ESG Reporting in Qatar: Building a Sustainable Financial Future
Qatar is steadily embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its financial and corporate systems, driven by the Qatar National Vision 2030 and reinforced by evolving laws, policies, and market initiatives.
National Vision and Regulatory Foundations
The Qatar National Vision 2030 sets the tone for ESG integration across sectors. Updated Corporate Governance Codes, the Commercial Companies Law, and the Qatar Stock Exchange’s (QSE) ESG guidelines—first launched in 2016–17—have laid the groundwork for greater transparency and accountability.
QSE Leading ESG Disclosure
A member of the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative since 2016, QSE introduced formal ESG reporting guidance in 2017–18 and launched a Sustainability Dashboard to connect listed companies with investors through verified ESG data.
Central Bank’s ESG & Sustainable Finance Strategy
In 2024, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) unveiled a strategy focused on three priorities: managing climate and ESG risks, mobilizing capital for sustainable finance, and leading by example in its own operations.
Market Momentum and Green Finance
Green finance is gaining pace, with 2024 seeing $2.5 billion in green bond issuance. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) pioneered a Sustainable Sukuk & Bonds framework in 2022, aligned with ICMA green principles, and QCB has since introduced a Sustainable Finance Framework to support green Islamic finance and ESG disclosure.
Why ESG Matters for Qatar
ESG reporting strengthens investor confidence, supports Qatar’s climate and economic diversification goals, and builds a competitive edge in global markets.
Strategic Priorities Ahead
-Transition ESG reporting from voluntary to mandatory for QSE-listed firms
-Develop a national ESG taxonomy aligned with QNV 2030
-Expand green and sustainable finance products
-Enhance ESG data infrastructure and sector-wide awareness
