Forbes Middle East has recognised Amin Nasser, President & CEO, Saudi Aramco amongst the region's leaders for sustainability.

The business publication released its second annual list of sustainability leaders, recognising companies and leaders in 12 major sectors.

The list ranked companies based on their sustainability efforts, including ESG reporting, greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, water and energy usage, and renewable energy adoption.

The UAE led with 54 entries, followed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Financial investments in sustainability initiatives have increased across the region, reflecting a growing focus on environmentally responsible practices. First Abu Dhabi Bank facilitated $21.2 billion in sustainable and transition projects in the first half of 2024, while QNB Group contributed $3.5 billion to green loans in 2023.

Emirates NBD has facilitated over $20.4 billion in green, social, and sustainability-linked transactions since 2021.

Mashreq aims to facilitate $30 billion in sustainable financing by 2030, while Saudi Awwal Bank aims to grow its sustainable financing and investments to $9 billion by 2025.

In the renewable energy sector, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) signed three joint ventures in July 2024 to localize renewable energy projects.

EWEC in Abu Dhabi is working to meet 60% of the emirate's total power demand from renewable and clean energy sources by 2035.

Masdar acquired a 50 per cent stake in US-based renewable power producer Terra-Gen in March 2024.

Forbes' sustainability leaders in the Middle East in various sectors include:

Oil & Gas: Amin Nasser, President & CEO, Saudi Aramco.

Energy & Utilities: Jasim Thabet, Group CEO & Managing Director, TAQA Group.

Green Finance: Said Zater, Group CEO & Managing Director, Contact Financial Holding.

Environmental Services: Mohamed Al Ramahi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar.

Manufacturing & Industrials: Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO, NMDC Group.

Banking & Financial Services: Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).

Food & Agriculture: Abdullah Albader, CEO, Almarai.

Investment & Holding Companies: Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor, Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Real Estate & Construction: Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO, NEOM.

Technology & Telecom: Hatem Dowidar , Group CEO.

Transport & Logistics: Sultan bin Sulayem , Group Chairman & CEO, DP World.

Travel & Tourism: Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Group.