News
How GRC Will Help Address ESG
By: Haya Alkaabi – Legal Auditor & Legal Administrative at Finesse.
According to data by Pwc, around 92% of companies in regions like the USA, UK, Brazil, and India that have strong ESG commitments will outcast the competitors without ESG commitments.
Furthermore, the same study suggests that 83% of the employees and 86% of the consumers prefer companies that have strong ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices.
However, there is no achievement for ESG without the use of a GRC (governance, risk, and compliance).
But what is GRC and how can it help address the ESG? In this blog post, we will talk further about the GRC and how it interacts with ESG to build resilience and sustainability in the organization.
Defining GRC and ESG
GRC in an organization refers to the integrated approach of Governance, Risk management, and Compliance. It is a framework that helps organizations to manage their operations in a way that is in line with the regulatory requirements, ethical standards, and business objectives.
A GRC will break down into three main pillars namely:
Governance: The processes and policies that an organization uses to direct and control its activities. This includes defining the roles and responsibilities of the management, ensuring accountability, and maintaining transparency.
Risk management: The process that involves the identification, assessment, and management of risks that an organization faces.
Compliance: It refers to the adherence to the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the organization’s industry, business activities, and geography.
While GRC might be a new term for many, it is just an update of an existing business model. Organizations have always focused on creating governance, and risk management but this was never done in a streamlined manner before.
To keep them in line, GRC was introduced. On the other hand, ESG was introduced with the goal of keeping the organization equipped with all the environmental and social policies.
By following the ESG best practices, organizations are positioned better toward a sustainable market and favorable outcomes resulting in better customer outputs.
If we elaborate on ESG further, here’s what it breaks down to:
Environment: This factor focuses on the effects of products and services on the environment and what steps can be taken to reduce the adverse impacts on the environment.
Social: Social factors talk about the responsibilities and roles of an organization towards the stakeholders & consumers including diversity, equity & inclusion, racial & gender justice, and community involvement.
Governance: This pillar centers on the systems, policies, and processes organizations implement to govern their operations, shape their corporate culture, recognize and manage risks, and comply with regulatory requirements.
But how does GRC impact ESG? Does it drive the ESG goals or are they independent of each other?
Let’s understand it better.
The Role of GRC in ESG:
ESG and GRC share one common element — G.
The G here stands for governance. Thus, governance follows the stringent rules and regulations that must be followed along with managing uncertainty and risks.
However, GRC is not meant to transact any ESG goals but to manage ESG objectives. In other words, GRC solutions help monitor the processes, and activities that support the potential ESG objectives.
Although GRC solutions typically do not execute actions that enable organizations to achieve their ESG goals, they can help process the workflows that help achieve the ESG objectives.
In other words, the right GRC strategy puts the risk management program in practice to identify the environmental, social, and compliance risks that affect the goals of the organization.
Hence, effective EGS risk mitigation requires the implementation of appropriate controls. For example, the environmental risks that may affect the business infrastructure can be controlled using the industrial solutions in place.
Not to forget that compliance is a key pillar in demonstrating the ESG and GRC within an organization. Non-compliant regulations could result in various financial, economic, and social disruptions.
How to integrate GRC into ESG?
It is critical to understand that integration of GRC with the ESG should take place in a structured manner:
- Understand the business needs: The most critical part of the process is understanding your business. Know where your business stands and what is working. Make a note of what you want to change for your business. This way, you can build a roadmap from the current state to the future state.
- Hire the right team: A team can build or destroy. Identify the right team that can help with the core issues and also address the GRC and ESG within the same context.
- Choose the right technology: Using the right technology that can deliver on the future state of ESG and GRC is highly important. Hence, GRC and ESG software should effectively deliver agility and flexibility to the plan.
- Break into stages: Lastly, do not forget to break down the roadmap into small steps. By breaking it down into stages, you can prioritize the stages which are more important and achieve greater success.
Conclusion
It can be said that ESG and GRC are both critical for business success. Integrating the GRC into ESG goals will reduce costs and boost productivity. Not to forget that achieving the GRC certification will bring in more governance and make organizations more competitive.
News
Free Mineral Water for All: UAE Startup to Launch Groundbreaking Public Hydration Initiative

Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, that’s launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It’s a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact.
From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, will soon be within everyone’s reach, every day. Ourwatr’s mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege.
“At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,” says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder.
“That’s why we’re giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It’s hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.”
Stamp of UAE quality
All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you’re assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country’s standardisation authority.
Mission in a bottle
With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever, for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike.

“In our desert climate, hydration isn’t just healthy; it’s life-saving,” adds co-founder Bharath Mohan.
“Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.”
Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it’s a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn’t always a given.
Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving.
A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability
Ourwatr isn’t just about water, it’s about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations who cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference.
“Sustainability isn’t just about less waste, it’s about creating lasting, meaningful change,” explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder.
The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE’s zero-waste goals and green agenda.
Backing UAE Vision 2030
Ourwatr’s initiative supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible.
More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.
Home Integrator
Ardee Developments Announces Sales Launch for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island

