Creating our legacy: The strategic role of boards and the C-suite in climate governance in the UAE

Climate governance has become a board-level test of leadership, resilience and long-term value creation in the UAE.

This report, in collaboration with Chapter Zero UAE, brings together global best practice, regional regulatory insight and board-level experience to show how climate governance is evolving and what effective leadership looks like in practice.

It also draws on six case studies from leading organisations in the UAE, illustrating how boards, CSOs and executive teams are translating climate ambition into measurable action across sectors.

Why climate governance matters

• Climate risk is now financial risk — affecting capital access, insurance, credit ratings and supply chains

• Investors, regulators and stakeholders expect clear board ownership, not delegated responsibility

• UAE climate regulation and global standards are raising the bar on accountability and disclosure 

The leadership challenge

Strong climate outcomes depend on alignment at the top:

• Boards set ambition, risk appetite and accountability

• CSOs integrate climate across strategy, risk and transformation

• The wider C-suite turns ambition into financial and operational results

When this alignment breaks down, climate ambition stalls. When it works, organisations build resilience and credibility. 

What this report covers:

How boards and executives can move from intent to impact.

Why it matters for the UAE

The UAE has a unique opportunity to set a regional benchmark for climate governance.

Organisations that act now will:

• Protect long-term value 

• Strengthen access to capital

• Build trust with regulators, investors and society

• Compete in a climate-constrained future

Read and download the full report

For detailed insights, frameworks and case studies on how boards and executives can elevate climate governance: