Here are summarized nuggets of information capturing the key points from the provided text, organized thematically for clarity:

**Regional Energy Transition Context:**
- The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is among the world’s most dependent on fossil fuels, but there is a growing imperative to transition to alternative energy for both energy security and sustainability.

- Many countries in the Middle East, traditionally reliant on oil and gas, are investing in solar and renewable energy projects as a core part of their energy transition strategies.

**National and Regional Projects:**
- **UAE:** Leading the region in green energy initiatives, aspiring to become a global hub for clean technology.

The country hosts significant renewable projects and recently hosted the UN climate conference in Dubai, highlighting its role in advocating for a global transition away from fossil fuels.

- **Morocco:** Home to the Noor Ouarzazate complex, the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant, setting a benchmark for regional solar development.

- **Egypt:** Holds vast potential for both solar and wind projects, particularly in the Sinai and along the Red Sea coast.

Egypt is utilizing renewables to power large-scale buildings and infrastructure.

- **Israel:** Shifting its energy diplomacy, Israel leverages natural gas exports (e.g., exporting to Europe via Egypt) and is deepening ties with Arab states through agreements like the Abraham Accords.

- **GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states:** Nuclear energy is being explored as a diversification strategy, with benefits such as reducing electricity costs, diversifying energy supplies, and reducing emissions.

**Government Incentives and Policies:**
- Countries in the region are rolling out various incentives for renewable energy projects, including regulatory frameworks and investment in infrastructure.

The growing prominence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria is steering both public and private sectors toward sustainability.

- Regional summits and declarations, e.g., the 31st Arab League summit, show a commitment to tackling climate and sustainability challenges together.

**Capacity and Outcomes:**
- Solar capacity is expanding rapidly in select countries, with ambitious national targets and high-profile projects.

However, renewable investments, while growing, are not yet dominant relative to ongoing oil and gas activities.

- Blue economy initiatives (sustainable use of ocean resources) and discussions around nuclear power also demonstrate the region’s interest in broader energy diversification.

**Impact on Economy and Climate Goals:**
- Investing in renewables is not just about climate commitments; it is increasingly seen as enhancing long-term energy security and opening up new economic opportunities.

- The energy transition supports regional stability and new diplomatic partnerships, as seen in Israel’s changing relations and regional rapprochement efforts.

- However, experts warn that without rapid transition, the region faces severe climate threats—projected warming of up to 5°C, risks to coastal urban areas, and significant economic disruption.

**Summary Insight:**
- The Middle East’s energy transition is at a critical juncture: While oil and gas will remain significant, national solar and other renewable initiatives are gathering pace, stimulated by both domestic climate risks and shifting geopolitical landscapes.

The region’s energy strategies now hinge on balancing legacy industries with forward-looking policies for climate resilience and economic diversification.

**NUGGETS: Energy Transition Strategies in the Middle East (with focus on Solar Energy)**

- **Traditional Oil Wealth and Drivers of Change:**
  The Middle East has historically been defined by its vast oil reserves and has played a central role in the global energy market.

However, factors such as fluctuating oil prices, increasing global demand for renewables, and the urgency of climate change are pushing regional states toward energy diversification.

- **Global Context and Regional Motivation:**
  Geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and associated fluctuations in oil supply and prices, have had ripple effects on the region’s strategies, increasing the appeal of reliable, locally sourced renewable energy.

The transition is also accelerated by international climate commitments and economic diversification agendas (e.g., Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia).

- **Key National Projects in Solar Energy:**

    - **Saudi Arabia:**
      - *NEOM City and “The Line”*: A futuristic city powered by 100% renewable energy, utilizing massive solar installations.

- *Sakaka Solar Power Plant*: 300 MW capacity; first utility-scale solar plant in the Kingdom.

- *National Renewable Energy Program (NREP)* targets 58.7 GW of renewable energy by 2030, including major solar investments.

- **United Arab Emirates (UAE):**
      - *Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (Dubai)*: Targeted to reach 5,000 MW by 2030; one of the world’s largest solar parks.

- *Masdar City (Abu Dhabi)*: A planned eco-city integrating solar energy as a major power source.

- *UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050*: Seeks to achieve 44% clean energy share in overall energy mix by 2050.

- **Israel:**
      - Fast adoption of solar rooftop and utility-scale projects; progressive policies supporting renewable integration.

- Projects like the Ashalim solar-thermal plant (250 MW) and widespread rooftop solar adoption.

- National target: 30% of electricity from renewables by 2030.

- **Egypt:**
      - *Benban Solar Park*: One of the world’s largest (1.65 GW), part of Egypt’s ambitions for 20% renewables in its energy mix by 2022/2035.

- Government support through feed-in tariffs and investment incentives.

- **Jordan:**
      - Strong government push via the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law, and projects like the Tafila Wind Farm and various utility-scale solar plants.

- Ambition to generate 20% of electricity from renewables by 2025.

- **Current Solar Capacity:**
  By 2023, UAE has surpassed 2.5 GW installed solar capacity, Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly with projects under construction, Egypt’s Benban alone contributes 1.65 GW, while Jordan and Israel are regional leaders in solar per capita.

- **Government Incentives:**
  - State-backed Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

- Tax exemptions and feed-in tariffs (notably in Egypt and Jordan).

- Mandates and quotas for renewable use in government and commercial buildings.

- Investment funds and research grants (such as Masdar in UAE).

- **Economic & Climate Impacts:**
  - These projects diversify economies away from oil, create jobs in new sectors, attract foreign investment, and stabilize energy costs.

- They directly contribute to regional climate targets, reducing carbon emissions and pollutant levels, and strengthening international climate commitments.

- **Challenges:**
  Local challenges include grid integration, intermittency, need for storage, political and market instability, and ensuring sufficient local skills and supply chains.

**Summary:**
Middle Eastern countries—especially Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, and Jordan—are proactively investing in solar energy as a central pillar of their energy transition strategies.

Innovations, ambitious national targets, and robust incentive frameworks are key drivers, with large-scale solar parks standing as visible symbols of change.

This transition supports climate goals and economic diversification, repositioning the region as a potential leader in both energy and environmental policy.

**Summary: Energy Transition Strategies in the Middle East (Focus on Solar Energy)**

The Middle East, long reliant on oil exports (accounting for up to 70% of total exports in countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman), is facing urgent pressure to adapt to rapid climate change.

The region is already experiencing worsening heat, humidity, sandstorms, and rising sea levels, making climate adaptation a necessity.

Major cities such as Mecca may become unlivable by the end of the century if trends continue.

**Energy Transition Imperatives and Obstacles:**
- Policymakers and ruling elites are often dependent on oil revenues for regime stability, leading to resistance or slow adaptation to a post-oil future.

- Oil giants like Saudi Aramco are not transitioning as quickly as global peers (e.g., Shell, BP) toward renewables.

- Patterns of high consumption, especially in the Gulf states (UAE, Qatar), highlight structural barriers to rapid energy transition.

**Major National Projects & Current Solar Capacity:**
- **UAE:**
  - The UAE pioneered a "net zero" domestic consumption policy and positions itself as a regional leader in energy transition.

- The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai is set to become the world’s largest, targeting 5,000 MW capacity.

- The region hosts major international climate events, such as COP28 in the UAE.

- **Saudi Arabia:**
  - Announced plans to ramp up renewable energy’s share of the national grid from 0.3% to 50% by 2030.

- Investments focus on large-scale solar and wind projects, with government-backed policy support.

- **Regional Collaboration:**
  - There is increasing engagement in international climate conferences (e.g., COP27 in Egypt, COP28 in UAE, MENA Climate Week).

- Governments are adopting frameworks to target emissions, invest in large solar parks, and diversify economic bases.

**Government Incentives & Policy Signals:**
- Financial incentives and policy roadmaps are being introduced to attract private and foreign investment in renewables.

- Research centers like KAPSARC in Saudi Arabia guide energy policy and transition strategies.

- Climate financing from wealthier nations is being sought to support transition and adaptation, given the Middle East’s vulnerability to climate impacts.

- Failure to adapt will exacerbate social tensions, migration, and security challenges as climate impacts intensify.

Here are summarized nuggets of information capturing the key points from the provided text, organized thematically for clarity:

**Regional Energy Transition Context:**
- The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is among the world’s most dependent on fossil fuels, but there is a growing imperative to transition to alternative energy for both energy security and sustainability.

