Advancing credible climate action and practical pathways to net zero

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) is one of the world’s largest global sustainability gatherings, hosted by Masdar and designed to accelerate sustainable development across energy, climate finance, smart cities, mobility, food, water, and emerging technologies. Established in 2008, ADSW convenes leaders from governments, business, and civil society to drive bold climate action and shape a more resilient future.

At the heart of ADSW is the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) — a global think tank and exhibition that brings together 50,000+ attendees, 450+ exhibitors, and 300+ speakers to showcase cutting‑edge solutions across clean energy, water, circular economy, smart cities, e‑mobility, AI, and pathways to 1.5°C. WFES serves as a platform for industry influencers, policymakers, and innovators to co‑create the blueprints for a sustainable future.

Fireside talk: Exploring SBTi pathways for low‑carbon cities

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has become a cornerstone for organisations and cities striving to align with net‑zero ambitions. Yet translating these pathways into the realities of urban design and mobility systems remains a challenge.

This fireside talk will explore how SBTi’s sector‑specific emissions guidance can be applied to the unique context of cities, where infrastructure, transport, and community needs intersect.

This session offers practical insights for policymakers, planners, and sustainability leaders on integrating SBTi guidance into city‑level strategies.

Panel: The growth of corporate green hushing

As organisations face increasing scrutiny over sustainability claims, many are becoming more cautious about publicly communicating their climate initiatives. This emerging trend — known as green hushing — sees companies quietly pursuing sustainability progress while avoiding terms such as “sustainable” or “net zero.”

Damian Regan joins fellow experts to unpack the implications of this trend and discuss how businesses can maintain integrity, transparency, and impact in their climate journeys.

Anthesis Middle East is delighted to announce that our Associate Director, Arvind Gautam, will be a featured speaker at STAGE Forum’25.

This one-day gathering brings together leading voices in AI, sustainability, and finance to explore how these dynamic forces intersect and drive transformation across industries.

About the Event

STAGE Forum’25 is designed as a platform for investors, innovators, and sustainability leaders to discuss forward-looking strategies at the intersection of technology and responsible investment.

Taking place at the DIFC FinTech Hive, Dubai’s global innovation hub, the event promises insightful discussions, peer exchange, and actionable pathways toward a low-carbon economy.

Arvind will be steering the dialogue on Green Finance and Investment Strategies covering:

• Risk management and opportunities for businesses and investors to align growth with responsibility.
• The evolving role of finance in driving climate-positive impact.
• Insights on climate finance policy instruments, including regulatory frameworks and market trends.

Panellists:

• Ashish Gokhale, National Bank of Fujairah
• Bartosz Janikowski, GND Partners
• Jaison John, Avia and Co.

Proactive today, safe tomorrow

Anthesis is proud to announce its participation in the DWC ES Safety Campaign 2025, taking place on Tuesday, 15th October 2025 at Dubai World Central (DWC) – Passenger Terminal Departure, Area 1.

This annual campaign, hosted by Dubai Airports, is a cornerstone initiative to strengthen the culture of Health, Safety, Environment, and Well-being. It brings together contractors, stakeholders, and industry experts to share knowledge, innovations, and best practices in occupational health and safety management.

Our long-term partnership with Dubai Airports

Since 2016, Anthesis has been a trusted partner of Dubai Airports, delivering a wide range of Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) inspections, remediation measures, and contractor management services.

Over the past nine years, our team has contributed to:

• Developing and updating EHS regulations across both Dubai World Central (DWC) and Dubai International (DXB) airports
• Supporting compliance with international standards and UAE legislation
• Providing ongoing expertise to identify risks, implement solutions, and promote safer working environments

A Commitment to Safer Airports

Participation in the DWC ES Safety Campaign 2025 reflects Anthesis’ ongoing commitment to supporting Dubai Airports in their mission to create a safer, more resilient, and environmentally responsible aviation hub. We look forward to connecting with contractors, stakeholders, and the wider airport community at this important event – and to continuing our journey of collaboration and innovation

Date: 30 April 2025, 8:45 AM UAE
Location: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Galleria Shopping Mall, Level B3, Al Maryah St, Al Maryah Island, MI1, Abu Dhabi

The Gulf Transition and Sustainable Finance 2025 is a flagship event designed to explore the region’s evolving landscape in sustainable finance, climate action, and the future of green investment. Bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and financial experts, the event aims to foster dialogue and share insights on the region’s role in the global transition to sustainability.

