Northstar Eco Consult has launched operations across the GCC as businesses face mounting environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance requirements and seek to capture opportunities in what the World Economic Forum (WEF) describes as a multi-trillion-dollar green economy growing twice as fast as conventional markets.
A part of Al Hilal Group, a leading multi-media publishing and technology group, the new sustainability and ESG advisory firm will serve clients across Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider region at a time when legislation now mandates emissions reporting and ESG disclosure across multiple Gulf states.
“Sustainability is no longer optional – it’s a strategic imperative that builds trust, drives cost efficiencies, ensures regulatory readiness, and positions organisations for future growth,” said Ronnie Middleton, managing director of Northstar Eco Consult. “Companies must embed sustainable practices into every part of their business, from emissions measurement to transparent reporting. We’re here to support that transformation.”
Recent WEF research values the global green economy at more than $5 trillion annually, with green revenues expanding at twice the rate of conventional business sectors. Companies operating in these markets typically access cheaper capital and command premium valuations.
The compliance and regulatory landscape across the Gulf has moved rapidly, turning ESG from a voluntary initiative into mandatory compliance for many companies.
In the UAE, for example, under Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024, companies must measure and report greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate reduction efforts, with substantial penalties for non-compliance.
In the kingdom, the Central Bank of Bahrain’s ESG Reporting Framework requires banks, investment firms, and listed companies to disclose ESG performance metrics, raising governance and transparency standards across the financial sector.
And across the causeway, Saudi Arabia is developing unified ESG reporting standards through Tadawul and national sustainability programmes, with sector-specific requirements under development.
“The compliance landscape has fundamentally changed – companies face real penalties for inaction,” said Mahmoud Abbas, chief operating officer of Northstar Eco Consult. “Beyond avoiding fines, smart organisations are using ESG compliance as a catalyst for operational improvements and market differentiation.”
Northstar Eco Consult provides ESG strategy and advisory services, ESG reporting and disclosure support, capacity building and training programmes, ESG benchmarking and performance assessment, carbon credit acquisition and carbon reduction solutions. The firm leverages established regional expertise to deliver a tailored ESG strategy, compliance support, carbon management, and capacity-building services to businesses, developers and investors.
“Our mission is helping organisations translate sustainability ambitions into measurable action through ESG strategy development, carbon footprint assessments, and reporting aligned with global frameworks,” added Deepak Magar, Northstar Eco Consult’s director of sustainability business. “We help clients demonstrate both compliance and leadership.”
With Northstar Eco Consult now serving the region, organisations across the Gulf have a dedicated partner to help them meet rising ESG standards, future-proof their operations, and contribute to a more sustainable regional economy.
Technology platforms and solutions are core of the offering.
“Sustainability is no longer optional,” explained Northstar Eco Consult’s own expert consultant, Arun Govind, “it is the new global norm shaping every industry and policy decision.
“Chief executive officers today are committed to securing a thriving planet for future generations and embedding sustainable practices at the core of their strategies.”
The company added that Northstar Eco Consult was here to guide organisations on this journey, turning sustainability commitments into a tangible, lasting impact.
n For further details email consult@northstar-eco.com or visit the website: www.northstar-eco.com
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