Title:

Content: THE benefits of a joint nuclear power centre for the Gulf have been highlighted by a researcher, who said the region’s economic ambitions necessitated a robust energy infrastructure.Bahrain University alumna Noora Al Tamimi, who specialises in environment and sustainable development studies, recently completed her Master’s degree for which she conducted a survey with more than 400 respondents, and interviews with five industry experts, environmental specialists and social researchers, among others.Her thesis entitled ‘Challenges and opportunities of establishing nuclear power plants in the GCC’, sheds light on the benefits of nuclear power, which includes reduction in electricity costs, diversification of energy supplies, less pollution and smaller carbon footprint. “Nuclear power offers a compelling solution to diversify our energy sources beyond fossil fuels,” the 31-year-old told the GDN.

“Furthermore, the region’s economic ambitions necessitate a robust and secure energy infrastructure.”Disposal of nuclear waste, high set-up and implementation costs, specialised human resource and expertise and safety concerns were some of the constraints highlighted in the survey. The GDN earlier reported that Bahrain was on track in implementing its National Energy Transition Plan, which is based on the kingdom’s commitments presented at COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference. Some of the pledges made include plans to reach net zero by cutting carbon emissions to a minimum by 2060, and other interim goals including reducing emissions by 30 per cent by 2035 through decarbonisation and other efficiency initiatives.

Harnessing nuclear power is a timely solution to achieving these goals, she said. Her thesis features recommendations based on expert interviews on a wide range of topics, including potential environmental impact of nuclear power plants, the disposal of nuclear waste in the region, the economic impact of the cost of establishing such power stations, and the benefits of joint initiatives for the GCC.“The emergence of the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant has paved the way but each nation possesses unique considerations and understanding these lingering challenges is crucial for the GCC’s collective energy future,” Ms Al Tamimi said.“The UAE has already made progress and Saudi Arabia has sent researchers abroad.

It may not be feasible for other GCC countries to have their own individual projects, but they can collaborate, perhaps by owning shares in existing nuclear reactors in the Gulf region,” she explained, indicating the expert opinions that surfaced in her study.The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant delivers safe, clean and reliable electricity to the UAE grid, and will provide 25 per cent of the country’s electricity needs once fully operational.Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) research analyst Sabeka Ismaeel said the prospects of nuclear power plants in the GCC were wide. “Lately, global interest is growing on the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), which align more closely with the GCC’s landscape,” Ms Ismaeel said. “SMRs present a key opportunity for energy diversification in the region, and are easier to construct in terms of infrastructure and financials, however, there is still some debate on their economic feasibility worldwide. “Personally, I think that it is crucial to fully study the viability of nuclear power plants in geographically restricted areas, and on consolidating effective management techniques for nuclear waste.”melissa@gdnmedia.bh

Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

- Many countries in the Middle East, traditionally reliant on oil and gas, are investing in solar and renewable energy projects as a core part of their energy transition strategies.

Title:

Content: Monday, 27 June, 2022, 1:59 AM
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Greener cities are critical to regional sustainability

Published : Monday, 27 June, 2022 at 12:00 AM  Count : 73
SARA AL-MULLA

From megacities to metropolises, cities of all kinds are experiencing an unprecedented spectrum of threats associated with climate change, necessitating a serious debate on the importance of transitioning toward greener cities in order to remain sustainable and resilient.

Currently, those living in urban areas make up just over half the global population. But this figure is projected to increase exponentially to a whopping 68 percent by mid-century, according to the UN. The modern urban landscape poses complex challenges for cities, as they are vulnerable to climate-induced hazards that threaten their economies and infrastructures and the well-being of their residents.

An influential 2018 report titled "The Future We Don't Want" - published by C40 Cities, the Global Covenant of Mayors, Acclimatise and the Urban Climate Change Research Network - revealed the manifold threats that cities are facing and will continue to face in greater intensity as a result of climate change. The report stated that 70 percent of cities are already feeling the wrath of climate change in the form of heat waves, rising sea levels, wildfires, storms and droughts. The fact that 90 percent of urban areas are coastal also poses a significant vulnerability to flooding due to rising sea levels and mass destruction from tsunamis.

By 2050, more than 45 percent of the global urban population is projected to live in cities with extreme summer temperatures of at least 35 degrees Celsius, leaving residents susceptible to dehydration, heatstroke, sleep loss, stress, cardiovascular disease and even death.

Many cities are currently counteracting these challenges, such as the case with Seoul, which implements a number of successful interventions when temperatures reach 33 C for two consecutive days. They include advisories to residents with practical advice and guidance to employers about allowing their outdoor workers to take breaks. The city has also installed shaded cooling centers in public locations, planted 16 million trees and expanded its green space by 3.5 million sq m.

The urgency of addressing climate change in the Middle East and North Africa has never been more critical, with UN experts projecting an urbanization rate of 59 percent by 2030. The region is already fraught with high temperatures, droughts, limited rainfall and scarce agricultural lands, and it is considered among the most water-stressed regions in the world. Climate-induced water scarcity alone is projected to cost MENA countries as much as 6 percent of their gross domestic product by 2050, according to the World Bank.

All of these challenges have important policy implications for city governments on how to balance economic growth while reducing environmental impacts and maximizing population well-being. The International Finance Corporation estimates the climate-centered investment opportunity for the MENA region to be $1.7 trillion.

Many cities have already implemented a vast range of interventions to bolster their resilience and successfully transition into greener cities. Chief among these actions is establishing a dedicated agency to plan, coordinate and manage climate-related strategies across the country. Regular extensive assessments of vulnerabilities and climate-related risks will inform decision-makers on the urgent and critical interventions needed.

Cities should also upgrade their infrastructure to ensure resilience in the face of extreme climate events, such as the flooding of drainage systems. Shifting to climate-smart infrastructure is an important step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving resources. For example, a number of cities are currently relying on renewable energy and solar energy to power large buildings.

Meanwhile, the government of Dubai has issued regulations for "green buildings" that elaborate on a number of climate-friendly solutions, including creating vegetated rooftops, reducing hazardous waste, limiting pollution and improving energy and water efficiency. Many cities are also experimenting with vertical forests, whereby a variety of plant species are grown on buildings, such as the ones in Milan, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Utrecht.

Investing in climate-efficient public transportation and promoting the uptake of hybrid or electric vehicles will offer cleaner alternatives to fuel-reliant vehicles that amplify air pollution. To illustrate, the city of Santiago in Chile invested in electric-powered public buses, which do not generate emissions and cost a remarkable 70 percent less to operate than diesel-fueled buses. In tandem, guidance should be issued to enterprises on how to decarbonize their operations and shift toward electrification and digital solutions.

Launching mass greening and reforestation projects across cities can yield a number of benefits, such as cooling them during summer months and improving biodiversity. This can be done by planting trees to line streets and boulevards and creating gardens, grassy areas, public parks, flowery meadows, miniature urban forests and allotments. For instance, many cities offer allotments for urban farming and recreational gardening projects managed by residents, with an abundance of evidence pointing to improved physical and mental well-being, in addition to the growth of local, seasonal and organic produce.

Additionally, many countries, such as the UAE and Singapore, are capitalizing on vertical farming projects to maximize agricultural yield while relying on climate-friendly solutions to efficiently utilize water and energy.

City governments should also be creative with their public education campaigns to nudge the desired behavioral changes by residents, focusing on recycling, metered consumption and the reduction of wastage. Furthermore, MENA countries should invest in cutting-edge research and innovations related to climate change, which will empower cities to navigate an uncertain future and adjust their climate action plans accordingly.

When imagining the cities of tomorrow, a rather ambitious idea should be explored to include sustainability. By transforming its cities into greener cities, the MENA region can navigate the coming decades with enhanced resilience and competitiveness.
Source: ARAB NEWS

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**National and Regional Projects:**
- **UAE:** Leading the region in green energy initiatives, aspiring to become a global hub for clean technology.

Title:

Content: Fossil fuels, which have powered the industrial growth and development of civilisations for centuries, are facing a looming deadline of depletion. Moreover, they have caused severe environmental and social problems, such as climate change, conflicts, and pollution. The need for alternative and sustainable energy sources is clear and urgent. However, the transition to a post-fossil fuel era is not easy or straightforward. It requires innovation, investment, cooperation, and vision.

This article explores the challenges and opportunities of global energy transformation, focusing on the dual nature of fossil fuels, the countdown to their exhaustion, and the promise of renewable energy sources. It also highlights the progress and potential of some countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is one of the most dependent regions on fossil fuels in the world.

Fossil Fuels: A Double-Edged Sword

Fossil fuels, comprising oil, coal, and natural gas, are ancient energy sources that have been central to the development of various industries and sectors. They have enhanced transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and electricity generation. They have catalysed global trade, commerce, and innovation, elevating the quality of life for millions.

