ISO 26000: Why social responsibility matters now more than ever in the Gulf region

In a world increasingly shaped by sustainability, ethics and social impact, businesses are under growing pressure to demonstrate that they are more than just profit-generating machines. Stakeholders today, whether customers, investors, employees or regulators are paying attention not only to what companies produce but also to how they behave. In the Middle East and Gulf region, this shift is gaining remarkable momentum.

As governments and industries embrace ESG goals and sustainable development visions, ISO 26000 has emerged as a valuable framework to guide organizations on their social responsibility journey.

Understanding ISO 26000

ISO 26000 is an international standard that provides guidance, not requirements, on how organizations can operate in a socially responsible manner. Unlike ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, it is not a certifiable management system. Instead, it serves as a reference point for integrating social responsibility into organizational strategies, policies and operations.

The Seven Core Subjects of ISO 26000

Organizations applying ISO 26000 are encouraged to evaluate and act across the following areas:

1. Organizational Governance - Strong governance is the foundation of social responsibility. It ensures accountability, transparency, ethical decision-making and stakeholder engagement, guiding the organization’s overall commitment to sustainability.

2. Human Rights - Organizations are expected to respect and promote fundamental human rights, such as freedom from discrimination, fair treatment and protection against exploitation, both within their operations and across their value chains.

3. Labour Practices - This covers fair employment, safe working conditions, social dialogue and professional development. It emphasizes respect for workers’ rights, health, safety and opportunities for growth.

4. The Environment - Organizations should reduce their environmental footprint by managing resources responsibly, mitigating pollution, supporting biodiversity and contributing to climate change solutions.

5. Fair Operating Practices - This involves ethical conduct in business relationships, including anti-corruption, responsible political involvement, fair competition and promoting social responsibility within the supply chain.

6. Consumer Issues - Organizations should provide safe, reliable products and services, ensure accurate marketing and information, protect consumer health, data, and privacy and promote sustainable consumption.

7. Community Involvement and Development - Beyond compliance, socially responsible organizations contribute to local communities through job creation, education, skills transfer, cultural support and partnerships for social and economic development.

These are built upon seven foundational principles: accountability, transparency, ethical behavior, respect for stakeholder interests, rule of law, international norms of behavior and human rights.

Why Now - Especially in the Gulf?

The push for social responsibility in the Gulf region is no longer aspirational; it is becoming institutional. Here are the key drivers accelerating ISO 26000 adoption in the Middle East.

ESG Becoming Policy, Not Just Preference

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are actively integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks into national strategies. The UAE’s Net Zero 2050 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 are examples of long-term commitments that prioritize inclusive and sustainable growth.

According to the Dubai Chamber’s 2025 ESG Pulse Survey, 72% of UAE businesses are aware of ESG principles, and 50% have already implemented ESG-related measures.

As a result, in 2023, the UAE Cabinet approved a mandatory ESG disclosure requirement for companies listed on local stock exchanges, while Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched an ESG strategy aligned with the UN SDGs.

Rising Expectations from Investors and Consumers

Institutional investors, especially those aligned with ESG mandates, are increasingly scrutinizing the social and environmental impact of businesses in the Gulf. A 2024 PwC Middle East survey found that 68% of investors would consider divesting from companies that fail to take ESG seriously.

Meanwhile, consumer behavior is shifting. According to a 2023 YouGov study, 59% of young consumers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are more likely to support brands that reflect social and environmental values.

A 2023 YouGov study found that 52% of consumers in UAE and Saudi Arabia actively seek out socially and environmentally responsible brands. In the UAE, 34% are highly likely and 46% slightly likely to pay more for ESG-compliant products.

Reputational Risk in the Digital Age

Whether related to labor practices, transparency or corruption, the reputational cost of social irresponsibility is steep. In the Gulf, where global scrutiny is increasing, a single controversy can have long-term consequences for brand image, partnerships and investor confidence.

ISO 26000 offers a structured way to manage these risks proactively, enabling businesses to demonstrate integrity and foresight.

Leadership from the Public Sector and National Champions

Government entities and major national companies are setting an example. In 2024, Kuwait Oil Company partnered with SGS to implement a governance and sustainability framework aligned with 12 ISO standards, including ISO 26000. This marked a significant step toward embedding social responsibility into one of the region’s most strategic sectors.

Benefits of ISO 26000 in the Gulf

Adopting ISO 26000 brings tangible benefits that align with both strategic goals and stakeholder expectations.

• Improved Reputation through ethical and transparent conduct
• Increased Stakeholder Trust, including regulators, communities and consumers
• Enhanced Employee Morale via responsible workplace practices
• Competitive Advantage in global markets with ESG benchmarks
• Support for National Goals including Vision 2030, UAE Net Zero and the UN SDGs

In a region where social license to operate is increasingly scrutinized, demonstrating ISO 26000 alignment is becoming a business imperative.

How to Start Your ISO 26000 Journey

Although ISO 26000 is not a certifiable standard, it provides a clear path for structured improvement. Businesses can take meaningful steps by integrating its guidance across their operations.

Step 1: Conduct a Gap Assessment - Evaluate how your current activities align with ISO 26000's seven core subjects. SGS offers ISO 26000 Performance Assessments to benchmark and map your social responsibility maturity.

Step 2: Engage with Stakeholders - Effective social responsibility depends on collaboration. Engage internal teams, suppliers, communities and partners to identify shared priorities and areas for development.

Step 3: Align Operations with ISO 26000 Principles - Revise existing policies to align with ISO 26000 principles, from ethical procurement and employee rights to environmental care and community involvement.

Step 4: Communicate Your Efforts - Transparent communication builds trust. Publish sustainability reports, share community impact stories and demonstrate commitment to long-term value creation.

Why Choose SGS as Your Partner?

As the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, SGS is uniquely positioned to support organizations on their ISO 26000 journey. With a strong presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and across the Middle East, SGS brings deep regional knowledge and global best practices.

Whether your focus is improving community engagement, advancing human rights or aligning with national visions, SGS can help you through Training, Auditing and Certification.

Contact us to know more. 

About SGS

SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.

Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).