Euromoney

From Vision to Ambition: Evolving ESG Strategies in GCC Banking

GCC banks are shifting from ESG ambition to execution as regional regulations tighten and net‑zero targets loom. Mashreq Bank leads the field by securing end‑to‑end AA1000AS assurance for its integrated ESG report and embedding sustainability KPIs into senior management objectives. The UAE Banks Federation has pledged DH 1 trillion in sustainable finance by 2030, with Mashreq committing Dh110 billion toward diverse SDG‑linked projects. Executives stress that true ESG must balance environmental goals with social inclusion and robust governance, requiring new taxonomies and collaborative financing models.