Sustainability has become a defining strategic priority across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Once reliant on fossil fuels, nations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are now leading a major transition toward low-carbon economies, green technologies, and climate-resilient policies. For executive search and sustainability recruitment specialists such as Hanson Search, this transformation is not only reshaping the energy and finance sectors but also redefining the leadership skills and structures organisations will need for the future. As sustainability becomes more deeply integrated into economic strategy, the demand for experienced leaders in this space is building momentum — attracting increasing international attention and investment.
Ambitious Goals and Transformative Policy
The UAE has positioned itself as a regional climate leader, setting bold national targets backed by actionable frameworks. In November 2024, the country raised its ambitions to achieve a 47% reduction in emissions by 2035 compared with 2019 levels. Sector-specific goals underpin this strategy, such as a 79% absolute reduction in building-sector emissions through deep efficiency, electrification and renewable energy deployment. This shift is reinforced by the Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 on the Reduction of Climate Change Effects, which comes into effect on 30 May 2025. It requires local authorities to develop climate mitigation and adaptation plans and introduces mandatory greenhouse-gas monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) for businesses. Non-compliance could incur penalties of up to AED 2 million, underscoring the government’s commitment to measurable progress. Such policies send a strong signal to investors and international partners that sustainability is now a regulated, data-driven priority — one that will require leaders with technical depth, cross-sector collaboration, and a firm understanding of compliance and reporting.
Mobilising Green Finance
The GCC’s green transition is being accelerated by the expansion of sustainable finance. The UAE has been a frontrunner in green and sustainability-linked bonds, using them to fund large-scale solar, wind and energy-efficiency projects. Sovereign wealth funds are also directing significant resources toward clean-energy and climate-tech investments. For example, Mubadala Investment Company is supporting projects in solar power, electric vehicles and energy storage across global markets. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of the UAE has set a target to mobilise AED 1 trillion (approximately USD 272 billion) in sustainable finance by 2030, embedding sustainability firmly within the financial system. This expansion of green capital is steadily increasing the need for sustainability-focused professionals in finance, investment and corporate strategy who can integrate ESG principles, assess climate risks and drive transparent reporting.
Attracting and Retaining Climate Champions
Delivering on these ambitions requires not only policy and capital, but also world-class talent. Recognising this, the UAE has introduced innovative long-term visa schemes to attract and retain sustainability professionals. The Blue Visa, launched in its first phase, offers a 10-year residency for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability. It applies to scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs and project leaders, ensuring that the UAE continues to attract global expertise to drive its green transformation. Complementing this, the Golden Visa programme has evolved beyond capital attraction to actively target highly skilled professionals in AI, climate technology and advanced digital sectors. In 2023, around 60% of Golden Visas issued in Dubai went to professionals outside traditional investor categories — a clear indicator of the nation’s pivot toward specialised, knowledge-driven talent. Long-term residency options such as these give global executives flexibility, independence from employer sponsorship and the confidence to build lasting careers in the UAE’s fast-developing sustainability ecosystem.
The Future of Sustainability Recruitment in the UAE
The UAE’s combination of bold climate targets, innovative finance mechanisms and progressive visa policies is positioning it as a global hub for sustainability leadership. While demand for sustainability professionals is still emerging, the trajectory is clear and accelerating. Organisations that invest early in building the right leadership capabilities will be best placed to shape and benefit from the region’s green transformation.
At Hanson Search, we specialise in sustainability recruitment and executive search across the UAE and GCC — helping organisations identify, assess, and appoint leaders who can deliver on national and corporate sustainability strategies. Our team partners with public and private entities, sovereign funds, and family offices to build leadership capability aligned with the region’s decarbonisation and innovation goals. As the green economy gathers momentum, those who prioritise talent will be the ones defining the next decade of sustainable growth across the Gulf.
Johnny Goldsmith leads the global Sustainability & ESG practice at Hanson Search.
Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing, and sales.
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