The CARE ESG Awards by Trescon and ESG Mena recognised the region’s most outstanding leaders, changemakers, and industry shapers driving sustainability, clean energy, climate resilience, and responsible growth.
Held during the inaugural edition of climate action, renewable energy & sustainability forum, CARE 2025, the awards spotlighted high-impact contributions driving measurable progress across environmental stewardship, renewable energy deployment, resource efficiency, social value creation, and transparent governance.
“The CARE ESG Awards spotlighted initiatives that exemplify innovation, transparency, and measurable outcomes, setting a benchmark for sustainability, social responsibility, and climate excellence in the region.” said Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO, Trescon.
He continued “Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding contributions, commitment, and influence in advancing the region’s transition to low-carbon, sustainable, and responsible growth.”
The CARE ESG Awards included an exclusive gala dinner and gathered changemakers from finance, energy, healthcare, education, mobility, and technology to honour initiatives demonstrating tangible impact across MENA.
Sal Jafar, CEO, ESG Mena said “Attended by policy makers, enterprises, innovators, investors, and other members of the sustainability ecosystem, the CARE ESG Awards underscored the growing prominence of ESG practices in advancing MENA’s economic, environmental, and social development.”
Winners were recognised across fifteen categories, each reflecting a critical pillar of the region’s sustainability transformation.
- Best ESG Industrial Program Award – Arabian Gulf Steel Industries (AGSI)
- Best ESG Program in Education Award – GEMS Education
- Impactful Renewable Energy Project Award – NMDC Group
- ESG Personality of the Year Award – ADNOC Distribution
- Impact Finance Award – Riyad Bank
- Best ESG Food, Water & Agritech Program Award – Taqa Water Solutions
- ESG Governance Award – Dubai Chambers
- Green Health Award – Burjeel Hospitals
- Industrial Recycling Award – Envirol by Alserkal
- ESG Social Contribution Award – ADNOC Distribution
- Tech Solution Advancing ESG: Water Technology Award – Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC)
- Best Clean Energy Campus Award – University of Dubai
- Sustainable Development Leader Award – Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil
“GEMS Education is honoured to receive the Education ESG Program Award, a recognition of our commitment to embedding sustainability and responsible practices across both our learning environments and operations,” said Yohaan Cama, Head of Corporate Sustainability, GEMS. Jay Verkey, Deputy CEO, added, “We will continue to push the boundaries of what responsible, future-ready education should look like for our communities, our students, and the region.”
Riyad Bank commented, “Riyad Bank is honoured to receive the CARE ESG Award, a recognition that reflects the tangible progress we are making toward building a more sustainable and resilient financial sector in our region…. This acknowledgment reinforces our determination to elevate our efforts and to continue playing a leading role in shaping a more sustainable future for our customers, communities, and the region.”
“We are honoured to receive the CARE ESG Award, which reaffirms our commitment to sustainable healthcare…. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and strengthens our resolve to support the UAE’s sustainability agenda and move confidently toward our net-zero goals,” said Dr. Mujtaba Ali Khan, CEO of Burjeel Medical City.
Asam Hussain, Founder & CEO of AGSI, said “Low-carbon steel is becoming a key consideration in the region’s development plans, and this has been a defining focus for AGSI from the outset. Independent verification of our emissions performance has built confidence in what we deliver and is influencing expectations in a hard-to-abate sector. Receiving a third award this month recognises the contribution we are making to this shift.”
Beyond the ceremony, the awards fostered dialogue, collaboration, and transformation among the region’s sustainability champions. Winners and participants underscored the awards’ role in not only celebrating achievement but also driving actionable change and shaping the region’s ESG agenda for years to come.
The CARE ESG Awards will continue being the catalyst that transforms regional sustainability ambitions into demonstrable competitive advantage.