However, this ascent has been coupled with profound challenges. Fossil fuels have been a source of geopolitical strife, epitomised by wars and conflicts over their control and distribution. They have also exacerbated environmental issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and climate change. Incidents like oil spills, gas leaks, and fracking have inflicted severe damage on ecosystems and public health.

The Countdown to Depletion

The finite and non-renewable nature of fossil fuels leaves humanity facing a daunting deadline. Predicting the exact exhaustion of these resources is a complex endeavour, influenced by reserves, consumption rates, technological advancements, and price fluctuations. Nonetheless, projections based on current data paint a concerning picture.

According to Octopus Energy, the year 2060 may mark the twilight of fossil fuels, based on current consumption and reserve estimates. In 2020, global oil production reached 91.7 million barrels per day (b/d), with key players like the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Russia at the forefront. Simultaneously, natural gas production stood at 3.94 trillion cubic meters (bcm). Although the Covid-19 pandemic temporarily curtailed production, a resurgence is anticipated. In contrast, natural gas consumption steadily rises by over 3% each year.

Should additional oil reserves remain elusive, known deposits could be depleted by 2052. The stark reality is that demand for oil has surged, nearly doubling the average annual rate observed over the preceding decade in 2018.

Toward a Sustainable Energy Paradigm

The global imperative for alternative energy sources is clear. Sustainable options, even if not entirely devoid of environmental impact, have become a linchpin of energy discussions. The quest for sustainability is no longer optional; it is fundamental to securing a prosperous future.

Embracing alternative and sustainable energy solutions is our paramount responsibility. The adverse consequences of persisting with fossil fuels are increasingly undeniable. Furthermore, incidents such as oil spills, gas leaks, and fracking have grievously scarred ecosystems and human health.

The geopolitical maelstrom surrounding fossil fuels is a testament to their strategic importance. By reducing our dependence on these finite resources, we can contribute to global stability and peace.

The Promise of Sustainable Energy

Investing in sustainable energy is not merely an ecological commitment; it is a strategic move to safeguard long-term energy security. Renewable sources like solar and wind power do not suffer the same spectre of depletion as fossil fuels, offering a reliable and sustainable energy future. Moreover, technology’s relentless march is enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of these alternatives, ensuring a seamless transition.

In this era of unprecedented global challenges, the unsustainable trajectory of fossil fuels is no longer tenable. Transitioning to renewable and sustainable energy sources is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. As we confront the relentless march of climate change, endeavouring to secure long-term energy stability and foster global peace, embracing this transformation is our only viable path toward a sustainable and prosperous future. It is a journey we must embark upon with unwavering determination and foresight.

The MENA Region: The abundance of wisdom

The MENA region stands as an interesting case study for global energy transformation. The region is one of the most dependent regions on fossil fuels in the world. According to the World Bank, the region accounted for 36% of the global oil production and 20% of the global gas production in 2018. However, the region also faces many challenges and risks related to its reliance on fossil fuels, such as price volatility, environmental degradation, social unrest, and geopolitical conflicts.

Therefore, some countries in the region have started to prepare for the transition to a post-fossil fuel era by diversifying their economies, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting innovation and sustainability. According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the MENA region has a huge potential for renewable energy development, especially solar and wind power. The report estimates that the region could generate more than 60% of its total electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Some of the countries that have made significant progress in this field are:

• UAE: The UAE has been a leader in innovation and sustainability in the region, with a vision of becoming a global hub for green economy and clean energy. The UAE has set a target of increasing its share of clean energy to 50% by 2050. The UAE has invested in various renewable energy projects, such as the Shams 1 solar thermal plant, which is one of the largest of its kind in the world, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is planned to be the largest single-site solar park in the world by 2030. The UAE is also home to Masdar City, which is a planned city that aims to be one of the most sustainable cities in the world. Also, UAE is one of the 10 largest oil producing countries with a proven reserves, according to BP statistical reviews, of 100 billion barrels.

• Morocco: Morocco has been a pioneer in renewable energy development in the region, with a target of achieving 52% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Morocco has invested heavily in solar power projects, such as the Noor Ouarzazate complex, which is the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world. Morocco also has a strong wind power sector, with a capacity of over 1.2 gigawatts (GW) as of 2019.

• Egypt: Egypt has also been pursuing an ambitious renewable energy strategy, with a goal of reaching 42% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. Egypt has a large potential for solar and wind power, especially in the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea coast. Egypt has launched several large-scale projects, such as the Benban Solar Park, which is expected to be the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the world when completed, and the Zafarana Wind Farm, which is one of the largest wind farms in Africa.

These are some examples of countries in the MENA region that are prepared for after fossil fuels era. However, there are still many challenges and barriers that need to be overcome, such as policy and regulatory frameworks, financing and investment mechanisms, public awareness and participation, and regional cooperation and integration.

The world is at a crossroads in its energy choices. Fossil fuels have been instrumental in driving industrial growth and development, but they have also caused severe environmental problems. Their finite nature also poses a threat to long-term energy security. The need for alternative and sustainable energy sources is clear and urgent.

Renewable energy sources offer a promising solution to this challenge. They are abundant, reliable, and sustainable. They can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change impacts, and foster global peace. They can also create new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and social welfare.

— Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi is a former UAE minister of Infrastructure Development and for Climate Change and Environment

The country hosts significant renewable projects and recently hosted the UN climate conference in Dubai, highlighting its role in advocating for a global transition away from fossil fuels.

Title:

Content: Analyzing The Impact On -And What's Next For- The Middle East After The UAE's Momentous Staging Of COP28 The United Nations climate conference in Dubai made history last month, uniting nearly 200 nations to adopt a resolution to "transition away" from coal, oil and gas in this decade.

By Megha Merani

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

The 28th edition of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) may have wrapped up- but the spotlight still remains fixed on the Middle East, with the UAE at the center, as it emerges as a potential key influencer in the global climate agenda. This focus comes amidst expectations from industry leaders that the summit's resolutions will spark a new wave of innovation and strategic rethinking across the region.

The United Nations (UN) climate conference in Dubai made history last month, uniting nearly 200 nations to adopt a resolution to "transition away" from coal, oil and gas in this decade. The landmark decision on fossil fuels -a first of its kind in the conference's three-decades- was won after intense debate and considerable resistance from leading energy producers.

Fossil fuels, which are responsible for the majority of global warming emissions, still account for more than 80% of the world's energy consumption, even amid a steady rise in renewable energy capacity. COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said the deal "delivered a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies," but stressed the importance of action over rhetoric, signaling a turning point in international energy policies. "We are what we do, not what we say," he said. "We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible action."

Salaal Hassan, founder and CEO of Ahya, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solution for businesses to measure and reduce emissions, said heightened awareness of climate challenges spurred by COP28 opens key opportunities for both policymakers and the private sector. "The private sector must move beyond an outlook of seeing climate change as corporate social responsibility (CSR), and instead adapt from purely capitalist models to green social capital-based enterprises," he said. To make the shift, he recommends the adoption of "double materiality", a concept that focuses on reinvesting profits into climate protection and accurately assessing climate risk.

Salaal Hassan, founder and CEO, Ahya. Source: Ahya

As for the road ahead, Hassan predicts the COP28 dialogue will be a major catalyst for climatetech innovation in the region, especially for software startups focused on database management, reporting, and reduction processes for climate initiatives. "Such solutions already exist in the US and European Union, but they are not transferable to the UAE due to cost, support, localization, and compliance aspects," he noted. As the region -which has been historically reliant on fossil fuels- pivots towards a sustainable future, Hassan also sees potential for Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology for greenhouse gas mitigation. However, he also pointed out that its capital-intensive nature poses limitations in emerging markets.

Meanwhile, Shukri Eid, General Manager for the Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan at American multinational IBM, said the urgency to measure carbon footprints, as well as the increasing demand for comprehensive data, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, have exerted immense pressure on organizations. "To start, organizations need to establish baselines and develop data-driven strategies- deciding what data to collect, where to store it, and how to manage it for audits, performance assessment, and driving improvements," Eid said. Unfortunately, existing data is often "fragmented, incomplete, or outdated," Eid noted.

Shukri Eid, General Manager, IBM-Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan. Source: IBM

But he noted that technologies infused with AI "hold the most promise for climate action," citing IBM's collaboration with the US' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on a foundation model for weather and climate. Trained on geospatial information, the model offers a novel approach to tackle climate change. "Unlike traditional AI models, geospatial foundation models can be fine-tuned for diverse applications, from flood detection to fire scars, driving impactful solutions across climate-related challenges," Eid explained.

