Top ESG and Sustainability Courses in the UAE and GCC for 2025

The UAE and GCC are undergoing a major transformation in sustainability. National agendas like the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are pushing companies to align with global standards, expand transparency, and build low-carbon business models. Against this backdrop, demand for ESG courses and sustainability courses is accelerating.

For professionals, these courses are more than a learning opportunity. They are a means to acquire the knowledge and tools necessary to meet regulatory expectations, build credibility with investors, and drive meaningful change within organisations. For companies, sponsoring employees in structured sustainability courses signals commitment and prepares teams for a market where ESG literacy is no longer optional.

Why ESG Courses and Sustainability Training Matter in the Region

The rise of ESG regulations in the GCC means that data quality, governance, and transparent reporting are now strategic priorities. From the UAE’s mandatory disclosure rules to Saudi Arabia’s push for green hydrogen projects, companies cannot afford to delay.

ESG courses provide the technical knowledge to measure emissions, map risks, and implement governance structures that meet international benchmarks. At the same time, sustainability courses broaden perspectives, preparing employees across departments to embed responsible practices into daily work.

By investing in this type of training, businesses in the UAE and GCC position themselves for competitiveness, attract global capital, and retain forward-thinking talent.

The Leading ESG Courses in 2025

Here are ten impactful ESG and sustainability courses to consider in 2025, based on international recognition, regional relevance, and practical outcomes.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standard Certification

• Agency: Global Reporting Initiative

• Duration: 3–6 months | Price: AED 5000 | Audience: Professionals with ESG experience

• Builds advanced reporting skills, helping companies publish transparent and credible sustainability reports aligned with global norms.

ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems

• Agency: ISO (delivered by accredited providers)

• Duration: 3 days | Price: AED 5480 | Audience: Open to all

• Offers practical training in carbon accounting and environmental management. A foundational course for GCC firms committed to structured sustainability systems.

SASB Certification by ISSB

• Agency: International Sustainability Standards Board

• Duration: 20–25 hours, self-paced | Price: AED 2165

• Ideal for finance and sustainability professionals. It provides tools to integrate ESG into valuation, risk assessment, and decision-making.

Certificate in ESG Investing – CFA Institute

• Agency: CFA Institute

• Duration: 100 hours | Price: AED 3266

• A high-impact course for investment professionals. It combines ESG theory with practical applications in portfolio analysis, making it one of the most valued ESG courses in the UAE.

ISO 20400 – Sustainable Procurement

• Agency: ISO (delivered by accredited providers)

• Duration: 3 days | Price: AED 1798–2165 | Audience: All skill levels

• Focuses on embedding sustainability into procurement and supply chains. Particularly relevant for GCC companies, where supplier networks are global and complex.

LEED Professional Certification

• Agency: U.S. Green Building Council

• Duration: Varies | Price: AED 2000+

• Recognised across the construction and real estate sectors in the GCC. Equips professionals to design and manage energy-efficient, low-impact buildings.

Carbon Literacy Training

• Agency: The Carbon Literacy Project

• Duration: 1–2 days | Price: AED 1500

• An accessible sustainability course designed to provide practical climate knowledge. Participants learn to measure, reduce, and effectively communicate their carbon impacts.

IEMA Certificate in ESG Management

• Agency: Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)

• Duration: 4–6 weeks | Price: AED 4500

• Covers ESG management, governance, and strategy. Tailored for professionals responsible for building corporate ESG frameworks in the GCC.

Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme

• Agency: University of Oxford

• Duration: 6 weeks | Price: AED 9500

• Executive-level training aimed at CSOs, board members, and senior leaders. Focuses on integrating ESG into corporate governance and decision-making.

CFA Sustainable Finance Certificate

• Agency: CFA Institute

• Duration: 8 weeks | Price: AED 5000

• Global recognition for finance professionals looking to align investments with sustainability goals. Highly relevant in the GCC’s growing sustainable finance market.

Benefits of Taking ESG and Sustainability Courses in the UAE and GCC

1. Compliance Readiness – Learn how to meet evolving regulations such as CSRD and UAE disclosure laws.

2. Career Growth – Professionals trained in ESG and sustainability are increasingly in demand.

3. Investor Confidence – Companies with certified staff show credibility and transparency to shareholders.

4. Operational Impact – Courses equip teams with the knowledge to reduce costs, minimise waste, and enhance operational efficiency.

5. Long-Term Value – Training builds a culture of innovation and prepares organisations for future market shifts.

Conclusion

The business case for ESG is no longer a matter of debate. In the UAE and GCC, companies that fail to act risk losing investor trust, customer loyalty, and a competitive edge. Enrolling in ESG courses and sustainability courses provides the expertise to comply with regulations and to lead with purpose.

From short-duration certifications, such as Carbon Literacy, to advanced executive programmes at Oxford, the spectrum of training available in 2025 is broad. Choosing the right course ensures professionals are prepared for a future where ESG knowledge is a baseline requirement for leadership.

For those ready to step forward, the moment to invest in training is now.