Assessing sustainability critical success factors in the UAE cement industry using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process

Purpose The United Arab Emirates (UAE) cement industry is a vital contributor to national development, but faces significant sustainability challenges due to high energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource depletion. This study aims to identify and prioritise critical success factors (CSF) that drive sustainability adoption in the sector using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). Design/methodology/approach Through a mixed-method approach integrating literature review, expert opinions and stakeholder inputs, CSF are categorised into environmental, social and economic dimensions. The study employs advanced statistical tools, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for factor identification, Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s tests for data adequacy, Cronbach’s alpha for reliability assessment, the relative importance index (RII) for ranking CSF, and the Kruskal–Wallis test for hypothesis validation. Findings Key findings highlight several important sustainability enablers, such as waste recycling technology used (ENV3), demand for green/sustainable products (SOC1), Lean Six Sigma (LSS) tools and methods that are assigned to solve problems that arise (ECO4). The research provides a strategic roadmap for industry leaders and policymakers, aligning sustainability efforts with the UAE’s green economy vision. While the study focuses on the UAE cement industry, findings offer broader implications for similar industries globally. However, reliance on expert inputs may introduce subjectivity, and future research should incorporate real-time industry data for enhanced validation. By leveraging FAHP and robust statistical analysis, this study delivers a comprehensive framework to facilitate sustainability adoption, enhance decision-making and contribute to long-term environmental and economic resilience in cement manufacturing. Practical implications This article offers valuable, real-world insights to guide the UAE cement industry towards a more sustainable future. First, by identifying and prioritising CSFs such as waste recycling technologies and LSS tools, it provides a guide for regulators to create focused policies and incentives that encourage the most impactful sustainability practices. Second, the clear ranking of these factors gives UAE cement companies a benchmark for assessing their progress across all three pillars of sustainability. Finally, the study highlights the necessity for UAE cement industry practitioners to prioritise operational improvements using LSS tools and robust, real-time resource monitoring. Originality/value This study advances sustainability literature by integrating the FAHP with empirical statistical validation, offering a rigorous method for prioritising CSF in industrial sustainability. It contributes to a structured framework that bridges multi-criteria decision-making theory with practical implementation strategies, particularly within resource-intensive sectors like cement manufacturing.