Closer to home, IBM -which was an Associate Pathway Partner for the COP28 conference in Dubai – has also partnered with Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence to map the urban heat islands in the UAE. The research involves a fine-tuned version of IBM and NASA's geospatial foundation model to understand Abu Dhabi's urban environment and the formation of urban heat islands influenced by local landscapes. At the same time, IBM's Sustainability Accelerator is fostering innovation in water management at the University of Sharjah, which is developing a model and application to monitor and forecast water access in the Middle East and North Africa.

The financial sector is also adapting to take the lead in environmental initiatives. Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC at global digital payments leader Visa, said that finance and payment players "bear a significant responsibility" in driving adaptation, and that they are essential to bridging the gap between consumers and businesses in instilling sustainable practices. "The imperative for banks extends beyond merely reducing the reliance on cash payments and paper," she said. "It encompasses providing crucial capital to sustainable businesses, and creating an environment that fosters their growth. Any technology or innovation that inspires individuals and businesses to awareness and climate action holds great promise."

Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager GCC, Visa. Source: Visa

Dr. Jaffar cited Visa's collaboration with sustainability-as-a-service startup Ecolytiq to launch an "Eco Benefits" bundle, in partnership with Mashreq Bank in the UAE and Qatar Islamic Bank in Qatar, as a prime example. The solution leverages payments data to allow consumers to track their carbon footprint per transaction, enabling them to understand the impact their spending behavior is having on the environment, and offers guidance on how to offset their carbon impact.

In the UAE, the carbon emissions insights are available to nearly one million Mashreq personal banking customers. "Rather than just offering products and services, we aim to craft experiences that truly benefit our customers," Faisal Al Shimmari, Head of ESG and Corporate Strategy at Mashreq Bank, said. "These products are designed to promote climate-positive behaviors, while delivering tangible impact for Mashreq customers."

Meanwhile, Mashreq is also actively ramping up its efforts to provide sustainable financing with a goal to reach US$30 billion by 2030, making it among the top facilitators of the UAE Banks Federation's (UBF) pledge at COP28 to mobilize $272 billion in sustainable finance by the end of the decade. The bank has already facilitated more than 30 deals in sustainable financing since 2021, including structuring and underwriting the recently closed Bapco Energies' $2.5 billion dual tranche Islamic and conventional term facility, the largest sustainability-linked loan in the region so far. Other projects that have received financing include adaptation-related projects such as water projects in Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Related: A Silicon Valley for Climate Tech? It Could Well Be the UAE

Having noted important gaps in climate finance for decarbonization in the UAE, Al Shimmari called it "a matter of national priority". This is why Mashreq is set to launch a UAE ESG Ecosystem Government Accelerator, an initiative uniting public institutions and financial private sector organizations to expedite the UAE's green transition.

Meanwhile, as 2024 now gets underway, Al Shimmari noted that UAE climate startups will need to confront regulatory uncertainties and funding challenges, yet promising avenues for innovation and growth await. "Startups should focus on increasing their technology readiness level through university collaborations and market-funded programs, and work on addressing climate risk stress testing, including data availability and governance challenges," he advised, noting a bright outlook especially for agri- and water-tech sectors.

However, Ahya's Hassan highlighted that the scarcity of capital for climatetech is a major obstacle to progress. "The biggest challenge is that of investors not having the risk appetite or a specialized thesis, due to the need to dive deep into the macroeconomics and regulations, which are distinguishably different from other sectors, as well as the need to see climatetech returns on a mid to long term horizon," Hassan said. "Here, very few investors have a focus on climatetech. And enterprises, whilst having sustainability departments, do not have specialists running them and have a general view of sustainability as an operational expense or CSR function. This can only change through confidence building, and simplifying the macro regulatory context."

Echoing Hassan's view, Victor Sunyer, Partner at Dubai-based investment firm Nuwa Capital, said that venture capitalists, in line with market conditions, "will continue to exhibit increased selectivity and caution." This cautious approach comes just as UAE-based data platform Magnitt noted a significant global investment growth in climatetech. The sector saw $82 billion in investments in 2022, up 20% from the previous year.

Victor Sunyer, Partner, Nuwa Capital. Source: Nuwa Capital

In the more nascent Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) market, climatetech startups attracted $651 million across 148 ventures between 2018 and 2022. However, Nuwa Capital envisions climatetech as "a fundamental area for growth and investment in the region" over the next few years, Sunyer said, motivated by the urgency to mitigate climate change impact. "Consumer sensitivity towards responsible behavior adds momentum to this trend," he said. "We are pursuing investment opportunities in the climate action space, spanning both early and growth stages."

Sunyer also said that the region is seeing "the beginnings of a solid climatetech ecosystem", also pointing to accelerator programs sponsored by major energy companies directing their focus to energy efficiency and transition. ADNOC, for example, launched a $1 million decarbonization technology challenge last year. Sunyer also noted "heightened enthusiasm" for water management and efficiency post-COP28, as well as technologies focused around low-carbon foods and locally grown produce, and on reducing building energy consumption. "Given the relevance of the construction sector and the climatic conditions, implementing energy-conserving measures for buildings is crucial for enhancing overall energy efficiency," Sunyer said. "Anticipated strides by policymakers in this regard underscore the potential impact."

With buildings accounting for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, Maged Marie, CEO at Egypt-based real estate firm Magnom Properties, emphasized the role of the built environment in global energy transition discussions at COP28. The summit focused on practical solutions to decarbonize the buildings sector, Marie said, describing it as a move to "course-correct."

Maged Marie, CEO, Magnom Properties. Source: Magnom Properties

At the summit, the governments of France and Morocco, alongside the UN Environment Program (UNEP), launched the Buildings Breakthrough, setting a goal for near-zero emissions and climateresilient buildings by 2030– an initiative Marie lauded as one of the "most important sector-specific outcomes" at the conference in Dubai. "While the speed and scale of urbanization globally has brought manifold challenges to the climate crisis, the buildings sector is also uniquely positioned to be part of the solutions as we move forward on the path of net zero," Marie said. "At Magnom Properties, for instance, we are tapping into the long-term potential of clean hydrogen to power 75% of the total energy demands of the Forbes International Tower in Cairo, Egypt, designed to be one of the most sustainable buildings globally."

The Forbes International Tower, a commercial project planned to be constructed in locations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, will also use solar power, while also incorporating water recycling and smart technologies for efficient use. The tower is set to reduce its carbon footprint by 58%, equivalent to 60 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, and it is also targeting Platinum LEED certification.

Commenting on the industry as a whole, Louise Collins, Head of Engineering and Energy for the MEA, and Head of Project and Development Services for the UAE, at real estate services firm JLL, said that sustainability is "high on the agenda" for both local and global businesses operating in the real estate sector. More time, resources, and money are being spent on sustainability, she said, which is expected to continue in the years ahead. According to JLL, 59% of the top 100 office occupiers in Dubai have carbon commitments.

Louise Collins, Head of Engineering and Energy for the MEA, and Head of Project and Development Services for the UAE, JLL. Source: JLL

Collins said that much of the demand for low-carbon space is coming from international occupiers. But the Emirate faces a unique set of challenges in meeting this demand, she said, including extreme climate conditions, rapid urban development, and high-energy demand buildings. That said, the market also presents unique opportunities. "As Dubai continues to develop rapidly, local government officials and developers benefit from implementing stringent buildings codes and construction practices to ensure buildings are sustainable at the onset– a much easier route than having to go through expensive and complex retrofits," Collins explained. "Building owners can also capitalize on abundant solar energy potential and leverage smart city technologies."

A spokesperson from NWTN, a UAE-based electric car manufacturer and green energy provider, forecasted transformative shifts in the regional energy landscape, including an uptick in investments in renewables like solar and wind power, that would potentially lead to the emergence of new renewable tech companies. "Given the UAE's abundant solar resources, innovations in solar energy, such as more efficient photovoltaic cells or concentrated solar power systems, are particularly promising," the spokesperson said. "Wind energy, especially offshore wind turbines, could also see significant advancements."

Other promising technologies include green hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources. "It can be used in various sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation, making it a versatile option for decarbonization," the spokesperson said. These, along with advanced energy storage systems including batteries and other novel storage technologies, along with smart grid technology, are essential for managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.

Peter May, Vice President of Operations at Dubai-based proptech startup Silkhaus, underscored the shared collective accountability for climate action. "Climate action is everyone's responsibility across sectors, and not just that of cleantech businesses," he said. But startups face challenges, he added, in "avoiding the lure of greenwashing," and resisting the misconception that purchasing carbon credits is a primary solution. Advocating for a more comprehensive approach, May said companies need to focus on education, optimization, and direct impact reduction.

