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ESG: Reimagining our region

We believe that Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) imperatives will accelerate the massive and fast transformation of our region.

Curious to know more? Explore market-based data and indicators driving urgent ESG action. Then, access industry insights based on your unique challenges—so that you can learn, assess and plan your next move.

Step 1.
What’s ESG all about?

Environmental Social Governance

Step 2.
What are the latest ESG insights?

Step 3.
What’s on your ESG agenda?

Environmental

Take action on climate issues to minimise impacts, capture opportunities and deliver value to all stakeholders.

billion tons GhG added to the atmosphere must be reduced to 0 by 2050

Net zero and decarbonisation

Achieving this means tackling emissions from a company’s entire value chain.

$138 billion

potential savings by 2030 for the GCC

Circular economy

It’s predicted the GCC could save $138 billion by 2030 through following a circular economy framework. ^*

Putting GCC cities in the loop - Strategy&

$6.4 billion

waste recycling investment

Waste management

Saudi Arabia has announced a huge investment into waste recycling as part of the Vision 2030 strategy. ^*

Reimagining our region through ESG: The 2022 Middle East Report

27%

of companies are concerned about water security as a top priority

Water and resource management

With the MENA region being the most water scarce worldwide, we believe this should be higher on the ESG agenda. ^*

Reimagining our region through ESG: The 2022 Middle East Report

46.7%

of mammal species in the UAE are endangered

Biodiversity

An increasing priority on Government agendas, the Middle East’s biodiversity threats are concerningly high in some countries - spanning across plants, mammals, marine life and birds.

Social

Create enterprise value and enhance public trust by addressing, managing and communicating societal commitments.

46%

of regional CEOs plan double-digit talent and development investments

The future of work

Big regional investment plans are taking place over the next 3 years ^*. Are you equipped to upskill?

PwC Middle East's 25th CEO Survey

rise in local content

Localisation

Over 5 years, Saudi Arabia’s defense sector had a rise in local content from 2% to 8%. Successful ESG will have a similarly significant impact.

How local content can promote ESG - Strategy&

61%

of organisations claim their key societal focus is diversity and equality

Diversity and inclusion

It’s high on Middle East CEO agendas ^*. Is your company tackling D&I issues head on?

PwC Middle East's 25th CEO Survey

39%

of CEO’s plan investments in cybersecurity and data privacy

Data privacy

Double digit investment figures are in the three-year plans for cybersecurity ^* and new data privacy legislations are driving consumer demands around transparent use of personal data.

PwC Middle East's 25th CEO Survey

Governance

Without governance and oversight, ESG won’t unlock your company’s potential. Learn how leading firms set the pace.

46%

of organisations key governance focus is transparency and reporting

ESG reporting

As ESG reporting rises in importance in the region ^*, this can be overwhelming. We’re able to help you realise your reporting agenda.

Reimagining our region through ESG: The 2022 Middle East Report

out of 5 corporate directors agree

Board diversity

Most corporate directors agree that companies should be doing more to promote gender and racial diversity in the workplace.

out of 10 directors

Corporate governance

Directors say that companies should prioritize a broader group of stakeholders — not just shareholders. Does your full board understand your ESG positioning and risk stance?

65%

of CEOs state cyber risks as a limitation to innovation

Cyber security

More than half of Middle East CEOs surveyed say that cyber risks will have a negative impact on their company in the next 12 months; Are you protected against cyber threats? ^*

PwC Middle East's 25th CEO Survey

Step 2: What are the latest ESG insights?

- 2 items

Tackling climate change through technology

A global leadership role for the Middle East

ESG Impact Centre

Regional expertise delivering meaningful insights

- 3 items

A surge in nature tech investing

Nature tech, is one corner of the overall market for climate tech

Reimagining our region through ESG

The 2022 Middle East report

Building sustainable cities

How urban infrastructure can address energy challenges and shocks

Case studies

Decarbonisation of operations
Circular economy solutions
Middle East chemical company goes local
A sustainable destination for green tourism
Sustainability assurance and reporting
Evaluating the benefit of an ESG exchange

Decarbonisation of operations

Background

The client asked us to estimate the market potential across target industries and regions for its Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology.

Our solution

We determined the CO₂ emissions profile and key emission points for each industry. We then calculated current and projected future CCS costs and compared this data with projected carbon prices to establish when CCS would become economically viable.

Benefit to client

The client used our study and forecasting model to develop a go-to-market strategy for their CCS solutions portfolio which was presented to C-suite stakeholders. The study and model have helped the client identify target regions, industries and customers and has been adopted by client offices in the US, Germany, Italy and the UAE.

Circular economy solutions

Background

A chemicals company asked us to help it leverage its flagship local content programme to create circular local market economies.

Our solution

We developed a local content strategy and roadmap which is aligned with the client’s local content programme and draws on best international practice. The strategy linked value chains such as industrial waste disposal with various circular economies that would generate localised investment opportunities.

Benefit to client

The client has consolidated all its circular economy-linked efforts into an integrated flagship programme and identified more than 10 localised investment opportunities.

Middle East chemical company goes local

Background

A state-owned Middle East chemicals company engaged with us to help design and implement its local content strategy and programme.

Our solution

We developed a detailed operating model for a local content unit to guide the company’s efforts and a built-in investor value proposition to attract new capital.

Benefit to client

More than 100 investment opportunities have graduated from the local content programme, creating an estimated value of US$1 bn.

A sustainable destination for green tourism

Background

The client commissioned PwC to develop a world-class sustainability strategy with both internal and external targets.

Our solution

We helped the client identify innovative opportunities that would enhance the sustainability strategy. In addition, we developed frameworks and methodologies to support the strategy, engaged with stakeholders to prioritise initiatives, and helped our client build internal capabilities across different sustainability functions.

Benefit to client

We provided a vision for the strategy that captured the project’s commitment to harmony with the natural world, an Arabian legacy and inspirational experiences. A strong delivery model will ensure that the strategy meets or surpasses its goals.

Sustainability assurance and reporting

Background

A large telecom client commissioned PwC to provide internal audit support for its sustainability function and reporting initiative.

Our solution

We adopted a structured top-down approach to identify the corporate level ESG strategic focus areas and objectives. We also identified the corresponding controls and reported outcomes to evaluate the overall maturity of the client’s sustainability function and reporting.

Benefit to client

The review allowed the client to gain insights on areas of improvement within the processes and gaps with international reporting standards and best practices.

Evaluating the benefit of an ESG exchange

Background

The client commissioned PwC Strategy& to develop a business case for an ESG-focused securities exchange in a new economic jurisdiction, including a carbon-trading platform that would be compliant with Shariah law.

Our solution

We conducted comprehensive global, regional and national assessments of ESG market infrastructures and investment opportunities to develop a high-level business case and preliminary Shariah-compliant framework.

Benefit to client

We have demonstrated that there is a positive business case for building an ESG exchange. Since our engagement, demand for ESG assets has continued to grow, proving that this is the right move with the most suitable roadmap for the client.

Pioneering hydrogen and circular economies, developing sustainable destinations, localising supply chains, generating employment, expanding social inclusion and shining a light on good governance.

Listen to our ESG leaders on why they believe ESG can both accelerate transformation and create opportunities to develop world leading, competitive advantage for our region.

Through the strategic role the Middle East plays in the energy transition, in pioneering low carbon, hydrogen driven and circular economies, developing sustainable destinations, and localising supply chains, ESG will continue to both drive this transformation and create world leading, competitive advantage.