Sustainability isn’t slowing down. It’s speeding up.
In a year marked by political pushback and regulatory rollbacks globally, many expected businesses to retreat from sustainability. But our International Business Report (IBR) data tells a different story for the UAE.
Sustainability is embedded at the core of UAE mid-market businesses — they see it as a path to growth, not a compliance burden. Our latest report explores how the mid-market is driving a more sustainable planet through continued investment and a clear strategic drive to make a change.
Sustainability is no longer simply a box-ticking exercise for UAE firms — it’s a business imperative.
Our data shows that UAE businesses are using sustainability to drive efficiency, open markets internationally and build real business resilience. By investing responsibly — and with a purpose — the mid-market is demonstrating how to create a sustainable global economy that’s not only good for business now, but fit for the future.
Read on to discover the path the mid-market is taking to reframe the sustainability story, both in the UAE and on the global stage.
In a year defined by economic uncertainty and political pushback, mid-market firms are defying expectations. Our report explores how sustainability has become a strategic lever for growth, helping businesses outperform competitors and build long-term value.
With shifting regulations and rising scepticism, many expected sustainability reporting to stall. Instead, mid-market firms are doubling down. We reveal how reporting is evolving into a tool for resilience, purpose and performance.
Regulatory reform isn’t slowing the mid-market — it’s unlocking new possibilities. Our IBR data shows how businesses are using relaxed regulatory mandates to align sustainability with strategy, expand globally and take ownership of their journey.
Sustainability isn’t without its challenges. But mid-market firms are reframing barriers as strategic questions — and finding answers. We explore how businesses are navigating cost, complexity and uncertainty to build lasting advantage.
Download the full UAE report now to see how mid-market firms are building momentum and shaping the future of sustainable business.
Featuring insights from Anand Balasubramanian, Partner – Head of Risk and Compliance Advisory, Grant Thornton UAE. In a featured article for Gulf Business Anand Balasubramanian explores how the UAE’s new Climate Change Law marks a shift in the region’s approach to emissions reporting—moving it from a voluntary ESG exercise to a regulatory and governance imperative for organisations operating in the UAE.
In a new Grant Thornton series on trending international insights, we examine the wider impact of tariffs on the mid-market, where a dip in market confidence at the start of 2025 was just the start of more to come. The global economy may suffer further as trade tensions and uncertainty persist, but if there’s a silver lining, its likely to be found in the mid-market – the most resilient and opportunistic segment of the business landscape.
In the next edition of Grant Thornton’s series on trending international insights, we examine how a shifting economic landscape can offer the mid-market an opportunity to grow while their larger counterparts opt to ‘wait and see.’ Our report highlights key trends such as digital trade, supply chain resilience, shifting trade agreements, and the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on international commerce.
