Sustainability in the GCC | Online Program

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Sustainability Transition in GCC Nations
Your path to becoming a sustainability expert

Start Date:

Sept 24, 2025

Duration:

6 weeks Online

3-4 hours per week

Course Fees:

$2,495 USD

About the program

Sustainability for Middle Eastern Key Sectors is a cutting-edge executive education programme designed to equip organisations across the region with the knowledge and tools to meet the UAE’s landmark Decree 11—now in effect from May 30, 2025. This new national mandate requires all companies* operating in the UAE to report their carbon emissions annually, setting a new compliance and transparency standard across sectors.

This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of essential sustainability concepts and metrics, key industry-specific regulations in the GCC, decarbonisation strategies, national energy strategies, green business models, government initiatives, carbon markets, and the related opportunities and challenges associated with the transition. Successful key industry-specific case studies from other regions will be examined.

The objective of the GCC is to achieve continuous economic growth while significantly reducing harmful emissions. This decoupling of GDP growth from CO₂e emissions growth has been particularly successful in the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

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Learning Outcomes

Understand the foundational principles of sustainability in a GCC context, including planetary boundaries, life-cycle thinking, and the role of data and KPIs in tracking environmental impact.

Analyse the sustainability strategies and national agendas of GCC countries, with a focus on decarbonisation, energy transition, food and water security, waste management, and innovation.

Interpret and apply new sustainability-related laws and regulations, including international agreements (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement) and GCC-specific compliance frameworks across key industries.

Navigate leading ESG reporting standards and frameworks (ISSB IFRS, GRI, UNSSE), assess materiality, and develop strategies for effective ESG disclosure and compliance.

Evaluate the structure and function of global carbon markets, distinguishing between compliance and voluntary mechanisms, and assess how organisations in the GCC can participate effectively.

Apply sustainability concepts to specific industry contexts, using real-world examples to identify challenges, regulatory requirements, and emerging opportunities tailored to the cohort’s sectors.

Your Learning Journey

Introduction to Sustainability in a GCC Context

This foundational module introduces you to the core principles of sustainability through the lens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. It begins by exploring the concept of planetary boundaries and the environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate—providing a global perspective that frames local responsibility.

You will gain a working understanding of key sustainability concepts such as the triple bottom line, systems thinking, and circular economy principles, before examining how these are being interpreted and applied across GCC nations.

The module will also introduce tools like life-cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impact of products and services from cradle to grave. Emphasis will be placed on identifying and measuring sustainability performance using key performance indicators (KPIs), with a focus on data collection, interpretation, and reporting.

By the end of this module, you will have a clear grasp of the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing the GCC and will be equipped with analytical frameworks to assess and improve organisational sustainability practices.

Sustainability Ambitions and Strategies of the GCC

This module delves into the bold sustainability visions and policy frameworks shaping the future of the GCC region. You will explore national strategies and roadmaps for decarbonisation, energy transition, food and water security, waste management, and innovation—all critical pillars in achieving environmental and economic resilience.

Each country within the GCC has articulated unique yet complementary goals aligned with international climate commitments, and this module will examine how these are being operationalised at a national and sectoral level. From net-zero pledges and hydrogen strategies to food sovereignty initiatives and circular waste systems, you will gain insight into the region’s multi-faceted approach to sustainable development.

The module also emphasises the role of research and development (R&D) in driving sustainability innovation, as well as the importance of robust KPIs and accurate data collection in tracking progress.

By the end of this module, you will understand the strategic direction of GCC governments and be better positioned to align their organisation’s sustainability agenda with regional priorities.

Shifting to Green Economies: New Regulations and Laws in the GCC

This module explores the regulatory transformation driving the GCC’s transition toward green and low-carbon economies. You will examine how international climate commitments—such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement—are influencing national legislation and regional cooperation.

The module will unpack the evolution of local laws across the GCC that aim to promote environmental protection, emissions reductions, and resource efficiency. Key topics include the introduction of ESG disclosure requirements, carbon pricing mechanisms, renewable energy mandates, and sustainable procurement policies. The module also investigates how new and emerging regulations are being tailored to specific industries—such as construction, oil and gas, aviation, and finance—each with its own compliance frameworks and sustainability reporting expectations.

