First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) released its 2026 Transition Pathways Update on April 22, outlining advances in sustainable finance and emission reduction as part of its Net Zero Transition Plan. The report was published on Earth Day and details the bank’s efforts to support a low-carbon economy.
The update is significant as it shows FAB’s ongoing commitment to align with national climate priorities and global environmental goals. It provides stakeholders with information about the bank’s progress toward meeting its sustainability targets by 2030.
According to the report, FAB’s sustainable and transition finance activities contributed to nearly four million tonnes of avoided CO₂ emissions in 2025. The bank mobilised AED 114.4 billion in sustainable and transition finance during that year, focusing on projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, clean transport, and climate adaptation initiatives. Since 2022, FAB has facilitated AED 381 billion in sustainable and transition finance—76% of its AED 500 billion target for 2030.
The report highlights several key actions taken by FAB: reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions intensity per full-time employee by thirty-five percent since 2019 through energy efficiency measures; introducing a transition maturity assessment framework for better client engagement; maintaining momentum across eight high-emitting sectors; issuing landmark financial instruments such as the first low-carbon energy bond globally and the first blue bond by a Gulf Cooperation Council financial institution; publishing nature-related disclosures aligned with international standards; supporting coral reef restoration efforts in Abu Dhabi; and participating as Principal Banking Partner at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025.
Shargiil Bashir, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, said: “The 2026 Transition Pathways Update demonstrates how FAB is embedding transition across every facet of our business, from our own operations to our client relationships and capital allocation. In line with the UAE’s climate ambitions, we are committed to supporting a low-carbon, nature-positive future through disciplined decarbonisation, structured client engagement, and scaled sustainable finance. This approach enables us to drive a responsible transition while creating long-term value for our clients, communities and the broader economy.”
FAB stated that this update supports transparency around climate- and nature-related disclosures so stakeholders can assess progress against strategy goals set for completion by the end of this decade.
