UAE firms outpace global peers on sustainability investment: HSBC

The findings form part of HSBC’s Global Sustainability Pulse Survey, which collected responses from senior decision-makers across 12 international markets. The data shows that UAE companies are moving more quickly from climate ambition to execution, particularly in areas such as infrastructure investment, technology adoption and long-term resilience planning.

HSBC said 94% of UAE businesses believe the climate transition represents a commercial opportunity, either as a growing focus or a core strategic priority. Around 90% said they plan to accelerate their climate transition strategies over the next three years, more than 12 percentage points above the global average.

More than half of UAE firms surveyed, 55%, said they intend to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and technology to reduce exposure to climate-related risks. This compares with a significantly lower global rate, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional leader in sustainability-driven capital deployment.

Technology uptake is already well advanced, with 56% of UAE businesses identifying themselves as advanced adopters of climate-related technologies. However, 53% said greater access to affordable financing will be critical to scaling and deploying these solutions, highlighting the role of banks and capital markets in supporting decarbonisation efforts.

“The survey underscores the extent to which sustainability is embedded in the UAE’s economic agenda,” said Mohamed Al Marzooqi, chief executive of HSBC Bank Middle East in the UAE. He added that investment in new technologies and resilient infrastructure is progressing “well ahead of global peers.”

The study also found that 89% of UAE businesses see climate transition as highly important to brand and reputation, compared with a global rate of 72%. About 44% said reduced competitiveness would be a key risk if climate goals are not met, versus a global average of 34% citing loss of investor confidence or financing challenges.

Jennifer Chammas, HSBC’s regional head of sustainable finance and transition for the Middle East, said the findings highlight the need for practical enablers. She noted that turning transition plans into action will require close collaboration between policymakers, corporates and financial institutions.

HSBC said the survey conclusions were reinforced by research released during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, including a report by the UAE Alliance for Climate Action, which assesses how non-state actors are navigating decarbonisation, and a study by the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government examining physical climate risks across the GCC.

The bank said combining global survey insights with local research is intended to help UAE businesses better manage climate risks while translating sustainability targets into operational and investment strategies.