Our world prospers due to individuals who have the courage to take action. In the UAE, a remarkable group of leaders is transforming ambition into tangible, measurable outcomes. These trailblazers shape national climate policy, innovate in renewable energy, and advance circular economy and sustainable transport solutions, proving that sustainability is more than just a strategy—it’s a shared responsibility. They motivate communities, steer businesses, and promote innovation, exemplifying that environmental protection and future security are collective endeavors. This first-ever editorial-driven list honors the UAE’s Most Influential Sustainability Leaders, visionaries whose passion, dedication, and leadership are paving the way for a greener, more resilient, and equitable world for future generations.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy
Minister of State for International Cooperation
Reem spearheads the UAE’s global partnerships and sustainable development goals, emphasizing international climate alliances and humanitarian initiatives. She plays a crucial role in establishing the UAE as a leader in global sustainable cooperation.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber
Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology
Dr Sultan, the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and COP28 President, propels the nation’s green agenda, advocating for energy transition to stimulate economic growth while enhancing environmental sustainability and reinforcing the UAE’s global climate leadership.
Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi
Minister of Climate Change and Environment
Dr Amna leads UAE’s environmental initiatives, collaborating with government, private sector, startups, and communities to achieve Net Zero 2050, safeguard ecosystems, boost agriculture and fisheries, develop agri-tech, enhance biodiversity, accelerate climate action, and ensure national food security.
Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi
Environmental Advisor to Ajman Government
Known as the ‘Green Sheikh,’ Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi advocates for environmental education, conservation, and renewable energy. He is devoted to mentoring young leaders, inspiring global stewardship, and promoting a sustainable future through advocacy and awareness efforts.
Razan Al Mubarak
Managing Director, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi | IUCN President
Razan has dedicated decades to leading the sustainability dialogue in the UAE, spearheading environmental protection, species conservation, and climate action initiatives across West Asia and globally, shaping policies and programs for a greener, more resilient future.
Dr Nawal Al Hosany
Permanent Representative of UAE to IRENA
Dr Nawal, an award-winning advocate for women’s leadership in sustainability and climate action, drives the energy transition, promotes renewable energy, and dismantles gender barriers, inspiring more women to enter and lead in the global energy sector.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi
CEO, Masdar
With over three decades in the energy sector, Mohamed has transformed Masdar into a global renewable energy leader, expanding its clean energy portfolio beyond 50GW and setting an ambitious 100GW target by 2030.
Majd Fayyad
Founder, MajdTalks
Majd, a senior strategy expert and award-winning engineer, has received multiple accolades for advancing sustainability. He champions decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and green building initiatives while influencing energy, water, mobility, and circular economy policies in the UAE.
Mohammed Abdulkareem Alshamsi
Chief Officer – Climate Change & Sustainability, Dewa
Mohammed leads Dewa’s sustainability and climate initiatives, focusing on carbon reduction, SDG alignment, and the Circular Economy Framework. As Acting Executive Director of UAE Water Aid Foundation, he advances global water access and sustainable innovation through award-winning programs.
Ibrahim Al-Zu’bi
Group Chief Sustainability & ESG Officer, Adnoc
Ibrahim leads Adnoc’s sustainability and ESG strategy, driving the energy transition and advancing Net Positive initiatives. A recognised thought leader, he serves on multiple global and regional sustainability boards, promoting climate action, circular economy, and responsible corporate governance.
Alia Busamra
Chief Sustainability & Climate Change Officer, Enoc
Alia leads Enoc’s sustainability and climate change initiatives, shaping strategy, governance, and performance targets. With over 20 years of experience, she drives decarbonisation, energy transition, and resource efficiency, establishing best practices and representing the organisation in national and international sustainability forums.
Ali Al Dhaheri
Managing Director & CEO, Tadweer Group
Ali leads Tadweer Group’s sustainability and circular economy initiatives, transforming waste into a critical resource. Driving waste-to-energy, recycling, and resource recovery, he advances Abu Dhabi’s zero-waste goals while fostering innovation, partnerships, and sustainable infrastructure across the UAE and the region.
