Arabia CSR & Sustainability Awards 2023 Celebrates Leaders In Responsible Business Across Arab Region

The Arabia CSR Network recently celebrated the 18th cycle of its CSR & Sustainability Awards. The event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, honoured leaders in responsible business from across the Arab region. The awards, which began in 2008, have grown into a regional benchmark for sustainability.

Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Founder and CEO of the Arabia CSR Network, highlighted the award's evolution from a simple recognition programme to a comprehensive platform that includes recognition, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building. She noted that the number of award categories has expanded from three to 16, reflecting increased commitment to sustainable practices in the region.

This year’s awards saw new organisations making up 41% of applicants. Al Mar’ashi stated that these winners have set new standards in sustainable business practices. The criteria for the awards align with international frameworks for sustainable development and include an independent judging process that provides detailed feedback to participants.

The current cycle received 141 applications from 109 organisations across 10 Arab countries. Many first-time participants achieved high rankings, showcasing progress in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. However, there was a slight decline in participation from the financial sector compared to last year.

The ceremony recognised winners across 16 categories including energy, education, healthcare, hospitality, and government sectors. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority won in the Large Government Institutions category. Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation and Fujairah Environment Authority were awarded in Medium and Small Government Institutions categories respectively.

In the Energy Sector category, ADNOC Distribution emerged as a winner while Bahrain Development Bank was recognised in Financial Services. Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès took home the Large Business category award. Oman Flour Mills and KEZAD Group shared honours in Medium Business while Transworld Group won Small Business.

Private Sector Recognition

Other notable winners included Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina in Hospitality Sector and Galadari Automobiles in Automotive Sector. Innovo Group was recognised in Construction Sector while Sfanah Charity Organisation for Health Services won Social Enterprises category. Amman Arab University excelled in Education Sector and Bahrain's Ministry of Interior was acknowledged for Partnerships and Collaborations.

Carbon Neutrality Efforts

The year 2025 emphasised carbon neutrality strategies and circular economy models. There was a notable rise in sustainability reports submitted—70 compared to 42 last year—marking a 67% increase. Most reports adhered to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, indicating growing transparency among Arab institutions.

The Arabia CSR Network expressed gratitude towards its partners including Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) as Platinum Sponsor and McDonald’s UAE as Silver Sponsor. China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East also supported the event alongside Farnek which helped make it carbon neutral.

Since its inception, this award has honoured 394 winners from 14 Arab countries with over 1,781 applications covering more than 45 sectors. It remains an esteemed platform for recognising excellence in sustainability within the Arab world while promoting ESG culture throughout the region.

With inputs from WAM