Dubai, UAE, October 14, 2026 – The Arabia CSR Network successfully concluded the 19th Cycle of the Arabia CSR & Sustainability Awards with a prestigious ceremony held under the patronage and presence of H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, President of Ras Al Khaimah Civil Aviation Authority and Member of the Executive Council of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. The event recognised organisations demonstrating outstanding leadership in corporate responsibility, ESG and sustainable development across the Arab Region.
Now in its 19th cycle, the Awards continue to serve as one of the region’s most rigorous platforms for benchmarking sustainability performance, recognising organisations that are moving beyond commitments and embedding measurable environmental, social and governance practices into their strategies and operations.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Founder & CEO of the Arabia CSR Network, said: “We have entered an era where sustainability must move beyond promises and demonstrate impact. Organisations today are being asked not simply what they intend to achieve, but what they have actually changed. Are emissions declining? Are resources being used more responsibly? Are communities benefiting? Is governance becoming more accountable? And, importantly, where is the evidence?”
Reflecting on the evolution of the Awards since their establishment in 2008, Dr Habiba noted that the sustainability landscape has transformed dramatically. What began at a time when ESG, net-zero commitments and sustainability reporting were far less prominent in regional business has evolved into a platform that enables organisations to independently assess, benchmark and continuously strengthen their sustainability performance.
She added: “The Awards are much more than a recognition programme. They provide organisations with an opportunity to examine themselves, benchmark their progress and identify where they need to improve. Our responsibility is not simply to recognise excellence; it is to challenge organisations to become better.”
The 19th Cycle received 109 applications, with 70 reaching the jury tables from six Arab countries, representing 38 different sectors. A particularly encouraging feature was the strong participation of new entrants, with 44.5% of applicants entering the Awards for the first time. The Awards also received 33 Sustainability Reports, reinforcing the importance of transparency, accountability and performance measurement.
Despite continuing geopolitical instability and economic pressures, sectoral representation increased to 38 sectors compared with 37 in 2025. The independent jury observed that scores in 2026 were generally higher than in the previous cycle, indicating increasing maturity in sustainability practices. Competition was exceptionally close in several categories, particularly within the hospitality sector.
Dr. Habiba commented: “Numbers tell us about participation, but quality tells us about progress. What has been particularly encouraging this year is the calibre of the applications. We are seeing organisations move from isolated initiatives towards integrated ESG strategies, from general commitments towards measurable KPIs, and from reporting activities towards asking the difficult but much more important question: what changed as a result?”
The 2026 winners and special recognition recipients are:
• Small Business Category: Transworld
• Medium Business Category: Atyab Group
• Large Business Category: Schneider Electric
• Small Public Sector Category: Fujairah Environment Authority (Tie) and Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club (Tie)
• Medium Public Sector Category: Sharjah Housing Department – Special Recognition
• Large Public Sector Category: Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
• Energy Sector Category: Saudi Aramco – Western Region Distribution Department
• Financial Services Category: First Abu Dhabi Bank
• Hospitality Sector Category: FIVE HOTELS
• Construction Category: Innovo
• Healthcare Sector Category: Aster DM Healthcare
• Social Enterprise Category: Friends of Football Players Charity Association
• Partnerships and Collaborations Category: Dubai Municipality (Tie) and Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club (Tie)
• Automotive Category: Galadari Brothers
• Education Sector Category: Hebron University
Beyond recognising winners, the Awards provide participating organisations with detailed independent jury feedback highlighting strengths, gaps and opportunities for improvement. The rigorous evaluation process makes participation itself an opportunity for capacity building and continuous improvement.
Dr. Habiba added: “There are no unsuccessful participants in these Awards. Every organisation willing to examine its governance, environmental performance, social impact, partnerships, innovation and transparency has already taken an important step forward. An Award is not simply a trophy to display – it carries responsibility. Our winners should celebrate their achievements, but tomorrow the bar needs to be raised again.”
The 2026 cycle comes at a critical point in the global sustainability agenda, with 2030 approaching and organisations accelerating efforts towards net-zero and sustainable development goals. The Awards reflect changing expectations, including stronger ESG governance, credible climate strategies, measurable environmental performance, responsible supply chains, stakeholder accountability, community impact, innovation and transparent reporting.
On the role of technology, Dr Habiba emphasised: “Technology can help us analyse emissions, optimise resources and make better-informed decisions, but it cannot provide us with purpose. It cannot replace leadership, integrity or accountability. Those remain human responsibilities.”
The Arabia CSR Network extended its sincere appreciation to long-standing Silver Sponsor McDonald’s UAE and China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East. The Awards were made carbon neutral with the support of Farnek. Appreciation was also extended to the Emirates Environmental Group (Environmental Partner), Gulf News (Official Communication Partner), and media supporters Biz Today International, Climate Control, Pan Asian Media and Green Sustainability. Special thanks were given to Dabur and One Hive for their contribution to the ceremony.
Concluding her remarks, Dr. Habiba called upon organisations across the Arab Region: “Turn commitments into performance. Turn data into decisions. Turn partnerships into impact. Turn innovation into solutions. And turn ambition into measurable change. Because history will not judge us by the promises we made – it will judge us by the differences we made.”
As the Awards approach two decades of recognising sustainability excellence, the Arabia CSR Network remains committed to strengthening its role as a regional platform for benchmarking, knowledge-sharing, capacity building and responsible business leadership.
About the Arabia CSR Network
The Arabia CSR Network is a professional multi-stakeholder organisation established in the UAE in 2004, devoted to advancing the principles and practices of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in the Arab Region. For more information, visit www.arabiacsrnetwork.com.