Peter May, VP of Operations, Silkhaus. Source: Silkhaus

But despite hurdles in the shift to green, May is upbeat about COP28's long-term effect on Middle East economies. Ultimately, the unprecedented agreement is encouraging as it aligns with the region's ambitions to diversify away from oil-dependence, he said. After all, expanding into non-oil sectors -while fostering sustainable practices- is a win-win scenario.

Related: What Are The Climate Solutions That We're Leaving On The Table? Ask Women Entrepreneurs.

Megha Merani

Independent Journalist

Megha Merani is an independent journalist based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Her stories have made headlines across a number of publications including Reuters, Associated Press, Entrepreneur Middle EastBloomberg Middle East, Arabian Gulf Business Insight, Arabian Business, and former local daily 7DAYS.

Megha also produces editorial for government platforms including the World Government Summit and World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils. She has been a grant winner of the Thomson Reuters Foundation and The Global Initiative Against Organized Crime funded by the government of Norway to report on the online trade in illegal wildlife.

Megha is also an Associate Fellow (AFHEA) at Murdoch University in Dubai and leads its Digital Newsroom course unit. In addition, Megha serves as a United Nations Women mentor to support equal opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and supports various other programs including TIE Women, 60 Day Startups, and the Watt Inc. Business Incubator.

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- **Morocco:** Home to the Noor Ouarzazate complex, the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant, setting a benchmark for regional solar development.

- **Egypt:** Holds vast potential for both solar and wind projects, particularly in the Sinai and along the Red Sea coast.

Egypt is utilizing renewables to power large-scale buildings and infrastructure.

- **Israel:** Shifting its energy diplomacy, Israel leverages natural gas exports (e.g., exporting to Europe via Egypt) and is deepening ties with Arab states through agreements like the Abraham Accords.

Title:

Content: Energy is changing Israel’s foreign policy - opinion

The Abraham Accords between Israel and several Arab states, including the oil-rich countries, further illustrate Israel’s energy centric-foreign policy.

Israel's Energy Minister Karin Elharrar is seen signing a climate cooperation deal with Jordan in Dubai, on November 22, 2021.
(photo credit: Courtesy)

For centuries, energy concerns have influenced defense, economics, and the environment. Starting with the British Empire’s decision to found coaling stations to support the imperial navy to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, energy has impacted security decisions at every level.

Future energy sources are destined to be just as transformative and disruptive to the international system. This ongoing transformation is showcased in no better example than Israel’s sensitive energy-centric diplomacy.

Its energy-focused foreign and security policy comes in the wake of the Russian ruble climbing to a seven-year high, owing to high oil prices triggered by sanctions against Russia and the post-COVID global recovery. With Europe reeling due to dependence on Russian gas, Israel has stepped in and is in talks to fill this vacuum with its own gas exports by exporting gas to Europe via Egypt.

However, Israel’s diplomacy and the future of energy politics are not just about changing logistics or suppliers. Dr. Alexander V. Mirtchev, in his groundbreaking The Prologue: The Alternative Energy Megatrend in the Age of Great Power Competition, elucidates on the changing landscape of energy politics. The book provides an excellent model for Israeli diplomacy.

Mirtchev, a vice-chair at the Atlantic Council, a leading Washington think tank, and a founding member of the Council to the Kissinger Institute on China and the US at the Woodrow Wilson International Center, argues that the vigorous pursuit of innovation and an expeditious entry into the realm of the unknown is becoming a key ingredient in the competition between global powers, resulting in energy rebalancing between actors.

The Leviathan gas platform, 10km. offshore Israel (credit: ALBATROSS)

Mirtchev is not alone in this assessment. Former secretary of state and national security adviser Henry Kissinger concurs, stating “Mirtchev’s sweeping exploration of the changing energy landscape looks far into the future and outlines issues that will occupy scholars and policymakers for decades to come.”

Former director of the FBI William Sessions believes the megatrend described by Mirtchev has succeeded in breaking through the complexities of the current alternative energy development strategies. World Bank vice president for sustainable development Rachel Kyte notes, “The alternative energy megatrend as described in Alexander Mirtchev’s book, occupies a large and growing role in the World Bank’s energy portfolio and policy advice.”

It is worth analyzing what this forward-looking trajectory, a megatrend, means for Israel’s changing foreign policy considering the Abraham Accords, the Iranian threat, and its wish to export gas to Europe.

Israel’s foreign policy through the lens of energy

Mirtchev posits that security considerations are driving Israel’s energy strategies. The use of solar-based battery chargers and new approaches to providing energy to military bases are obvious examples. Counterintuitively, Mirtchev also explains how Israel’s booming natural gas industry interplays with technological and regional dynamics: “Combined with the increased use of domestic natural gas, Israel can utilize alternative energy as a balancing factor in its relations with its energy-rich neighbors. These considerations are already leading to advances in alternative energy [...].”

Energy has also recently played a critical role in Turkish-Israeli relations. While some experts speculate on Turkey’s latest charm offensive, hoping to repair long-strained Turkish-Israeli relations, energy is obviously paramount. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated as much in February, “We can use Israeli natural gas in our country and beyond using it, we can also engage in a joint effort on its passage to Europe.”

It is these same energy concerns that drive Israel’s engagement with various Mediterranean states. Israel’s energy alliance with Greece, Cyprus, Egypt and Italy aims to transport Israeli gas to Europe via the Euro-Asia interconnector, which was announced in April, to boost alternatives after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With these states also announcing the EastMed subsea pipeline to supplement delivery capabilities, it is unsurprising that Turkey is both rhetorically retaliating against Europe and seeking ties with Israel.

The perennial Iranian nuclear issue is another excellent example of this. While seeking nuclear weapons and funding terrorism are political projects, energy is also at their apex. Oil revenues enable their activities, and Iran is now attempting to leverage the Ukrainian crisis to do so.

Last week, Iran announced they are going to increase cooperation with Russia by swapping energy supplies and setting up a logistics hub with a Russian accord. The simple aim is to help both parties bypass sanctions and provide plausible deniability to politically uncommitted buyers. If the international community wants to pressure Iran and Russia successfully, it must find a way to hamper their energy industries and simultaneously pressure both parties.

The Abraham Accords between Israel and several Arab states, including the oil-rich United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, further illustrate Israel’s energy centric-foreign policy. A taste of the future alternative energy paradigm surfaced last November with the signing of a water-for-energy deal between Israel and Jordan. Months later, a UAE-Egyptian consortium announced intentions to buy South African renewables firm Lekela, giving Abu Dhabi’s Masdar, owned by UAE’s sovereign investment company Mubadala, a presence in southern Africa.

Israel’s recent energy-centric diplomacy showcases what Mirtchev argues: “the alternative energy megatrend [...] has already begun to shape the way production choices are made and energy is distributed.”

As alternative energy and technologies advance, this megatrend will create opportunities for relations between states and upset existing power balances. Israel’s foreign policy transformation already acts as a testimony to this major development.

The writer is a Middle East expert, the managing editor at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies and a Ph.D. candidate at Bar-Ilan University. He is formerly the Middle East correspondent for The Jerusalem Post.

- **GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states:** Nuclear energy is being explored as a diversification strategy, with benefits such as reducing electricity costs, diversifying energy supplies, and reducing emissions.

**Government Incentives and Policies:**
- Countries in the region are rolling out various incentives for renewable energy projects, including regulatory frameworks and investment in infrastructure.

The growing prominence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria is steering both public and private sectors toward sustainability.

Title:

Content: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues have become increasingly prominent on the global stage as organisations recognise the need to integrate sustainability into their operations.

As the Middle East moves towards a low carbon future, sustainability has become a top priority for organisations and governments across the region.

Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai announced while launching the National Hydrogen Strategy that the UAE is to invest up to AED 200 billion ($54.5 billion) in renewable energy.

The launch of a AED 4 billion renewable energy plant in Dubai,  and the world’s largest waste-to-energy plant are proof of sustainability climbing the agenda.

With COP 28 being held in the UAE this year, there is a renewed sense of urgency on climate change action, and the net-zero carbon target is being prioritised through policies and actions.

After all, sustainability will boost the UAE’s economic competitiveness, drive innovative policy and improve investment opportunities.

The region has seen notable sustainability innovations, including Saudi Arabia’s rapid transition to a circular carbon economy, Bahrain’s state oil company refinancing a $2.2 billion sustainability-linked corporate finance facility, and Oman’s exploration of green hydrogen as a clean energy source.

