| Abstract |
Through in-depth interviews with public- and private-sector decision-makers, this qualitative study investigated modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its future path in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Quality education, health and well-being, environment, community development, circular economy, alignment with national priorities, consumer protection and public-private partnerships were discovered as core CSR priorities. Participants identified economic diversification, rebranding, increased environmental stability, strengthened corporate citizenship, improved regulation, and widespread differentiation as future focuses in the evolution of CSR in the UAE. The current and future emphasis of CSR is propelled by the UAE's sustainable development objectives and human capital strategy. Transparent regulations, robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, and innovative strategies can distinguish responsible companies apart in the UAE. Nevertheless, it is expected that CSR will be further integrated into key business activities, aligning with evolving national economic visions, collaboration between sectors, and orientation towards a long-term impact on society. In deed the reputations of companies are enhanced through rigorous adherence to ESG standards, transparency regulations, and innovative approaches. Hence, there has been a strategic shift towards environmental sustainability, stakeholder capitalism, and robust regulation, shaping a highly competitive, impact-focused CSR environment in the UAE, consistent with economic diversification plans. SCOPE OF STUDYThis qualitative study interviewed UAE public and private sector leaders about current corporate social responsibility trends and the country's future trajectory. The study discovered the following: CURRENT TRENDSCorporations promote education, health and well-being, the environment, community development, the circular economy, consumer protection, public-private partnerships, and support national policy priorities. FUTURE TRENDSParticipants identified economic diversification, rebranding, increased environmental support, strengthening corporate citizenship, improving regulations, and widespread differentiation as future focuses in the evolution of corporate social responsibility in the UAE. DETERMINANTS OF CURRENT AND FUTURE TRENDSThe UAE's sustainable development objectives and human capital strategy propel the current and future emphasis on CSR. Transparent regulations, robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, and innovative strategies can distinguish responsible companies in the UAE.RECOMMENDATIONSFurther integration of corporate social responsibility into key business activities, alignment with evolving national economic plans, collaboration between sectors, and orientation towards a long-term impact on society will yield greater benefits. |