By understanding the shifting regulatory landscape, you will be better equipped to ensure organisational readiness, navigate legal obligations, and turn compliance into a competitive advantage within the emerging green economy of the GCC.

ESG Reporting Standards, Strategies, and Compliance

This module provides a comprehensive overview of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting frameworks and compliance obligations, with a focus on their application within the GCC’s evolving regulatory and investment landscape. You will be introduced to the key global standards that are increasingly shaping corporate disclosure practices, including the ISSB’s IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UNSSE) initiative.

The module will examine how these standards address materiality, transparency, and stakeholder expectations—helping organisations determine which ESG issues are most significant to their operations. A deep dive into the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol will equip you with practical guidance on measuring and reporting emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3.

Real-world case studies from both regional and international companies will illustrate best practices in ESG strategy, data governance, and regulatory alignment. By the end of the module, you will be able to interpret, apply, and communicate ESG data in a way that supports compliance, builds trust with stakeholders, and adds strategic value to their organisation.

Carbon Markets

This module introduces you to the fundamentals and evolving landscape of carbon markets, with a focus on their relevance to the GCC region and its integration into global climate finance mechanisms. It begins by distinguishing between compliance carbon markets—driven by regulatory obligations—and voluntary markets, which allow organisations to offset emissions through the purchase of verified carbon credits.

You will explore how these markets function, including the mechanisms for credit generation, verification, trading, and retirement. The session will examine the role of market dynamics, such as supply and demand, pricing trends, and the credibility of offset projects. Special attention will be given to how GCC countries are positioning themselves within this global ecosystem—both as potential suppliers of high-quality credits (e.g., through renewable energy or carbon capture projects) and as participants in international schemes.

By the end of the module, you will understand how carbon markets operate, the risks and opportunities they present, and how organisations in the GCC can strategically engage with them to meet decarbonisation targets and demonstrate climate leadership.

GCC Industry Relevant Module:

This module is designed to provide a tailored exploration of sustainability within the industries most relevant to the participating cohort. Depending on the sectoral makeup of the group, the module will focus on specific industries such as aviation, construction, retail, energy, finance, or logistics—each with its own regulatory landscape, operational challenges, and sustainability opportunities within the GCC.

You will examine sector-specific drivers of change, including new compliance requirements, ESG expectations, decarbonisation pressures, and emerging consumer or stakeholder demands. The module will highlight practical solutions, regional and global best practices, and innovation trends transforming these industries, from low-carbon technologies and sustainable materials to digital reporting tools and green finance mechanisms.

Through targeted case studies and interactive discussion, you will gain actionable insights directly aligned with your professional context—helping you anticipate regulatory shifts, align with national strategies, and lead sustainability initiatives within your own organisations and sectors.

Key Takeaways

Strategic Clarity on GCC Sustainability Landscape
Gain a clear understanding of the policies, regulations, and national strategies shaping the sustainability transition across the GCC—and how to align your organisation with them.

Practical Tools for ESG Integration and Compliance
Learn how to implement leading ESG frameworks, interpret material sustainability data, and meet emerging reporting and regulatory requirements with confidence.

Industry-Relevant Insights and Actionable Solutions
Explore real-world, sector-specific challenges and innovations, equipping you to drive sustainable transformation in your own industry context and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Sustainability Transition in GCC Nations
Your path to becoming a sustainability expert

By clicking the button below, you agree to receive communications via Email/Call/WhatsApp, and SMS from XED Online about this program and other relevant programs. View our terms and privacy policy.

About the program

Message us if you want to learn more.

Learning Outcomes

Your Learning Journey

Carbon Markets

GCC Industry Relevant Module:

Key Takeaways

All the participants who successfully complete their program will receive an XED Online Executive Education Certificate of Completion

Sustainability Transition in GCC Nations Your path to becoming a sustainability expert

By clicking the button below, you agree to receive communications via Email/Call/WhatsApp, and SMS from XED Online about this program and other relevant programs. View our terms and privacy policy.

About the program

Message us if you want to learn more.

Learning Outcomes

Your Learning Journey

Key Takeaways

All the participants who successfully complete their program will receive an XED Online Executive Education Certificate of Completion

Sustainability Transition in GCC Nations
Your path to becoming a sustainability expert