However, the Middle East faces its own unique challenges in implementing ESG practices, especially around accurate sustainability reporting and implementing early regulations to fill in previous gaps.

Other challenges that hinder the progress of the region’s ESG agenda include the talent gap, how corporates in the region address the need to implement ESG practices, as well as data availability.

Regulatory frameworks

While standardised frameworks and reporting guidelines begin to form, the lack of clear regulations can hinder consistent measurement and disclosure of ESG performance.

Global frameworks have now become more widely adopted in the region such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the newly published International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

The gap in standardisation previously posed challenges for investors and stakeholders who relied on transparent and comparable ESG data for decision-making, however, we are starting to see drastic changes in this area.

Data availability

Many companies in the Middle East still face challenges in collecting, managing, and reporting ESG data, which can hinder their ability to effectively assess and manage their sustainability performance.

Data is the first step to measure any status, but also measure progress. Improving data collection mechanisms and investing in robust reporting systems will be instrumental in addressing this challenge.

ESG talent gap

Organisations need individuals with specialised knowledge and expertise in ESG practices to drive sustainable strategies effectively. Alongside this specialised knowledge, the industry also needs innovators, risk takers, agitators for change, mentors, and communicators in the field. There is however, a shortage of skilled professionals in the region with a deep understanding of ESG principles to drive innovative solutions.

Bridging this gap requires investment in education and training programmes to build a skilled workforce capable of integrating ESG considerations into business practices. Universities and training institutions are therefore increasingly offering courses and programmes on sustainability and ESG and businesses are partnering with academic institutions to develop tailored training initiatives and internships, nurturing a pipeline of talent equipped with the required knowledge and skills.

These efforts will cultivate a sustainable workforce capable of implementing and driving ESG practices in the Middle East.

Implementation by region’s corporates

Despite the challenges, corporations in the Middle East are embracing ESG practices, recognising the importance of sustainability and responsible business conduct. We see this through accelerated electrification and the increase of decarbonizing energy supply.

The GCC’s oil-producing nations have made efforts to diversify energy sources, transitioning towards net-zero carbon fuels for transportation. Investments in renewable energy, such as solar and wind, aim to mitigate environmental impacts and promote a low-carbon economic future transforming the economic system and supply chain.

Additionally, social considerations are gaining prominence. Companies are addressing social issues through initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and employee welfare.

Governance practices are also being strengthened to ensure transparency, accountability, regulatory reforms and ethical conduct.

While obstacles in integrating ESG practices persist in the Middle East, corporates in the region are proactively embracing sustainability and responsible business practices.

That the Middle East is emerging as a leader in ESG adoption is apparent through their fullfillment of the UN SDG goals which has driven positive environmental, social, and governance outcomes for businesses and society as a whole.

- Regional summits and declarations, e.g., the 31st Arab League summit, show a commitment to tackling climate and sustainability challenges together.

Title:

Content: Yearender: Trend of rapprochement gains steam in Mideast

Xinhua

In the last month of 2022, Qatar basked in the global limelight for being the first Arab country to smoothly and successfully host a spectacular FIFA World Cup football extravaganza. The 2022 World Cup not only brought great joy to football fans across the world, but also left a positive impact on the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East by boosting the momentum of rapprochement among regional rivals, Xinhua writes.

The rapprochement was also on display at the Nov. 20 World Cup opening ceremony: Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warmly greeted each other, while Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shook hands with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. "The first-ever football World Cup in an Arabian country has been timely and ended regional hostilities," commented an article published on the 2022 FIFA World Cup's official website. Qatar and Saudi Arabia only ended in January 2021 a diplomatic crisis that broke out in mid-2017, when Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar and imposed a blockade on it. Likewise, before the Erdogan-Sisi handshake in Doha, the ties between Türkiye and Egypt had been tense due to their feuding over a number of issues.

Regional thaw

Facing the negative economic and political impacts caused by the food supply crisis, the Ukrainian conflict, and financial turmoil due to irresponsible U.S. monetary policy, major countries in the Middle East moved to sidestep their long rivalries this year for either security interests or economic benefits. Israel continued to improve ties with Arab states to follow up on the Abraham Accords it reached with several Arab states in 2020, by hosting in March a landmark foreign ministers' meeting with Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco and the UAE. It was agreed that the meeting will become an annual forum. Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Bahrain and the UAE in December, becoming the first Israeli head of state to do so. In July, Saudi Arabia, which has no diplomatic ties with Israel, opened its airspace to all civilian flights to and from Israel for the first time.

Meanwhile, Arab countries continued to mend ties and strengthen unity to face regional challenges this year. In March, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad travelled to the UAE for his first visit to an Arab state since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim arrived in Cairo in June for his first visit to Egypt since the end of the 2017 diplomatic crisis. In December, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Qatar for the first time since the resumption of their relations.

Egypt hosted a summit in August with leaders of Iraq, Jordan, the UAE and Bahrain to consolidate regional cooperation. At the 31st Arab League summit held in Algeria in November, a declaration was adopted to jointly tackle regional and global challenges.

Türkiye, a major non-Arab state in the region, launched diplomatic initiatives this year to repair strained ties with regional powers, contributing to the easing of tensions in the Middle East.

In February, Turkish President Erdogan paid a visit to the UAE, marking a turning point in the Türkiye-UAE ties long marred by rifts. In March, Erdogan met with visiting Israeli President Isaac Herzog during the latter's ice-breaking visit to Ankara. The two countries announced in August to restore full diplomatic ties.

Erdogan visited Saudi Arabia in April to break the ice in bilateral ties caused by the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in 2018. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed reciprocated by paying a visit to Türkiye two months later.

Most notably, the rapprochement between Iran and Gulf Arab countries gained momentum in 2022.

On Dec. 21, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian revealed that he held "friendly" talks with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud while attending a regional conference in Jordan. Before this meeting, Saudi Arabia and Iran, two arch-rivals, had already held rounds of peace talks, the last of which was in April.

Qatar's emir in May met with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi in the Iranian capital of Tehran to discuss bilateral cooperation. In August, Kuwait and the UAE announced separately to send their ambassadors back to Iran, in a dramatic policy reversal since the downgrading of their diplomatic ties with Tehran in 2016.

"With the concerns of food security, energy supply and other global challenges such as climate change, the linkage between domestic and foreign affairs for many Middle Eastern countries is becoming stronger, and they tend to solve problems at home more through regional cooperation," Nimrod Goren, president of the Israeli think tank Mitvim Institute (The Israeli Institute for Regional Foreign Policies), told Xinhua.

Waning US influence

The trend of reconciliation in the Middle East, in which more countries are seeking greater independence in foreign policy, comes amid the waning influence of the United States. The timing of the trend appears to be determined less by bilateral factors than by broader international shifts, said a policy brief published by the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, which added that the U.S. especially made a difference.

Analysts believe that reduced U.S. presence in the Middle East has shaken its regional allies' view of Washington as a sole security provider, prompting them to adjust foreign policies. The Middle East today looks rather different from previous eras when the regional order was heavily manipulated by Washington, which exerted its influence by sowing and then mediating rifts and conflicts to serve its own strategic interests. But Washington has shifted its focus away from the region in recent years as it no longer relies on its oil as before.

"The more that Washington moves to expand its military and political commitments to lead a new regional order, the less stable the region will likely become," wrote Marc Lynch, professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, in an article published in July by the Foreign Affairs.

This July, U.S. President Joe Biden tried to regain the confidence of its allies by paying his first visit to the Middle East since taking office. But his visit achieved limited goals, as he neither succeeded in forming a regional military alliance against Iran, nor convinced Saudi Arabia to raise its oil output.

Biden's trip to the Middle East "ended not with a bang but with a whimper," wrote Lynch. "The United States simply does not have the resources or the political capabilities to play the role of hegemon in the Middle East. Regional powers no longer believe the United States can or will act militarily to defend them."

Uncertainty remains

Though the rapprochement has helped de-escalate tensions in the volatile Middle East, it is far from certain whether there will be more concrete, substantive progress. As the entanglement of various forces has complicated the whole picture, some intractable traditional rifts and conflicts remain, threatening to destabilize the region at any time.

Yemen's Houthi forces in January launched surprise drone and missile attacks on the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi. Israel has been conducting airstrikes on targets inside Syria throughout the year, while Türkiye has repeatedly threatened to launch a military offensive into Syria to crack down on anti-Turkish Kurdish fighters.

