Galadari Brothers lead UAE corporate sustainability with mangrove restoration efforts

As the United Arab Emirates continues its ambitious journey towards sustainability, one of the nation’s longstanding business conglomerates has emerged as a notable example of corporate commitment to environmental stewardship. Galadari Brothers, established in 1960 and recognised as a pioneering force in various sectors—including media, engineering, hospitality, and real estate—has recently taken significant strides to embed sustainability into its core operations and corporate philosophy.

The company’s approach, which moves beyond traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, is articulated through its latest sustainability reports. In 2023, Galadari Brothers published its inaugural sustainability report, marking a departure from sporadic environmental efforts and signalling a structured, measurable commitment founded on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Their 2024 report, released in early 2025, adopts the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework, offering a transparent overview of the group’s performance on key sustainability indicators. This report aligns its internal practices with the UAE Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focussing on areas such as climate impact, waste management, ethical supply chains, energy efficiency, and employee wellbeing.

Central to Galadari Brothers’ recent environmental initiatives is their support for nature-based solutions, in particular mangrove restoration. Mangroves are increasingly recognised for their vital role in climate mitigation efforts, offering coastal protection and serving as significant carbon sinks. The UAE has set an ambitious goal of planting 100 million trees by 2030, embedding mangrove restoration at the heart of its ecological strategy.

On 2 February 2025, coinciding with World Wetlands Day, Galadari Brothers facilitated a mangrove planting and educational event at the Al Zorah Mangrove Forest in Ajman. Employees actively participated in kayaking and tree-planting exercises designed to foster a deeper connection with the local ecosystem and highlight the importance of mangroves in preserving coastal environments and combating climate change. Beyond this awareness-raising endeavour, the company has committed to sponsoring the planting of 10,000 mangrove trees as a substantive contribution to national environmental aspirations.

This initiative forms part of a broader cultural shift within the company, which integrates sustainability into both its strategic trajectory and everyday activities. Galadari Brothers’ changing perspective is reflected in its efforts to both engage its workforce in conservation projects and benchmark its corporate practices against international standards. The group’s sustainability roadmap encompasses enhancements in energy use, waste reduction, governance, and employee wellbeing, illustrating a comprehensive, forward-looking approach to business resilience and social responsibility.

While the planting of 10,000 mangrove trees may seem modest on a global scale, Galadari Brothers views this effort as emblematic of a fundamental belief that meaningful environmental impact originates from deliberate choices and a commitment to long-term legacy. This view reinforces the idea that sustainability in the corporate sector is evolving from a peripheral concern to a central component of strategic decision-making.

As the UAE intensifies its efforts to realise a greener future, initiatives such as those undertaken by Galadari Brothers demonstrate the role of private sector entities in advancing national ecological goals. The company’s blend of practical action, environmental education, and transparent reporting sets a benchmark for how businesses can contribute tangibly to climate resilience and sustainable development.

The Khaleej Times, which has chronicled over four decades of the UAE’s transformation, reports that the evolution of corporate sustainability, exemplified by Galadari Brothers, marks a significant moment in the ongoing integration of purpose and profit within the nation’s economic landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services