What UAE Regulators Are Really Looking For in Your ESG Report

Moving from optional to obligation, the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has made one thing clear: ESG reporting can no longer be ignored. With the introduction of Ministerial Decree No. 11 of 2023, companies operating in the UAE are now expected to meet clear, measurable sustainability targets, and back them up with data.

However, ESG compliance goes way beyond just ticking boxes. It’s centers around building trust with regulators, investors, and the market. For many companies, the challenge lies in knowing what to report and how to report it. Here are the three core expectations UAE regulators are focusing on, and how you can meet them simply, without needing a dedicated ESG team.

1. Embedded Emissions: Go Beyond Operational Metrics

Most businesses are familiar with tracking Scope 1 and 2 emissions, those tied to fuel consumption and electricity use. However, while not mandatory at the moment, under Decree 11, UAE regulators are pushing companies to go deeper by measuring embedded (or Scope 3) emissions. These are the emissions that are generated across your entire value chain, from suppliers to end-users.

Why it matters: Embedded emissions often account for more than 70% of a company’s total carbon footprint. Ignoring them means regulators and stakeholders aren’t getting the full picture.

How Fitsol helps: Our platform automatically maps emissions across your value chain, giving you end-to-end visibility from procurement to product delivery. With real-time insights and emissions hot-spotting, businesses can identify risks and reduction opportunities fast.

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2. Third-Party Verification: Show, Don’t Just Tell

UAE regulators are placing a strong emphasis on independent verification. Self-reported ESG data is no longer enough, your numbers need to be backed by certified third-party reviews that ensure transparency and credibility.

Why it matters: Verified ESG data contributes to investor confidence, reduces greenwashing risks, and aligns with international best practices like the ISSB and GRI frameworks.

How Fitsol helps: With audit-ready reports and verified data trails, Fitsol makes it easy to comply with the UAE’s assurance requirements. Our reporting output is compatible with most leading verification bodies, so you’re always a step ahead during regulatory review.

3. Value Chain Coverage: Look Beyond Your Own Operations

Decree 11 encourages companies to address upstream and downstream impacts, including how suppliers operate and how products are used post-sale. This broader approach means integrating ESG accountability across the full lifecycle of your business operations.

Why it matters: Regulators and international partners want to see that you’re not just sustainable in-house but that you influence sustainability across your ecosystem.

How Fitsol helps: Our Scope 3 engine simplifies supplier engagement, helping you assess, monitor, and improve sustainability across your vendor network. Plus, our dashboards track product lifecycle impacts, so you can report with confidence and take real action where it counts.

Why Fitsol is Your Easiest Path to UAE ESG Compliance

Most companies don’t have the luxury of an in-house ESG team, and with evolving regulations, the learning curve can be steep. Fitsol bridges that gap by offering a smart, intuitive ESG platform that automates your carbon tracking, streamlines reporting, and gets you compliance-ready, without the complexity.

Whether you're a manufacturer, exporter, or service provider, Fitsol helps you align seamlessly with UAE’s Decree No. 11 and other global mandates. Talk to Fitsol today and turn compliance into competitive edge.