Uncertainty has grown over Iran's return to the 2015 nuclear deal due to stalled negotiations since August. The decades-long rivalry between Israel and Iran could become more pernicious as Israel's longest-serving prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to return to power with a far-right government.

Similarly, despite the Iranian-Saudi dialogue, the situation in Yemen is still worrisome. The Yemeni warring parties failed in October to extend a six-month ceasefire, dimming the hopes for ending the eight-year civil war soon.

Goren, also a senior fellow at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, said that the situation of the conflicts-ridden Middle East is even getting more complex as many stubborn problems remain, while multifaceted cooperation and dynamic exchanges beyond economic consideration keep expanding the positive momentum. He said that more and more countries in the region are working together, "driven by common interests, despite the political differences that are still in place."

But, swift reconciliations are not enough to establish enduring stability and a genuinely cooperative regional order in the region, said the policy brief of the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies. "This requires a rational, pragmatic approach that grapples with the issues underlying the conflicts and makes a clear-eyed assessment of the specific interests of each major actor," it added.

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**Capacity and Outcomes:**
- Solar capacity is expanding rapidly in select countries, with ambitious national targets and high-profile projects.

However, renewable investments, while growing, are not yet dominant relative to ongoing oil and gas activities.

- Blue economy initiatives (sustainable use of ocean resources) and discussions around nuclear power also demonstrate the region’s interest in broader energy diversification.

Title:

Content:

‘Blue Economy’ focus on sustainable marine development comes to Middle East

An ocean-based economy could be the answer to climate change, food insecurity, energy issues, and cooperation among the countries of the region.

EU Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius gives a news conference on sustainable blue economy in Brussels, Belgium May 17, 2021
(photo credit: VIA REUTERS)

As the world rapidly changes and new needs and issues continue to appear on the global agenda, the “blue economy,” defined by the World Bank as the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem,” is seen by many as a great solution to many of the mankind’s current problems.

For more stories from The Media Line go to themedialine.org

The Commonwealth of Nations considers the blue economy as “an emerging concept which encourages better stewardship of our ocean or ‘blue’ resources.”

The blue economy approach is also penetrating the Middle East.

Israel last month inaugurated the National Center for Innovation and Blue Economy in Haifa, aiming to promote technological innovation and entrepreneurship related to the maritime space.

This includes projects in fields such as aquaculture, shipping, marine tourism, and marine nature conservation, the Environmental Protection Ministry and the Haifa Municipality said in a joint statement.

Port of Haifa. (credit: Prof. Noa Shenkar)

'Blue is the next green'

Mohammed Baharoon, director general at b’huth – The Dubai Public Policy Research Centre, told The Media Line that the United Arab Emirates and Oman are also working hard on exploring these areas. He said the investments are not very significant till now, but he added that it is an area of growth.

The blue economy is of great importance for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, he explained, as they “are based in the Arabian Peninsula which is surrounded by four seas.

“Their economic ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific Region are huge,” he added.

Blue is the next green, continued Baharoon, and “the blue economy complements all their efforts toward carbon neutrality, energy transition, and economic diversity.”

Lior Hanuka is the CEO of HiCenter, which operates the National Center for Blue Economy in Haifa. He told The Media Line that investment in projects related to the blue economy in Israel is also low, “but we are going to change this number to hundreds of millions of dollars, maybe billions of dollars, because we do think that the blue economy is going to bring to the table a lot of opportunities to innovate.”

Israeli innovation can move from the land to the sea, he added, saying we are talking about artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and all the agricultural technologies, Hanuka added.

Gregor Paterson-Jones, managing partner at PJ & Company, a blue and green finance consultancy, said, “The blue economy conceptualization and financing mechanism, as well as sustainability standards, are now where green finance was 10 years ago.”

There are a number of highly relevant blue economy sectors that have a huge impact on sustainable development in the region, he noted in an interview with The Media Line.

There are several large tourism developments and existing assets that rely on the health of the ocean for their survival, Paterson-Jones said. Also, maritime trade and logistics are important assets for the region that could benefit from investment in blue economy-based projects.

He pointed out that blue economy developments could make the difference between recent fossil fuel discoveries’ exploitation being beneficial or deleterious to the energy mix in the region. He also cited renewable energy and waste treatment as areas that could benefit.

Greater fisheries and aquaculture opportunities

The new approach could be an asset in the provision of water in water-stressed areas of the world, and could create greater fisheries and aquaculture opportunities in the region, Paterson-Jones said.

Hanuka added, “The beautiful thing about the blue economy is that once you bring the innovation, or build the project, it contributes to all the countries around you, and maybe beyond.”

He added that the Israeli National Center for Innovation and Blue Economy has already been in touch with contacts in Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco, “and they’re looking for our innovation.”

Regional cooperation is a must for the success of the blue economy in addressing key issues such as global warming, he said. “Some of the challenges belong to the whole region, so some of the solutions have to be regional and not only in one country,” Hanuka said.

Baharoon stressed that in additionI to important issues that the blue economy can address such as climate change, food security, energy transition, and economic cooperation, an ocean-based economy means connectivity, which could greatly enhance the Middle Eastern countries’ ties with East Asian countries.

“Blue waters projects will help create new corridors for moving food, energy, and data, and marine urbanization will create people traffic between these two regions, which will require cooperation on new types of governance structures,” he said.

**Impact on Economy and Climate Goals:**
- Investing in renewables is not just about climate commitments; it is increasingly seen as enhancing long-term energy security and opening up new economic opportunities.

- The energy transition supports regional stability and new diplomatic partnerships, as seen in Israel’s changing relations and regional rapprochement efforts.

- However, experts warn that without rapid transition, the region faces severe climate threats—projected warming of up to 5°C, risks to coastal urban areas, and significant economic disruption.

Title:

Content: Climate change could devastate Mideast, scientists warn

Climate change could devastate Middle East, East Mediterranean, scientists warn

The region could see an overall warming of up to 5 degrees Celsius or more by the end of the century

Climate change could have a devastating effect on the lives of millions in the East Mediterranean and Middle East, where temperatures are rising nearly twice as fast as the global average, an international team of scientists warned.

The region could see an overall warming of up to 5 degrees Celsius or more by the end of the century on a business-as-usual scenario, a report prepared by the Cyprus Institute said.

That temperature spike was almost twice that anticipated in other areas of the planet, and faster than any other inhabited parts of the world, it said.

The report, prepared under the auspices of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and the Climate and Atmosphere Research Center of The Cyprus Institute, will be submitted at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) taking place in Egypt in November.

Read | How climate change is transforming the Pacific Crest trail

A combination of reduced rainfall and weather warming will contribute to severe droughts, compromising water and food security, with many countries unprepared for rising sea levels, one expert said.

"This (scenario) would imply severe challenges for coastal infrastructure and agriculture, and can lead to the salinisation of costal aquifers, including the densely populated and cultivated Nile Delta," said Dr. George Zittis of the Cyprus Institute, an author of the report.

Meeting the main targets of the Paris Agreement, a global pact of countries to cut emissions, could stabilise the annual temperature increase to about 2 degrees Celsius.

Scientists recommend rapid implementation of decarbonisation actions with a particular emphasis on the energy and transportation sectors.

"Since many of the regional outcomes of climate change are transboundary, stronger collaboration among the countries is indispensable to cope with the expected adverse impacts," said Jos Lelieveld, director of the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, institute professor at the Cyprus Institute, and coordinator of the assessment.

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**Summary Insight:**
- The Middle East’s energy transition is at a critical juncture: While oil and gas will remain significant, national solar and other renewable initiatives are gathering pace, stimulated by both domestic climate risks and shifting geopolitical landscapes.

The region’s energy strategies now hinge on balancing legacy industries with forward-looking policies for climate resilience and economic diversification.

**NUGGETS: Energy Transition Strategies in the Middle East (with focus on Solar Energy)**

- **Traditional Oil Wealth and Drivers of Change:**
  The Middle East has historically been defined by its vast oil reserves and has played a central role in the global energy market.

