Submit your CV
Submit your CV / Resume
logo Header 2025
Submit Your CV

The UAE Climate Law ripple effect on ESG recruitment

Back to Blog

The UAE Climate Law ripple effect on ESG recruitment

new era for ESG recruitment in the UAE influenced by new climate law

The UAE’s new Climate Law introduces clear compliance requirements that are reshaping the ESG job market. As a result, ESG recruitment in the UAE is gaining momentum, with companies under pressure to hire professionals who possess the right mix of regulatory, technical, and strategic skills. This article highlights the roles seeing the highest demand, the skills becoming essential, and what employers should do now to attract and retain top ESG talent in the UAE.

How the UAE Climate Law is driving ESG recruitment in the UAE

Roles that will grow in demand

As businesses transform their strategies to meet regulatory and sustainability goals, the demand for ESG professionals in the UAE is expected to rise sharply. Organisations across sectors will require in-house expertise to manage climate risk, improve emissions performance, and align with reporting standards. High-growth roles include ESG analysts, sustainability managers, net-zero consultants, carbon accountants, and climate risk officers. Specialists in circular economy and sustainable supply chain management are also expected to be in high demand.


Skills and competencies that are becoming essential

Professionals working in ESG roles will need to understand both domestic regulations and international standards such as the EU’s CSRD and ISSB frameworks. Familiarity with ESG and climate reporting software—including platforms like Enablon, Workiva, and Sphera—will be increasingly valuable. Professionals must be able to engage stakeholders, communicate climate risks clearly, and translate technical data into strategic insights. In sum, a cross-functional mindset that bridges policy, operations, and finance will be critical for navigating this complex and fast-moving space.

What companies need to do now?

 

Develop an ESG talent acquisition strategy

Now that the UAE climate law is in force, companies must act decisively to develop an ESG talent strategy that aligns with the new regulatory landscape. Organisations must ensure they have the internal capabilities to meet reporting obligations, manage climate data, and embed sustainability into core business operations. This may involve upskilling existing teams through targeted training and certifications, recruiting new ESG specialists, or partnering with a dedicated ESG recruitment firm such as EnableGreen that understands the regulatory demands and emerging skillsets needed in sustainability hiring. The right approach—whether building talent from within or hiring externally—will depend on each organisation’s size, structure, and stage of maturity in its ESG journey.

At the same time, companies should work on strengthening their employer brand. Talented ESG professionals are in high demand and often seek roles that align with their values. Positioning the organisation as a purpose-driven, climate-conscious employer will be key to attracting and retaining the right talent.

Challenges in the ESG recruitment in the UAE

The demand for ESG professionals currently outweighs supply, particularly in rapidly evolving markets like the UAE, where regulatory reforms are moving faster than the talent pipeline. Companies are encountering several hiring challenges: a limited pool of candidates with the required regulatory expertise, inflated salary expectations due to competition, and the need to source talent internationally for niche or senior-level sustainability roles. Remote and hybrid work models may help widen the talent pool, but these alone are not enough. To build long-term ESG capability, businesses must invest in strategic workforce planning, upskilling, and sustainable talent acquisition models.

This is where EnableGreen ESG recruitment agency provides a distinct advantage. We connect organisations with pre-vetted sustainability professionals who understand the complexities of regulatory compliance, carbon reporting, and climate governance. Our global reach and local market insight make us particularly well-positioned to help UAE-based companies access hard-to-find talent, navigate salary benchmarking, and build high-performing ESG teams that align with both compliance needs and corporate values.

 

Conclusion: The Link Between Policy and People

 

At EnableGreen, we see the introduction of the UAE climate law marks a decisive moment in the country’s sustainability journey. It is shaping corporate responsibility and transforming the future of work. The organisations that succeed under this new framework will be those that understand the link between policy and people—those that recognise that compliance, innovation, and talent strategy must move together.

Building a workforce that is ESG-literate, strategically aligned, and future-ready becomes mandatory. For professionals in the field of sustainability, this law opens a new chapter in what is set to become one of the UAE’s most dynamic employment sectors.

 

“Sustainability leadership and transformation start with people. The UAE’s law is forcing a rethink of what kind of teams, skills, and mindsets are needed for the next decade.” — Hayatte Loukili, Co-founder of EnableGreen

 

Read more about The UAE Climate Law means for Businesses 

Looking to build your ESG workforce in the UAE?  Request a consultation with EnableGreen or explore our current ESG talent solutions

For professionals seeking to transition into sustainability. Explore our latest job opportunities or grow your career with us.

Connect with us on LinkedIn for ESG hiring insights, market updates, and job opportunities.

Let’s continue the conversation

Share your perspective on LinkedIn and join the discussion with other sustainability and business leaders

Share this article

Sign up for newsletter

You agree to our Terms & conditions

Continue reading

Shortage of Renewable Energy Talent: How to Attract, Build and Retain Talents in this Competitive Landscape?

Read

The Top 10 Most In-Demand Sustainability Jobs in 2025

Read

What sustainability issues matter most to businesses?

