ESG Insight – The UN Endorsement of the GRI Standard: Impact and Expectations
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) held in Seville from June 30th to the 3rd of July 2025 resulted in the document “Compromiso de Sevilla,” or Seville Commitment. The Summit was held with the general aim of reducing the widening gap in financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the Global Reporting…
ESG Insight – Why are ESG Reporting Standards Becoming Mandatory?
Introduction As investors, consumers, employees, and other stakeholders continue to gain awareness of sustainability, they have come to demand accountability from businesses. This, in turn, has left companies with no choice but to embrace “Environmental, Social and Governance” (ESG) measures in their strategic planning. ESG measures and reports on how business management is impacting the…
ESG Insight – Why Stricter ESG Oversight is Driving Down Greenwashing Activities in Qatar
In the business world, it’s not uncommon to see companies try to get an edge over their competitors. Unfortunately, when it comes to ESG and sustainability, things can quickly take a deceptive turn. Greenwashing gets introduced into company operations and company’s disguise compliance failures in falsified positive narratives. However, it seems that increased ESG oversight…
Partnerships and Sustainability: How Business Deals are Advancing Solar Projects in the GCC Region
Introduction The GCC region is increasingly prioritizing solar energy as it continues progressive march towards a renewable and sustainable future. According to the numbers from data platform Statista, electricity generation within the solar energy market is expected to reach 12.23bn kWh in 2025. However, beyond the quick adoption rate, there is a crucial business angle.…
ESG Insight – Why Integrating Circular Economy Principles in GCC Construction is an Urgent ESG Imperative
Introduction: A Sector at a Crossroads The construction industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is booming powered by mega projects like Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, and the UAE’s Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Yet, these projects could result in carbon emissions and potential environmental degradation. As governments across the GCC pledge net-zero emissions and…
Legal Insight – Potential Legal Risks of Failing to Disclose Climate‑Related Financial Risks in Qatar’s Capital Markets
Introduction As climate change intensifies and international investors demand greater transparency, financial regulators worldwide are tightening disclosure frameworks. In Qatar, this trend has accelerated with the proposed adoption of global sustainability standards, specifically the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)’s International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2, for capital market reporting. These frameworks will become…
Legal Insight-Navigating the ESG Legal Maze: Qatar and the GCC’s Regulatory Evolution
Introduction: The Legal Crossroads of ESG in the GCC As global markets embrace sustainability, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is undergoing a fundamental shift, one that’s legal, strategic, and irreversible. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance is no longer a marketing checkbox. It’s become a cornerstone of legal accountability and economic competitiveness, especially in Qatar,…
Legal Insight – Why Sustainability Clauses are Transforming Mega Infrastructure in the GCC
Introduction to Sustainability Clauses Sustainability clauses are rapidly becoming a core component of mega infrastructure contracts across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Embedded in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) as well as Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contracts, these clauses legally bind contractors to meet specific environmental, social, and governance (ESG) benchmarks. Typically defined as Key Performance…
Legal Insight – Carbon Markets and Offsets in Qatar: Legal Roadblocks and Strategic Implications Under QNE
Introduction Qatar is at a pivotal crossroads in its journey toward environmental sustainability. With the launch of the Qatar National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (QNE), the nation has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with global climate goals. One of the critical tools in this transformation is the development of robust carbon…
Legal Insight – Climate Litigation and Legal Standing in GCC Courts: Current and Future Considerations
Introduction Climate litigation is gaining momentum globally as governments and corporations face increasing pressure to act on climate change. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the conversation is emerging slowly but meaningfully. Although GCC countries are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, climate-related legal challenges…