
ADIB advances sustainable finance agenda with Dh17.3 billion in sustainable finance mobilised
ABU DHABI (WAM) Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has reported the mobilisation of over Dh17 billion in sustainable finance as of year-end 2024, marking continued progress toward its Dh60 billion sustainable finance commitment by 2030.This update coincides with the release of ADIB's 2024 Sustainability Report, which details material advancements in climate alignment, ESG governance, and inclusive growth in line with UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy and UAE 2031 vision.This year's report highlights key achievements, including the publication of ADIB's first sector-specific financed emissions targets, making it the first Islamic bank in the region to set such interim 2030 targets.These cover six high-emission sectors, such as real estate, utilities, and home finance, aligned with IEA Net Zero scenarios and the UAE's national decarbonisation strategy.As part of its commitment to international best practices, ADIB also conducted a double materiality assessment in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) to evaluate both the financial and societal impacts of its activities, a critical step to understand the material impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs) on the economy, environment, and people.ADIB's Double Materiality Assessment was performed within the context of each of the ESRS topical standards, covering environmental, social, and governance issues.ADIB also published its inaugural Green Sukuk allocation and impact report for its $500 million Green Sukuk issuance. As of December 2024, 90% of proceeds have been allocated toward renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable water infrastructure, contributing to over 607,000 tonnes of estimated annual avoided emissions.Operationally, ADIB reported an 87% drop in Scope 1 emissions compared to 2022 and a 3.51% reduction in Scope 2. These improvements reflect continued investments in energy efficiency, electrification, and operational optimisation across the Group.Commenting on this, Mohamed Abdelbary, Group Chief Executive Officer at ADIB, said, 'Putting sustainability at the heart of what we do is one of the three key pillars of our 2035 vision. We're proud of the progress we're making, and how we're using our financing to contribute to the transition of our customers and the economy. Our latest sustainability disclosures reflect our steadfast commitment to ethical, inclusive, and climate-aligned banking. From leading the region in green sukuk to setting the benchmark on sectoral decarbonisation, we are taking decisive steps toward a low-carbon future.Abdelbary added, 'Our double materiality assessment reinforces ADIB's commitment to credible, decision-useful disclosure. It ensures we understand not only how sustainability impacts our business but how our business impacts the environment, society and economy. This is central to how we plan, report and act.
ADIB continued to strengthen its social impact agenda in, achieving a 44% Emiratisation rate, with women comprising 72% of UAE national hires and 39% of the total workforce.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Al Etihad
14 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE's non-oil foreign trade surges in H1 2025, growing 14 times faster than global average: Al Zeyoudi
30 July 2025 18:01 ABU DHABI (WAM) Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said that the UAE achieved historic figures in non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2025, with a growth rate exceeding 24.5%.The total value reached over Dh1.7 trillion, a rate 14 times higher than the global average of approximately 1.75%, reflecting the strength of the UAE's long-term economic strategies and forward-looking statements to Emirates News Agency (WAM), Al Zeyoudi revealed updates on the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). He noted that the country has concluded 28 agreements, with 10 already in force, and between three and six more expected to be signed before the end of the Zeyoudi congratulated the UAE's wise leadership and business community on the unprecedented trade results, attributing the success to the nation's sustained strategic planning and sound economic highlighted the vital role played by the UAE's expanding international partnerships, comprehensive economic system, and advanced logistics infrastructure in solidifying the country's position as a global trade said that imports rose by 22.5%, reinforcing the UAE's position as a major global re-export centre. Re-export value increased by 14% to reach approximately Dh389 billion, emphasising the country's pivotal role in global supply added that non-oil exports witnessed a significant leap to nearly Dh370 billion, three times their value five years exports accounted for more than 21.4% of total foreign trade, demonstrating the effectiveness of the UAE's diversification strategy and industrial sector also highlighted the outcomes of the National Industrial Strategy, which focused on transitioning from re-exporting to direct exporting and on targeting specific markets through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs). This strategic shift, he noted, has contributed to market diversification and significantly enhanced the global competitiveness of UAE-made noted that trade with India recorded a growth of nearly 34%, while trade with Türkiye surged by over 40%, underscoring the tangible impact of the UAE's open economic policy and proactive engagement with global markets. The opening of international markets to Emirati producers, exporters, and manufacturers, alongside efforts to attract foreign direct investment, constitutes a core pillar of the nation's trade strategy, Al Zeyoudi said in conclusion.