Khaled Al Huraimel
Group CEO and Vice-Chairman, Beeah Group
Khaled leads the group’s sustainability and innovation efforts, advancing zero-waste initiatives, waste-to-energy, and smart, AI-integrated infrastructure. By merging technology and sustainability, he drives circular economy solutions, regional partnerships, and sustainable urban development.
Shadi Malak
CEO, Etihad Rail
Shadi oversees the development of the UAE’s national railway network, prioritising sustainable transport solutions that promote environmental preservation and economic growth. Etihad Rail drives renewable energy adoption, low-carbon freight initiatives, and strategic partnerships, supporting the nation’s Net Zero 2050 goals.
Ayla Bajwa
Senior Vice-President Sustainability, DP World
Ayla is a sustainability leader with over 20 years of experience driving impactful change across corporate and multilateral sectors. She leads DP World’s global sustainability strategy, embeds responsible practices across operations, and shapes pragmatic, collaborative, data-driven solutions.
Raji Hattar
Sustainability Advisor, Abu Dhabi Ports Group
Raji is a sustainability leader with over 30 years’ experience shaping ESG strategies for global organisations. He champions renewable energy, fleet electrification, and carbon reduction initiatives while driving policy, innovation, and impactful change through green finance and international collaboration.
Yasir Ahmad
Partner and Leader, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY MENA
Yasir leads EY’s regional sustainability practice, advising governments and businesses on ESG, net-zero, circular economy, and responsible investments. With two decades’ experience, he advances sustainability reporting, assurance, and climate adaptation strategies across multiple sectors worldwide.
Eugene Mayne
Founder & CEO, Tristar Group
Eugene leads the Middle East’s largest private energy logistics provider with operations in 30+ countries. A UN Global Compact board member, he advocates sustainability, safety, and responsible business, earning multiple global industry honours.
Habiba Al Mar’ashi
Co-Founder and Chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group
An Emirati environmentalist, Habiba founded the Emirates Environmental Group with the aim of protecting the environment through the means of education, action programmes and community involvement. Under Habiba’s leadership, the group successfully brought together members of the community to engage in sustainable practices.
Faisal Mohammed ALShimmari
Executive Vice President, Head of ESG & Corporate Strategy, Mashreq Bank
Faisal is a sustainability and ESG leader with nearly 30 years’ experience. He drives environmental, social, and governance initiatives, aligning strategies with sustainable growth, climate action, and impactful programmes.
Vijay Bains
Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Emirates NBD
Vijay is a sustainability and ESG leader with over 20 years’ experience. He drives ESG strategy, sustainable finance, and climate-focused initiatives while advancing monitoring, disclosure, and sustainability practices, leveraging his background as an environmental and climate scientist.
Dr Ioannis Spanos
Vice President – Sustainability, Expo City Dubai
Dr Ioannis leads decarbonisation, certifications, and environmental initiatives. With 25+ years’ expertise in energy transition and climate strategies, he drives sustainable solutions for global projects, aligning technical delivery with stakeholder engagement and impact.
Manosij Ganguli
Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Aramex
Manosij spearheads energy sector decarbonisation, advocating carbon-neutral solutions across entire value chains. He engages policymakers, industry leaders, and financiers to accelerate adoption of hydrogen, CCS, and sustainable fuels, embedding climate solutions into global energy and industrial systems.
Najeeba Hassan Al Jabri
Chief ESG & Sustainability Officer, Emirates Global Aluminium
Najeeba leads sustainable innovation in aluminium operations, embedding Industry 4.0, AI, and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. A trailblazer for women in heavy industry, she advances operational excellence and sustainable performance at EGA.