Ardee Developments has announced the launch of sales for Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island, its highly anticipated branded residential offering in partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Official sales will commence on 1 June 2025 with expression of interest starting 15 May 2025, marking a major milestone in the evolution of Ardee Al Marjan Island, the company’s flagship, multi-billion-dirham development set to redefine coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah.
Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island will comprise 523 upscale residences — including apartments, townhouses, and sea villas — ranging from one to six bedrooms and spanning 86 m² to over 300 m². Every home is thoughtfully designed to embody refined beachfront living, with uninterrupted sea views and elegant interiors that reflect timeless sophistication.
Bringing together the prestige of the Fairmont brand with the ease of resort-style living, residents will enjoy exclusive access to a private beach, the Fairmont Fit Fitness Centre and Studio, family & kids pool, adults sky pool & terrace & bar, dedicated boardroom and private dining room, resident’s owners lounge as well as wellness facilities including treatment rooms, screening room, games room, kids club and seamless connectivity to the adjacent Fairmont resort.
Further enriching the offering is a tailored suite of à la carte services. From in-home catering and private chef experiences to childcare, dog walking, housekeeping, personal concierge support, and a home maintenance program while residents are away, every element is designed to simplify and enhance everyday living. In addition, residents will enjoy exclusive access to the Accor Owner Benefits Program. This includes Diamond status in the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) programme, the ability to gift Gold status to family and friends, and VIP privileges at over 5,700 hotels and resorts around the world.
With prices starting from AED 2.49 Million, Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island offers an exclusive opportunity for discerning buyers seeking long-term value, effortless luxury, and a lifestyle defined by exceptional quality in one of the region’s most iconic coastal destinations.
Beyond the residences, guests were given an exclusive look at the next phase of the Ardee Al Marjan Island masterplan. The development is progressing into a fully integrated coastal destination that blends residences, hospitality, leisure, retail, and entertainment on an unprecedented scale.
Key components of the masterplan include branded and serviced residences, private villas, townhouses, a flagship luxury hotel, and a vibrant retail and F&B promenade. The destination will also feature a variety of curated lifestyle offerings — from wellness hubs and gaming lounges to family entertainment zones and waterfront experiences — all designed to create a future-ready, immersive community.
Prioritizing walkability, nature access, and sea connectivity, the project will boast expansive green spaces, direct beach access, and panoramic views, setting a new standard for contemporary island living in Ras Al Khaimah.
Vishal Mehta, CEO of Ardee Developments, added: “As we prepare to open sales of Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island this June, we are proud to invite buyers into a community that reflects excellence at every level. In partnership with Al Marjan Island, Fairmont Hotels, and Christie’s International Real Estate, we are shaping a new era of luxury coastal living in Ras Al Khaimah — one defined by world-class design, hospitality, and lifestyle, brought together in a truly integrated destination.”
To support global sales efforts, Ardee Developments has appointed Christie’s International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah as the exclusive master agency. Christie’s will lead GCC and international outreach and client servicing, ensuring a seamless buyer journey.
“This is a vibrant and integrated coastal lifestyle community that combines natural beauty, unparalleled hospitality and leisure not seen in the area before,” said Jackie Johns and Dinesh Chhatwani, Managing Partners at Christie’s International Real Estate Ras Al Khaimah. “Ras Al Khaimah’s momentum as a global hospitality and investment hub, and its rapidly growing real estate market, makes it the ideal launchpad for Ardee Developments to execute its grand vision.”
Home Integrator
MERED Unveils Strategic Vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025

MERED outlined its long-term investment plans and strategic vision for Saudi Arabia at Saudi Giga Projects 2025 in Riyadh. The event, a key platform aligned with Vision 2030, brought together government bodies, giga project leaders, and private sector executives to discuss development, contracting, and talent-building opportunities within the Kingdom’s fast-growing construction and real estate sectors. As part of MERED’s participation, CEO Michael Belton joined a fireside chat where he shared insights into the company’s market entry approach and growth plans for the Saudi market.
“The Kingdom’s rapid urban and infrastructure growth is reshaping residential demand and creating new opportunities for long-term development,” said Michael Belton, CEO of MERED. “Vision 2030 and ongoing economic diversification are driving strong demand across residential, retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors, supported by investor-friendly reforms. In major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, we’re seeing increased interest in premium and luxury living, as well as growing demand for Class A office spaces that reflect the ambitions of a modern business environment. MERED is well-positioned to meet these changing market needs through high-quality, innovative developments that offer lasting value.”
Yazan Al-Khalidi, Chief Commercial Director at MERED, joined a panel alongside leading developers, consultants, and contractors to discuss workforce capabilities and the skills required to deliver Saudi Arabia’s giga projects efficiently and at scale. The Kingdom’s real estate sector is projected to contribute 10% to GDP by 2030, while non-oil economic activity now accounts for over 50% of national GDP. Knight Frank’s Saudi Report 2025 reveals that 93% of high-income Saudi nationals are actively seeking to buy property, reinforcing the country’s ambition to build a competitive luxury real estate market.
Alongside its growth plans in Saudi Arabia, MERED is supporting the development of future architectural talent in line with the region’s broader goal of equipping young people with in-demand skills. As part of this effort, the company is sponsoring a select group of students to attend the Pininfarina Architecture Summer School in Turin this July, through its partnership with the prestigious Pininfarina Academy, founded by the renowned Italian design house. The program offers hands-on training and exposure to international design practices, giving participants valuable experience they can apply to architectural projects across the region.
MERED’s participation underscores its broader commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s real estate ambitions through innovation, sustainability, and knowledge transfer. With a pipeline of projects already launched in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including the 290-meter ICONIC Residences designed by Pininfarina, the brand is well-positioned to introduce high-end, future-ready developments to the Saudi market.
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