Why the Chief Sustainability Officer Role Matters in the GCC

National strategies, such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative, have set ambitious goals for carbon reduction, energy diversification, and social inclusion. Meeting these targets requires companies to go beyond surface-level reporting. It calls for leadership that can integrate sustainability into investment decisions, governance structures, and operational design.

This is where the Chief Sustainability Officer in the UAE and GCC proves indispensable. The role involves striking a balance between compliance with global ESG frameworks, building trust with regulators and investors, and guiding business models toward resilience and innovation.

From CSR Manager to Strategic Leader

Historically, sustainability leadership has resembled corporate social responsibility (CSR), characterised by community projects, recycling programs, and polished annual reports. The Chief Sustainability Officer of today is different. The modern CSO defines material risks, influences capital allocation, and sits alongside the CFO and CEO in investor briefings.

In the GCC, this change is particularly evident in sectors such as energy, finance, and real estate. Oil and gas firms are hiring CSOs to lead low-carbon transition pathways. Banks are elevating CSOs to ensure compliance with green finance regulations. Developers are relying on CSOs to design net-zero cities that align with national visions and objectives.

Core Responsibilities of the Chief Sustainability Officer

1. Strategic Integration CSOs identify the ESG issues that materially affect business performance and embed them into corporate strategy. This means deciding where to focus resources, which trade-offs to accept, and how to align long-term sustainability with profitability.

2. Investor Engagement Investors across the GCC are demanding credible ESG disclosures. A Chief Sustainability Officer today engages directly with shareholders, explaining how climate risks, human rights, and governance measures link to financial performance.

3. Regulatory Alignment With the UAE introducing mandatory emissions reporting in 2025 and GCC stock exchanges standardising ESG disclosure metrics, CSOs ensure that companies meet and anticipate compliance requirements.

4. Organisational Transformation Beyond reporting, CSOs foster a culture of sustainability within companies. They lead training, set internal KPIs, and collaborate with departments such as risk, compliance, and procurement.

Skills and Backgrounds of Modern CSOs

Unlike earlier generations, who often came from PR or corporate communications, today’s Chief Sustainability Officers bring diverse expertise. Many individuals have backgrounds in finance, supply chain management, public policy, or technology. This variety reflects the complexity of the role: sustainability now cuts across every aspect of a business.

In the UAE, CSOs frequently collaborate closely with regulators and ministries to align corporate actions with national climate goals. In Saudi Arabia, some CSOs come from engineering and project management backgrounds, supporting megaprojects like NEOM or the Saudi Green Initiative.

Challenges Facing Chief Sustainability Officers

While the role is expanding in influence, CSOs face structural challenges in the GCC:

• Data gaps: Many companies lack reliable ESG data collection systems, making it difficult to track progress.

• Limited resources: Sustainability teams are often underfunded compared to other corporate functions.

• Cultural resistance: Some boards and senior executives still see sustainability as peripheral rather than strategic.

• Regulatory uncertainty: Standards are evolving rapidly, requiring CSOs to anticipate shifts and prepare their organisations in advance.

Opportunities for CSOs in the UAE and GCC

Despite the challenges, the region presents significant opportunities for impactful leadership:

• Government support: National visions actively encourage the integration of corporate sustainability.

• Sustainable finance growth: Green bonds and ESG-linked loans are opening new markets, and CSOs play a central role in qualifying companies for this capital.

• Talent attraction: Younger professionals across the GCC want to work for purpose-driven companies. CSOs who design strong ESG strategies help attract and retain top talent.

• Global partnerships: Multinationals expect GCC companies to meet international standards, and CSOs act as the bridge, ensuring alignment.

The Future of the Chief Sustainability Officer

The Chief Sustainability Officer in the UAE and GCC is no longer a symbolic figure. In the coming years, the CSO will emerge as one of the most strategic voices in the boardroom, responsible for aligning sustainability with long-term corporate value creation and driving sustainable growth.

Whether guiding carbon neutrality projects, building transparent ESG disclosures, or ensuring human rights due diligence in supply chains, the CSO will shape how regional companies compete on the global stage.

For organisations, appointing a strong CSO is a strategic investment in resilience, credibility, and growth. For professionals, the role represents one of the most dynamic and influential career paths in today’s corporate landscape.

As ESG expectations grow sharper, the Chief Sustainability Officer becomes the architect of corporate transformation. In the UAE and GCC, where sustainability is tied to national identity and economic diversification, the CSO’s voice is indispensable. Companies that empower this role with resources, authority, and expertise will be the ones shaping a resilient, sustainable, and profitable future.