UAE Procurement Leaders Embrace Responsible Sourcing as a Strategic Priority
Procurement leaders across the UAE are signalling a major transition from traditional green procurement to a more comprehensive model of responsible sourcing, marking a pivotal shift in how organisations approach sustainability within supply chains.
The development was at the centre of discussions during an exclusive Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Roundtable hosted by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) MENA, in partnership with EcoVadis, held in Dubai.
Senior executives from leading UAE organisations examined how the country is setting a regional benchmark by embedding sustainability into procurement strategy. They noted that recent regulatory developments, such as the UAE Federal Decree Law, are serving as a catalyst for the shift — positioning procurement as a key driver of sustainable impact, supplier transformation, and strategic value creation.
Supplier Engagement and CFO Buy-In
Participants agreed that supplier education and engagement remain critical to achieving long-term responsible sourcing goals. By helping suppliers understand the business case for sustainability, organisations can accelerate transformation across entire value chains.
The roundtable also highlighted growing interest among Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in supporting sustainable procurement initiatives. Attendees pointed out the potential to link sustainability performance to more favourable financing terms, noting that this is an area yet to be fully leveraged by many procurement teams.
Integrating Responsible Sourcing with National Priorities
Salem Bafaraj from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) discussed opportunities to align responsible sourcing practices with the In-Country Value (ICV) programme, further strengthening the UAE’s sustainable development goals.
Meanwhile, Natasha Schulz of Dubai Holding and Sofiya Poland of ALEC shared insights on how the region can set a global benchmark for responsible sourcing through collaboration, transparency, and long-term supplier partnerships.
Procurement as a Catalyst for Transformation
“Responsible sourcing is a strategic imperative. Procurement leaders are uniquely positioned to drive measurable change by embedding sustainability into every layer of the supply chain. What we’re seeing in the UAE is not incremental — it’s transformative,” said Sam Achampong, Regional Director at CIPS MENA.
The discussion concluded on an optimistic note, with participants underscoring the importance of celebrating both small and large sustainability achievements to maintain momentum and inspire wider industry adoption.
This roundtable forms part of CIPS MENA’s ongoing initiatives to bring together procurement leaders and shape strategies that place sustainability at the core of business operations across the region.
