inclusion and good governance. We’ve drawn on this experience to create a first of its kind Middle East ESG Impact Centre that will deliver strategy, advice and intelligence across the entire ESG spectrum, specific to the needs of the region.
