Sustainability has become a central focus across the Middle East region, with governments setting ambitious green goals to establish themselves as global leaders in sustainability.

The Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), led by Saudi Arabia, aims to plant 50 billion trees across the region (10 billion in the kingdom) and restore 200 million hectares of degraded land. This initiative targets a 2.5% reduction in global carbon emissions and a more than 60% decrease in regional oil and gas emissions. 

Separately, Saudi Arabia aims to diversify its energy supply through increased renewable energy production, targeting 5.9 gigawatts by 2030. The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) has already launched 77 related projects.

Similarly, the UAE has outlined its 2030 goals to reduce national emissions to less than 100 kilowatt-hours. Meanwhile, Qatar focuses on reducing methane and carbon intensities, achieving zero routine flaring, and adding 2-4 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.

Egypt aims for a comprehensive approach to sustainable development, with plans to allocate all public investments to green projects by 2030.

FEASIBILITY OF GREEN GOALS

While countries in the region seem to be largely concerned with sustainability goals, with each country trying to up its peers in terms of green commitments, some of these goals are criticized for seeming too ambitious or idealistic, given the challenges facing the region and its large dependence on oil. 

Khalid Salmi, Senior Expert in Sustainable Energy Management at the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, believes that while the region’s MGI is ambitious and has great potential, its success is largely dependent on regional challenges like economic disparities, political instability, and environmental constraints.

“Transitioning away from fossil fuel dependency requires phased timelines, investments in renewable energy, and economic diversification into green technologies and sustainable industries,” says Salmi. 

“Environmental constraints, such as arid climates and water scarcity, can be tackled by focusing on drought-resistant native species, leveraging advanced technologies, and emphasizing localized solutions. Substantial funding through public-private partnerships, international collaborations, and transparent accountability mechanisms is crucial also for long-term momentum.”

The key factors for successfully implementing initiatives like the MGI include a clear governance structure, alignment with global frameworks like the Rio Conventions and SDGs, a multi-stakeholder approach, and reliance on voluntary participation and blended financing for sustainability. However, Dr. Heba Mahmoud, Senior Environmental and Waste Management Consultant at Egypt’s Ministry of Environment, identifies two main concerns: significant financial and technical investments and challenges in cross-national coordination.

“Given that there are already 20 founding countries, reconciling priorities and policies may pose a challenge where regions are economically or politically disparate.”

Another challenge is scaling up, which requires national participation to restore land, plant billions of trees, and improve ecosystem services. Climate factors like extreme weather, water shortages, and desert expansion could hinder reforestation and restoration efforts.

OIL AND GAS ECONOMIES 

Despite the region’s seemingly grandiose efforts, no significant progress is being made.

The 2024 Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), published by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network (CAN), reveals a decline in climate action across Arab countries. Saudi Arabia ranks 67th globally (the lowest on the index), followed by the UAE in 65th, Algeria in 54th, and Egypt in 22nd. Morocco fares the best among Arab nations, securing the 9th spot globally.

The region’s climate goals depend heavily on significant fossil fuel reductions, yet major oil producers in MENA have struggled to meet the Paris Agreement targets, which largely rely on policy changes.

Nevin Yehia, a Renewable Energy and Climate Change Consultant, notes that shifting to greener practices may encounter resistance from stakeholders across different sectors who fear the economic implications —not just those deeply embedded in the fossil fuel industry. 

“Sustainability actions are driven either by a deep passion and environmental consciousness or by the clear potential for business profit and tangible returns. A rapid shift to a greener economy becomes challenging without one of these drivers.”

Given the fossil fuel industry’s role in regional growth, economic, social, and environmental factors must be balanced. Policies promoting a gradual shift for oil—and gas-dependent industries could help avoid conflicts and support sectors reliant on fossil fuels during the transition, according to Yehia.

Also, the region’s green investment needs often clash with their economic dependence on oil. “The Middle East is a major oil producer and consumer and, together with its existing infrastructure, is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, which increases the carbon lock-in syndrome delaying green transitions,” says Mahmoud.

“Consider the case of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, whose oil earnings account for more than half of their GDP in most instances. These revenues are used to fund government budgets, leaving little for renewable projects,” Mahmoud adds. 

The region’s reliance on fossil fuels stems from low energy costs and the need to meet energy-intensive market demands. However, the global shift to renewable energy threatens these revenue streams. 

Adopting international strategies can address these challenges. Mahmoud recommends extending the mandates of SWFs like Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the UAE’s Mubadala to prioritize green initiatives, similar to Norway.

Scaling up CCUS projects like Al Reyadah to decarbonize oil and gas activities, establishing carbon pricing frameworks, reallocating subsidies to renewable energy, and leveraging the region’s solar potential for green hydrogen production, as seen in Saudi-Japan collaboration would also help.

PRACTICAL STEPS 

According to Salmi, governments should adopt practical, incremental steps toward sustainability alongside large-scale projects to build momentum for greener practices. These include promoting energy-efficient appliances and buildings through incentives and awareness campaigns, encouraging rooftop solar adoption with subsidies or tax breaks, and implementing water conservation policies, such as promoting greywater systems.

Other measures include improving waste management with recycling programs and waste-to-energy plants, enhancing public transport through electric buses or metro systems, and developing urban green spaces to combat urban heat. Salmi also highlights the need to support sustainable agriculture, such as hydroponics, while promoting education campaigns on energy conservation and waste reduction.

Regulatory reforms, such as stricter emissions standards, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and introducing carbon pricing, drive greener business practices. Collaborating with startups and local innovators can further advance these efforts. 

“These smaller initiatives can be scaled up over time and help build the societal and infrastructural foundation needed for more extensive sustainability projects,” Salmi adds.

Community awareness is crucial for success, and Mahmoud recommends programs to recognize individuals and businesses excelling in sustainability, using gamification to boost engagement, such as awarding points for recycling and offering incentives for energy-efficient practices.

Regulatory incentives, such as expedited “green lanes” for sustainable businesses and performance-based regulations prioritizing environmental outcomes, could also help.

Promoting eco-tourism and agroecological methods is another way to enhance sustainability. Mahmoud highlights the need for detailed sustainability roadmaps with clear objectives, timelines, and KPIs, as well as regular monitoring and feedback to adapt strategies as needed.

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Yehia envisions a future where widespread awareness and tailored Emission Trading System schemes drive transitions and fund regional green projects. Aligned with each country’s unique conditions, these efforts will help implement Nationally Determined Contributions and attract crucial climate finance.

“By focusing on both adaptation and mitigation to climate change risks and fostering collaboration across the region, this vision ensures a sustainable future where practical, localized strategies meet global climate goals,” Yehia says.

Looking forward to a future where small steps can unite to transform environmental, economic, and social systems toward greater sustainability, Salmi says sustainability will then be integrated into the cultural foundation, with a diversified economy that reduces dependency on oil and gas while creating green jobs. “A blend of technology, local adaptation, and community-driven efforts will redefine the region as a leader in sustainable innovation, balancing ecological health with economic growth.”