HSBC reports that businesses in the United Arab Emirates are advancing sustainability investment at a faster pace than counterparts in other major markets. Findings released during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week indicate that climate transition planning, infrastructure upgrades and technology adoption are embedded deeply within corporate strategies across the country.

The results form part of HSBC’s Global Sustainability Pulse Survey, which gathered responses from senior decision-makers across 12 international markets. Within the UAE, 94 percent of surveyed companies described the climate transition as a commercial opportunity, whether as a core strategic priority or an increasingly important focus area.

Ninety percent of UAE businesses said they plan to accelerate their climate transition efforts over the next three years, a figure more than 12 percentage points higher than the global average. The data suggests that sustainability considerations are influencing capital allocation decisions more rapidly in the UAE than in many peer economies.

From Ambition to Infrastructure Deployment

More than half of UAE respondents, 55 percent, stated that they intend to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and technologies designed to mitigate climate-related risks. This level of commitment exceeds the global benchmark by over 11 percentage points, signalling a shift from high-level ambition toward operational execution.

Investment priorities include resilient physical infrastructure and systems capable of adapting to climate variability. The findings indicate that sustainability planning is not confined to compliance or branding but is increasingly shaping long-term business models and risk management frameworks.

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Advanced Technology Adoption and Financing Needs

Technology adoption within the UAE business community appears comparatively mature. According to the survey, 56 percent of UAE firms identify as advanced adopters of climate-related technologies. However, scaling these technologies remains contingent on financial support, with 53 percent of respondents citing the need for greater availability of affordable financing.

This underscores the role of capital markets and financial institutions in enabling decarbonisation strategies. Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Executive of HSBC Bank Middle East in the UAE, noted that sustainability has become a structural component of the country’s economic agenda, influencing how companies compete, innovate and expand.

Reputation, Competitiveness and Risk Management

The survey also found that 89 percent of UAE businesses view the impact of climate transition on brand and reputation as highly important. Globally, 72 percent of respondents emphasised long-term resilience and reputation as critical considerations, suggesting that UAE firms may perceive reputational exposure more acutely.

Approximately 44 percent of UAE companies identified reduced market competitiveness as a key risk if climate goals are not achieved. By comparison, 34 percent of global respondents highlighted potential loss of investor confidence or financing challenges as primary concerns. The findings reflect growing awareness that climate performance is intertwined with commercial positioning and access to capital.

Jennifer Chammas, Regional Head of Sustainable Finance and Transition for the Middle East at HSBC, stated that converting transition plans into measurable action will require coordinated engagement among policymakers, corporates and financial institutions.

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Regional Research Reinforces Survey Findings

HSBC indicated that the survey insights were complemented by additional research released during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. One report from the UAE Alliance for Climate Action assesses decarbonisation progress among more than 80 non-state actors. Another study by the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government examines physical climate risks across the Gulf Cooperation Council region and explores policy and financing mechanisms to strengthen resilience.

By combining global comparative data with regional research, HSBC aims to provide businesses with analytical tools to translate sustainability targets into operational strategies. The findings suggest that UAE firms are positioning climate transition not only as a regulatory obligation but as a driver of competitiveness and long-term growth within an evolving global economy.

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