Navigating ESG Challenges in GCC Family-Owned Businesses in the UAE and Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative study

Abstract

Sustainable business plans currently include environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors as essential elements. However, incorporating ESG principles is still a major obstacle in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), especially for family-run businesses in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This research explores the ESG-related difficulties that these companies face whilst pinpointing the primary obstacles to successful ESG adoption. By employing a qualitative approach encompassing in-depth interviews from 15 participants, the study identifies major themes such as lack of transparency in governance structures, lack of ESG awareness and competence, underdeveloped legislative frameworks, and deeply ingrained sociocultural norms as impediments in embracing ESG. In order to promote ethical and sustainable corporate practices throughout the GCC, the results highlight the urgent need for context-specific ESG frameworks and more regional regulatory norm alignment.