Read

Celebrating International Women’s Day – The Crucial Role of Women in Building a Sustainable Planet

Read

Most Popular Searches

Candidates Library

Get Sustainability Job Market update straight to your inbox.

Logo EnableGreen Footer

EnableGreen, ESG & Sustainability Recruitment is your Partner in Green Talent Acquisition.

Quick Links

New York office

phone

+1 917 268 94 74

Contact

London Office

phone

+44 20 8079 2464

Contact

Dubai Office

phone

+971 58 163 4540

Contact

© 2024 All rights reserved by EnableGreen

youtube
linkedin

Who we are and What we do

We are an exclusive Sustainability and ESG Executive Search and Recruitment Agency, offering both permanent and temporary contracts recruitment solutions, across all sectors. We assist employers find their next great hire in ESG and Sustainability Integration/ Green Energy & CleanTech/ Responsible Investment, Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing.

The Paris Agreement at COP21 identified capacity building as a core challenge our governments, institutions, organisations and civil society need to overcome to build a sustainable world.
Companies need to build business strategies and develop activities to keep growing and create value for their shareholders without exhausting resources or harming future generations. Therefore, engaging in building a decarbonised and equitable economy is at the core of their mission and success in the long term. Their ability to build resilience of human and ecological systems will enable them to navigate this ever-evolving world.
As a recruitment agency, we truly believe, we have a substantial part to play in equipping those thriving businesses with the best candidates to conquer those challenges.
Our purpose is to support businesses in their sustainability journey by connecting them with the best talents in the ESG and Sustainability job market.
We focus to provide tailored solutions to our clients’ needs and enhance candidates’s experience in finding their ideal jobs.

Qualifications and Education: Building Expertise in the Field

In terms of qualifications, academic programs and certifications in sustainability and ESG management have gained prominence. Universities and professional organisations offer courses and certifications that equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the field. Additionally, relevant degrees in environmental science, sustainability, business administration, and finance are highly valued by employers.
The ESG and sustainability job market is experiencing significant growth and offers diverse opportunities for professionals. Dedicated roles, as well as the integration of ESG knowledge into traditional job functions, highlight the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategies. Specialized skills, regulatory expertise, and industry knowledge are highly sought after.
​As companies strive to embed ESG practices into their operations, professionals with ESG expertise will continue to play a crucial role in driving positive change and shaping a sustainable future.

Diverse Opportunities: ESG and Sustainability Across Industries

The ESG and sustainability job market is not limited to specific industries. While sectors such as renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable finance have a well-established presence, organisations across diverse industries are recognizing the need to prioritize ESG and sustainability practices. From manufacturing and retail to technology and healthcare, professionals with ESG expertise are sought after to drive sustainability initiatives and help companies future-proof their operations.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: Compliance and Governance Expertise

The increasing regulatory focus on ESG factors has led to a rise in demand for professionals who can navigate the evolving compliance landscape. Knowledge of relevant regulations and frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is highly valued. This includes expertise in managing ESG risks, conducting audits and assessments, and implementing sustainable governance structures.

Specialised Skills and Knowledge: Key Areas in High Demand

The ESG and sustainability job market also offers opportunities for specialised skills and knowledge. Professionals with expertise in renewable energy, circular economy, sustainable supply chain management, impact investing, and environmental conservation are in high demand. Additionally, individuals with experience in sustainability reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), are sought after to ensure transparent and standardized reporting.

ESG Expertise in Traditional Job Roles: The Integration of Sustainability Principles

Another emerging trend is the growing importance of ESG expertise in traditional job roles. Professionals in finance, legal, marketing, operations, and human resources are increasingly expected to have a solid understanding of ESG principles and their implications for their respective fields. For example, financial analysts need to assess the financial risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, while marketing professionals must effectively communicate a company’s sustainability initiatives to consumers.

Dedicated ESG and Sustainability Roles: A Shift Towards Holistic Approaches

One significant trend in the job market is the rise in dedicated ESG and sustainability roles. Previously, these responsibilities were often dispersed across different departments, such as corporate social responsibility, environmental management, or investor relations. However, as companies recognize the need for a holistic approach, they are creating specialised positions such as ESG managers, ESG analysts, and corporate sustainability officers. These roles focus on integrating ESG considerations into business strategies, measuring and reporting on sustainability performance, and engaging with stakeholders.

ESG and Sustainability Job Market Trends

The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability integration job market has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years. As companies worldwide recognize the importance of incorporating ESG principles into their operations, the demand for professionals with expertise in this field has surged. This article will explore the evolving landscape of the ESG and sustainability job market, highlighting key trends and opportunities.
The integration of ESG and sustainability practices into business strategies has become a top priority for organisations across industries. This shift is driven by various factors, including the increasing awareness of climate change, social justice issues, and corporate governance standards. As a result, companies are actively seeking professionals who can navigate the complexities of ESG and sustainability and drive positive change within their organizations.
EnableGreen
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.