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
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