At Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week – ADSW, Karim moderated a timely roundtable on the nature-positive transition in the UAE.
H.E. Razan Al Mubarak joined the discussion and provided an inspiring keynote address showcasing her unwavering dedication to helping businesses embark on their nature journey.
The roundtable marked the launch of a key initiative led by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), in partnership with Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), Global Climate Finance Centre, and Roland Berger.
Special thanks to Mercedes Vela Monserrate, CEO of GCFC and convener of the UAE TNFD Consultation Group; Shargiil Bashir, CSO of FAB; Carlos Ponte (Masdar); and Tajeshwar S. Goyal, CFA from Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), for their collaborative efforts in bringing this important initiative to life.
The room was overflowing with energy, with invaluable contributions from a diverse group across sectors – including HSBC, Zurich Insurance, ADQ and Mubadala from the financial sector; TAQA Group, EMSTEEL Group, G42, and Al Dahra from industry; and Emirates Nature-WWF, Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and The Mangrove Breakthrough from the nature conservation community, among others.
My three key takeaways from this constructive discussion:
- The business case for nature is shaping up, and UAE businesses across sectors are ready to embark on their nature journey – the momentum is building
- Mindset and governance challenges remain, but the path forward is clear: capability building and shared languages that connect nature to financial value
- Nature makes business sense when we think long-term – the winners will be those bold enough to value generations over quarters
The initiative is designed to unfold over 2026, culminating in a report ahead of ADSW 2027 that will track how UAE businesses across sectors translate nature-related risks into long-term value.