Panel Discussion: Outlook for the Sustainable Debt Market in the Middle East – How Will Transition Finance Develop?

Damian Regan will moderate a key panel focused on the sustainable debt market and the role of transition finance in the Middle East. The discussion will delve into several crucial aspects of the market’s development, including trends in issuance, sector growth, and the impact of emerging principles for transition finance.

Key topics of discussion

• Sovereign & Corporate Issuance in 2025: Will the record issuance seen in recent years continue? The panel will examine the outlook for sustainable debt issuance across both sovereign and corporate sectors in the Gulf region.
• Demand and Growth Prospects: Exploring the demand for sustainability-linked finance across various sectors and the future prospects for different types of financial instruments and labels.
• SL vs UoP Bonds & Loans: What are the trends in Sustainability-Linked (SL) versus Use of Proceeds (UoP) bonds and loans, and what are the implications for the region?
• Transition Loan Principles: With the development of Transition Loan Principles, the panel will discuss what impact this could have on the Gulf region’s market, and whether it could signal growth in the transition loan market. Could this also lead to a similar set of principles being adopted in the labelled bond market?
• Local vs International Banks: Examining the differences in how local and international banks approach sustainable finance and what this means for the region’s financial landscape.
• Addressing Greenwashing: How can the region address and dispel greenwashing claims in sustainable finance? What safeguards and strategies are needed to ensure genuine progress?
• Hard-to-Abate Industries: Discussing how transition finance accommodates hard-to-abate industries, and exploring the options available for labels that reflect regional realities and are inclusive of these sectors.

Why Attend?

• Gain unique insights from industry leaders and experts in sustainable finance.
• Explore the future of transition finance in the Middle East, with a focus on both challenges and opportunities.
• Learn about emerging principles, standards, and trends in sustainable debt markets.
• Understand how transition finance can support hard-to-abate industries and drive sustainable development.
• Engage with key stakeholders shaping the region’s sustainable finance future.

The European Commission has announced a new package of proposals aimed at streamlining sustainability reporting requirements. While these changes are still subject to legislative approval, businesses are left navigating an uncertain landscape—having already committed resources and needing clarity on how to move forward.

This special webinar is designed to help you confidently navigate this evolving space and answer any questions you may have.

Our expert panel discusses:

• The proposed changes, with a particular focus on the CSRD and its potential impact on businesses
• The timeline for legislative approval and what happens next
• How to address internal conversations around sustainability investments amid uncertainty
• Strategies to maintain momentum and make the business case for sustainability without regulatory clarity

During this webinar series, the Anthesis panel welcomed Michael Littenberg, Partner, and Marc Rotter, Counsel, at multinational law firm Ropes and Gray.

Anthesis Speakers

Date: 29 January, 2025
Location: Bahrain Sustainability Forum

On January 29, 2025, Damian Regan, one of Anthesis’ leading experts in sustainable finance, will deliver an insightful workshop at the Bahrain Sustainability Forum. This prestigious annual event brings together key decision-makers, sustainability leaders, and industry innovators to explore actionable solutions for a greener future.

What to expect from Damian Regan’s workshop

The workshop will focus on the transformative role sustainable finance can play in creating a low-carbon economy. Attendees will gain practical insights into:

• How sustainable finance frameworks, such as green bonds, ESG-linked loans, and sustainability performance targets, can unlock new growth opportunities.
• The latest trends and regulatory developments shaping sustainable finance in the Middle East and globally.
• Practical tools and strategies to integrate ESG principles into corporate finance and investment decisions.

The session will include interactive discussions and case studies showcasing how businesses and governments in the region are leveraging sustainable finance to meet sustainability targets while driving innovation and profitability.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, sustainability has become a critical aspect of corporate responsibility and success. Watch the recording of our webinar: “Leveraging Digital Solutions for Sustainable Performance,” to learn about how digital technologies can support sustainable performance management and drive effective sustainability initiatives.

During this webinar, you can expect to:

• Understand the sustainability imperative and its relevance in today’s business landscape.
• Discover innovative strategies for integrating digital technologies into sustainability initiatives.
• Explore real-world case studies and best practices of businesses successfully leveraging digital solutions for sustainable performance management.