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In alignment with the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability,’ the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, a part of Dubai Chambers, has unveiled a new ESG Label. Developed by the chamber’s Centre for Responsible Business, this initiative aims to support organizations in assessing their ESG readiness and maturity, encouraging sustainable business practices, and enhancing recognition and growth.
The ESG Label was crafted through a comprehensive evaluation by internationally certified experts who examined global and regional regulatory landscapes and reporting frameworks. This assessment identified key factors crucial to determining an organization’s ESG maturity. To ensure the label aligns with the best global standards, the business community was actively involved in the development phase, contributing insights and feedback to shape the framework to meet local and international ESG reporting and preparedness requirements.
His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, emphasized the holistic nature of the ESG Label, stating, “The Dubai Chamber of Commerce ESG Label addresses the need for a holistic approach to sustainable business practices that benefit society and the environment, while also supporting our mission to promote good governance and ethical business practices. By shifting the emphasis from corporate social responsibility to ESG labeling, we aim to encourage businesses to adopt comprehensive strategies that embed sustainability into their core operations and decision-making processes.”
Eligibility and Benefits for Companies
The ESG Label is open to organizations of all sizes that have been in operation for at least two years. Companies that achieve the label can benefit from alignment with ESG best practices, enhanced brand reputation, and increased value for potential investors. The label’s framework benchmarks ESG practices against key parameters and peer organizations regionally and globally, promoting ESG ownership within companies.
Participating organizations receive a detailed feedback report outlining areas for improvement along with a maturity level score based on their overall ESG rating. The awarded ESG Label certificate is valid for one year, underscoring the commitment to ongoing improvement and alignment with evolving ESG standards.
ESG as a Strategic Priority
With ESG becoming a strategic priority for businesses of all sizes, integrating sustainability goals into core operations is more pressing than ever. Companies are increasingly adopting transparent reporting standards, reducing environmental impact, enhancing social responsibility initiatives, and ensuring governance practices align with ethical principles. The ESG Label provides a pathway for companies to evaluate and improve their sustainability performance systematically.
To drive engagement and awareness, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a virtual roadshow attended by 224 participants. The session covered the main concepts of ESG, the framework’s development, and the application process for the ESG Label, highlighting the benefits for participating organizations. Additional sessions will be organized to involve the business community further and promote the label.
Supporting Sustainable Business Practices
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce’s Centre for Responsible Business is pivotal in advancing responsible and sustainable business practices in the emirate. Committed to motivating companies to adopt best practices in ESG, the center offers a range of platforms and tools, along with access to expertise, to help businesses integrate governance, sustainability, and social responsibility throughout their operations.