du, the UAE’s leading telecom and digital services provider, has become the country’s first telecom operator and the second in the GCC to be awarded the ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement certification.
The internationally recognized standard highlights excellence in sustainable procurement by recognizing organizations that integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations into their supply chain and business decision-making processes.
This achievement marks a significant step in du’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible operations. It reinforces the company’s alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and the broader national agenda to embed sustainability at the core of economic and operational frameworks.
du has adopted industry-leading practices to enhance its procurement operations, aligning its strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). These include the use of advanced tools to assess suppliers and a structured approach in telecom to continuously improve vendor sustainability performance.
Adel AlRais, Head of Corporate Communication and Protocol at du said that, “Achieving the ISO 20400 certification is a milestone in our journey for excellence in sustainability and our commitment to responsible operations that extend through our entire value chain. This accomplishment aligns impeccably with current market trends, integrating seamlessly with our broader goals and the UAE’s national vision. We will continue to embed sustainability not just in operational endeavours but deep into du’s comprehensive supply chain.”
The ISO 20400 certification assures du’s customers that their telecom services are supported by ethical and sustainable procurement practices. Suppliers working with du are guided by clear sustainability directives and equipped with resources to meet elevated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
For investors, the certification underscores du’s strategic capacity to manage ESG-related risks and enhance long-term value creation. Key to this accomplishment were collaborations with strategic partners such as CRIF AG, Dubatt, and Aramex, all of whom contributed to building a robust, responsible supply chain that reflects du’s long-term commitment to sustainability.