Badr Jafar
CEO, Crescent Enterprises
Badr champions sustainability through global initiatives in climate action, humanitarian financing, and strategic philanthropy. A UN and COP28 advisor, he advances responsible business, social entrepreneurship, and partnerships supporting transparency, innovation, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Josef Schmidhuber
Chief Sustainability Officer, Pure Harvest Smart Farms
Josef has shaped global sustainability dialogue through senior roles at FAO, OECD, and IPCC. His research on food security, nutrition, and climate links trade and innovation with sustainable development, influencing international policy and industry practices.
Yohaan Cama
Corporate ESG and Sustainability Lead, Gems Education
Yohaan leads sustainability in construction, steering science-based strategies towards Net Zero. With experience on 25+ green developments across Asia and the Middle East, he embeds sustainable practices in design and delivery of built environment projects.
Dominic Nowell-Barnes
Founder, The Giving Movement
Dominic disrupted the fashion industry with a 100% sustainable and philanthropic brand that redefined the industry. He started the company to challenge climate change and unethical practices, thus creating a guilt-free shopping experience with proceeds going to nature preservation and humanitarian aid.
Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais
Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, Emirates Foundation for Youth Development
Khuloud championed the integration of sustainability into the Emirates Foundation, which began launching an annual sustainability report. She also leads strategy development and partnerships to build youth capacity and reduce food loss and waste.
Dimitrios Dimitriou
Group Vice President of ESG & Sustainability, EMSTEEL Group
Dimitrios is recognised for advancing ESG leadership, helping EMSTEEL secure a provisional “AA” MSCI ESG rating, among the steel industry’s highest. A global thought leader, he champions climate action, GHG reduction, and sustainable industrial transformation on international platforms.
Nazly Asadollahpour
VP Sustainability, Majid Al Futtaim Holding
Nazly is a sustainability and ESG leader, who drives positive environmental and social impact. She develops and implements strategies, champions sustainable practices across operations, and advances reporting, responsible finance, and cross-industry ESG initiatives.
Jaydeep Anand
Chief Development & Sustainability Officer, FIVE Holdings
Jaydeep champions sustainable hospitality, making FIVE Hotels the world’s first 100% LEED Platinum hotel group. He drives green bonds, renewable energy adoption, and operational excellence, achieving record ESG ratings and measurable carbon, water, and waste reductions.
Ellora-Julie P.
Chief Sustainability Officer, Al-Futtaim
Ellora-Julie is a sustainability leader with over 20 years’ experience driving strategic and ESG transformation globally. She specialises in regulatory strategy, environmental compliance, and stakeholder engagement, delivering impactful programmes that advance sustainable growth, climate action, and cross-industry ESG excellence.
Stephanie Asgill
Head of Sustainability, Dubai Holding
Stephanie brings over 18 years of sustainability expertise, implementing ESG strategies and carbon management in complex energy projects in the region. She advances governance, safety, and stakeholder partnerships to deliver long-term environmental and social impact.
Florence Bulté
Chief Sustainability Officer, Chalhoub Group
Florence leads global ESG and sustainability strategy, embedding ethical, environmental, and social practices across the business. She drives materiality assessments, cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and philanthropy programmes while championing climate action, human rights, DEI, and responsible business practices worldwide.
Abdelrahman Elsherif
Group Sustainability Manager, Agthia Group
Abdelrahman drives Agthia’s sustainability agenda, leading ESG strategies and circular economy initiatives. His award-winning work advances sustainable product innovation and operational excellence across food and beverage industries in the Middle East and Europe.
Fazil Abdul Rahiman
Group Director Sustainability & Climate Change, Taqa
Fazil integrates sustainability into business strategy, leading pioneering projects in energy transition, decarbonisation, ESG strategy, and sustainable finance. He partners with governments and corporates to deliver climate resilience, carbon markets innovation, and performance improvement across the region.
Walid Sheta
President, Schneider Electric Middle East and Africa
Walid advocates sustainability as a strategic necessity. He champions energy efficiency, smart cities, and digital solutions, highlighting UAE initiatives and partnerships that cut industrial energy use, reduce emissions, and boost competitiveness.