Gulf Business
18 hours ago
- Gulf Business
UAE launches Advertiser Permit: New rules every brand should know
Image credit: WAM/Website The Read- The initiative is part of a broader framework aimed at creating a flexible, forward-looking regulatory environment that aligns with the fast-paced evolution of the media industry. It also aims to enhance content quality, boost sector appeal for investment, and attract creative talent and skilled professionals, The permit is designed to protect the rights of both content creators and the public by introducing clear guidelines for digital advertising. It seeks to reinforce transparency, uphold professional standards, and strengthen the UAE's status as a global hub for advertising content production. Regulating a rapidly evolving industry Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, said the launch marks a key milestone in developing the country's media governance. 'This initiative is a pivotal step in evolving the regulatory ecosystem for advertising activities across digital platforms,' Al Shehhi stated. 'It reflects our vision of building an integrated media model that aligns with digital progress and strengthens governance through defined standards that protect public rights.' He emphasised the importance of creating a media environment rooted in transparency and credibility, adding that the permit introduces clear advertising guidelines that enhance user trust and align with ongoing digital transformations. Al Shehhi highlighted the UAE's growing appeal as a global destination for digital creatives, citing the country's advanced infrastructure, flexible legislative framework, and investor-friendly environment as major contributors to its success. 'We are committed to supporting the content economy as a key component of the future economy,' he added. 'Creative talent is the foundation of this rapidly growing sector, both locally and internationally.' Permit details and implementation timeline Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Strategy and Media Policy Sector at the UAE Media Council, said the Advertiser Permit is a regulatory tool that empowers content creators and ensures higher quality in digital advertisements. The permit will be mandatory for all individuals engaged in digital advertising and will take effect in three months. This lead time allows content creators to regularise their status and apply for the required approvals. To encourage compliance, the permit will be issued free of charge for the first three years. Existing valid permits will remain in force until they expire, after which renewal applications can be submitted. Al Suwaidi urged businesses and institutions to engage only with individuals licensed by the council, in line with professional standards, to ensure the quality and reliability of advertising content. In addition, Visitor Advertiser Permits will be activated simultaneously with the full implementation of the system. The council plans to announce a list of approved advertising and talent agencies in the near future. Exemptions and compliance requirements Not all individuals will be required to obtain the permit. Exemptions include: Individuals promoting products or services of their own or of companies they own, using personal accounts Individuals under 18 involved in educational, cultural, athletic, or awareness campaigns, provided these align with applicable age classification laws However, even exempt users must still comply with UAE media content standards. The permit number must be clearly displayed on registered social media accounts. Moreover, no advertisement may be published unless it originates from an account officially registered with the council and tied to a valid permit. Permit holders are also prohibited from allowing other individuals or entities to post advertisements through their accounts. In cases where additional regulatory approvals are required—depending on the nature of the advertisement—permit holders must obtain such approvals before publishing the content. Visitor advertiser permit guidelines The newly introduced Visitor Advertiser Permit is specifically for foreign content creators visiting the UAE for short-term promotional activities. Applicants must register through a licensed and council-approved advertising or talent management agency authorized to operate in the UAE. The Visitor Advertiser Permit will be valid for three months, with a one-time renewal option for an additional three months.


Gulf Business
19 hours ago
- Gulf Business
UAE firms must register for corporate tax by July 31 to avoid Dhs10,000 penalty
Image: Getty Images The As of now, more than 33,900 registrants have already benefited from the initiative, according to the FTA. The announcement, made via a press release and reported by WAM, emphasises that timely action through the EmaraTax digital platform is essential to qualify for the penalty exemption. The initiative applies to businesses whose first tax period follows the calendar year—from January 1 to December 31, 2024. To qualify for the waiver, eligible registrants must both complete their Corporate Tax registration and file their first Corporate Tax Return (or annual declaration for exempt persons) no later than seven months from the end of their first financial year—by July 31, 2025, for most. Failure to meet the deadline will result in the automatic imposition of a late registration penalty of Dhs10,000, the FTA warned. Read: The FTA clarified that the penalty waiver only applies to the first tax period of a taxable or exempt person and that there is no need to file a separate request for penalty reconsideration. If a penalty has already been paid, the Dhs10,000 amount will be automatically credited to the taxpayer's Corporate Tax account in EmaraTax. This credit can either be used to offset future tax liabilities or refunded by submitting a refund application. To help taxpayers understand eligibility criteria and procedural requirements, the FTA has published a detailed public clarification document. It explains the conditions for benefiting from the waiver, outlines the refund mechanism for previously paid penalties, and provides examples across different scenarios. The document is available on the FTA's official website under the title: The FTA encouraged all eligible entities to act promptly, stating that early compliance not only avoids financial penalties but also supports the broader objective of ensuring a smooth and effective rollout of the UAE's Corporate Tax regime.