Can SMEs Lead Abu Dhabi’s Sustainability Transition?

As conversations around sustainability continue to shape the future of business, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry is stepping into Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 with a clear and steady focus on the private sector - especially, SMEs.

Taking place from 11 to 15 January, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week brings together policymakers, businesses and innovators from around the world. For the Abu Dhabi Chamber, its participation reflects a longer-term approach rather than a one-off presence: helping businesses adapt to sustainability not as a trend, but as a practical way of staying competitive and prepared for the future.

Supporting businesses through the sustainability shift

Over the years, sustainability has moved from being a “nice to have” to something businesses are increasingly expected to address - by customers, investors and regulators alike. The Chamber’s role during the week centres on bridging this gap for private-sector companies, many of which are still navigating what sustainability actually means for their operations.

With a strong focus on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, the Chamber continues to promote sustainable business practices that are realistic and measurable. These include improving operational efficiency, managing risks more effectively, accessing new markets and strengthening eligibility for financing. For SMEs, these factors can make a tangible difference to long-term stability.

Introducing the Sustainability Label Programme

Coinciding with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the Chamber has announced the launch of its Sustainability Label Programme - a new initiative designed to help businesses assess and improve their sustainability performance in a structured way.

Rather than positioning sustainability as a box-ticking exercise, the programme focuses on practical guidance. Participating companies receive access to sustainability assessments, expert-led workshops, maturity measurement tools and tailored reports that highlight priority areas for improvement. One-to-one advisory support and targeted capacity-building programmes are also part of the process.

For businesses, the label is intended to strengthen credibility in the market and open doors to opportunities in financing, investment and international trade. Companies taking part in the programme’s first cycle will be recognised during the week, offering visibility for those that have begun integrating sustainability into their core operations.

A platform at the World Future Energy Summit

As part of its engagement, the Abu Dhabi Chamber is also present at the World Future Energy Summit exhibition, one of the key components of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Through a dedicated pavilion, the Chamber is showcasing its sustainability-related initiatives and the support it offers to businesses transitioning towards more responsible models.

The pavilion also features three Chamber member companies working in the sustainability space. These businesses are using the platform to demonstrate real-world applications of clean energy and sustainability solutions, while exploring partnerships and growth opportunities in both local and international markets.

Building readiness, not just awareness

Commenting on the Chamber’s participation, H.E. Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, noted that sustainability has become central to building an economy that can adapt to future changes. He highlighted the Chamber’s role in supporting private-sector readiness and aligning business growth with long-term economic objectives.

H.E. Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, echoed this view, describing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week as a platform for strengthening partnerships and encouraging more resilient business practices. He emphasised the importance of helping companies improve efficiency and expand access to markets and financing - key concerns for many SMEs.

A steady role in a changing landscape

Through initiatives like the Sustainability Label Programme and its ongoing engagement with the private sector, the Abu Dhabi Chamber continues to position itself as a practical partner for businesses navigating sustainability. Rather than focusing on big promises, its approach centres on gradual improvement, measurable impact and long-term competitiveness.

As Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week brings together discussions across energy, finance, water, food, technology and the environment, the Chamber’s presence highlights a simple message for SMEs: sustainability is no longer separate from business growth - it is increasingly part of how businesses stay relevant and resilient in a changing economy.