Title:

Content: He who comes to us with the ceiling will perish under the ceiling.
Dmitry Novikov
Deputy Head of the Department of International Relations of the Faculty of World Economy and World Politics of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Leading Researcher of the Institute of China and Asian Countries of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Shamil Enikeev
Professor, Department of International Relations, Faculty of World Economy and World Politics, National Research University Higher School of Economics
25 January 2023, 22: 42
An attempt to change the rules of pricing in the energy market may lead to a reformat of the entire world energy order, but not to the one expected by the initiators of these changes.
Egor Aleev / TASS
Buyers cartel
The outgoing year gave rise to a global reformat in many areas: from the model of functioning of the corporate sector to the transformation of existing international relations.
The energy sector, traditionally sensitive to political changes, has not escaped this.
The processes launched there are capable of radically transforming the entire world energy order within the next 2-3 years.
The key question for Russia is what role it will play in the near future.
The introduction by Western countries of price ceilings in relation to Russian oil and oil products is an unprecedented event both for the market and for modern sanctions practices.
Recall that on December 2, 2022, the member states of the European Union agreed on a price ceiling for Russian oil, previously initiated by the G7, and in the future, the G7 also plans to apply price limits for diesel and kerosene of Russian origin in addition to the embargo on Russian oil products, introduced on February 5, 2023.
Up to this point, the sanctions on energy were either targeted restrictions to weaken the production capabilities of individual companies or industries (for example, restrictions on the transfer of drilling technologies, targeted financial sanctions, etc.), or an embargo on supplies from certain countries.
The latter instrument was de facto the traditional way of “dumping the price ” and reducing the revenues of the sanctioned state.
The imposition of the embargo by Western countries did not completely displace the oil-producing country from the world market, but contributed to the increase in transaction and logistics costs, and also forced the companies of the countries under sanctions to resort to discounting.
In this regard, we can say that in the coming 2023, the G7 countries and the European Union will make not only new attempts to bring down the price of Russian oil through a decrease in the level of the “ceiling ”, but also test the strength of the strategy of a long-term instrument for regulating energy prices by the Western“ cartel of buyers ”.
The tasks of imposing economic restrictions on Russia and redistributing the global energy market in this case are intertwined and to some extent follow from each other.
The examples of Iran and Venezuela have shown that in an open market it is difficult to inflict critical damage on the energy industry and the budget of individual states with the help of an embargo alone.
Other countries sometimes do not join the sanctions or buy oil at a discount on more complex schemes.
However, it should be noted that the establishment of price ceilings by a group of large consumers, especially in relation to oil, can weaken the negotiating position of Russian companies and exert some pressure on the price offered to end consumers.
The main effect of such a policy may be that countries and buying companies can refer to these limits as the optimal benchmark for determining the discount (“we do not want to quarrel with the West, and the price is fair enough ”).
In this regard, an important question is how buyers will behave in the event that the ceiling set by the G7 countries radically diverges from market prices for Russian oil (now this discrepancy is admittedly small).
“Price discipline ” in this case will directly depend on how much the threat and inevitability of Western secondary sanctions will outweigh Russia ’ s declared threats to stop oil trade with countries that support the price ceiling.
In the short term, a key problem for Russia is the increase in prices for the transportation of energy resources by tankers, due to the refusal of a number of major players to provide logistics and insurance services to Russian oil companies.
At the same time, Russia is forced to trade Urals oil at higher or lower discounts.
But at the same time, oil of the Russian brand ESPO, transported to the port of Kozmino via the Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil pipeline, for direct deliveries by tankers to the Chinese market, is traded at a level exceeding the price ceiling.
Thus, while the key factors influencing the Russian oil pricing are the refusal of Europe from sea supplies from Russia and the increase in the cost of freight due to the forced export reorientation of domestic oilmen from the European direction to Asia.
In these conditions, for Russia, the task is to reformat the logistics chains and increase its own shipping capabilities.
In the event of increased confrontation between Russia and the United States, the question is whether Western countries will be ready to start fighting Russian oil flows to Asian consumers.
It is unlikely that the G7 countries are ready to worsen relations with a number of Asian states, going to increase rates by stopping individual tankers in order to determine the origin of oil, or imposing extraterritorial sanctions on elements of logistics infrastructure.
But, apparently, behind the imposition of an embargo and price ceilings on Russian energy resources looms an even larger goal.
Energy is becoming a key factor in both economic and geopolitical competitiveness.
In these circumstances, the energy order that emerged in the 1970s, in which the instruments of pricing and foreign policy influence were largely in the hands of manufacturers, simply ceased to satisfy the G7 countries.
The attempt to regulate the price of Russian oil is an important precedent that can change the rules of the game and the balance of power in the global energy market that developed in previous decades.
In the event that the G7 receives a mechanism of more or less effective non-market influence on energy prices, it can theoretically extend this tool to other goods and countries.
And this, in turn, can radically change the balance of power in the energy sector in favor of the emerging “cartel of buyers ”.
In this sense, the imposition of price ceilings and energy embargoes should be interpreted in the general context of the struggle for a future world order.
From Berlin to Beijing
This fact is one of the factors of a sharply negative attitude to the policy pursued by the “Group of Seven ” by Saudi Arabia and other OPEC countries.
They quite rightly see the measures imposed against Russia as a precedent that undermines their own ability to regulate the market.
These circumstances allow us to consider Saudi Arabia and OPEC principal allies of Russia, if not in terms of direct struggle with Western restrictions, then in a fight for favorable rules of the game in the energy sphere.
The game started by the G7 to reformat pricing and logistics chains for energy carriers carries certain risks for the initiators of this process themselves.
A failed experiment with price ceilings could lead to further problems in defining the new rules of the game in energy markets, and in a sense, the loss of the exclusive role of G7 countries in determining the global rules of the game in general.
The most difficult energy situation for European countries can develop in the gas market.
Europe without cataclysms passes this winter not only because of the warm weather, but largely because of the possibility to fill the vaults with Russian gas in 2022 until its significant reduction.
In addition, last year, a decline in consumption in China due to restrictions related to COVID-19 and a higher premium for gas in Europe allowed European buyers to increase LNG imports.
In the winter of 2023-2024.
The European Union may face a significant shortage of gas due to the reduction of Russian supplies and the potential growth of competition with Asian consumers for LNG volumes.
At the same time, the new approaches of the EU in regulating the gas market can further aggravate the situation.
On the one hand, the price ceiling for natural gas introduced by the EU since February this year provides for its “automatic ” cancellation in the event of a threat to stable supplies and limits its application only to spot deliveries sold at the TTF gas hub in the Netherlands.
On the other hand, the European gas price ceiling could scare LNG producers away.
Moreover, LNG supplies will go to Asian consumers if prices there are higher than in the EU.
Difficulties in Europe may also arise with the supply of petroleum products.
At the same time, the expansion of price regulation and embargo from the “usual ” for sanctions of oil to less flexible in terms of logistics and storage of oil products makes this policy even less predictable in terms of consequences.
Europe can partially compensate for the outgoing volumes of Russian diesel primarily due to alternative supplies from India, which has increased oil refining, significantly increasing the import of Russian oil.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE can come to the rescue.
However, a key role in providing diesel to European consumers can play China and Turkey, and here without Russian supplies will not do.
The Celestial Empire can do this by processing the same Russian oil, and the Turkish side - exporting diesel from its refineries to Europe and at the same time buying Russian oil products for its own domestic market.
In this scenario, Europeans will be forced to overpay for oil products from alternative suppliers, and Russian companies can go for some reduction in their own refining.
The withdrawal of Russian oil products, in turn, can lead to further destabilization of the market and higher prices.
Riding changes
In general, Russian companies in the current conditions can suffer financial losses and at the same time engage in the reformat of export routes, their logistics capabilities, focusing on the development of their own technologies, especially in the field of large-capacity liquefaction of gas and the construction of tankers for the transportation of LNG to Asia.
Having withstood external pressure, Russia will be able to count on participating in the construction of a new energy order, more complementary to Russian interests.
However, to survive is only half the battle.
Simply “sit out ” waiting for economic needs to outweigh political calculations today, apparently, will not work.
The struggle for energy is firmly growing into a common struggle for the future international order, and this will be a key factor in the unpredictability of energy markets for at least the next 3-5 years.
Their situation is becoming an integral part of the transformation of the world order.
In this sense, the declared accession of Saudi Arabia to the BRICS best characterizes the multidimensionality of the situation.
Understanding the processes of global restructuring that have begun, Riyadh is looking for new non-Western platforms to protect and promote its own interests.
As noted above, for Russia, the collapse of the existing market-regulated energy order (which ensured the stability of oil prices and conditions for global growth) carries both threats and opportunities.
The energy pivot to the East, and the prospect of further growth in Russian energy supplies to India and China, gives Russia the opportunity to ride the changes and try to form a more profitable energy order for itself.
At the same time, we can talk about the joint formation of a new energy alliance by producers and consumers of hydrocarbon resources, dissatisfied with the energy policy of the G7.
In this regard, Russia will have to reformat not only the supply of its energy resources to foreign markets, but also, together with the countries of the “global south ”, begin to promote energy and“ green ” rules, norms and standards, creating and using appropriate platforms and institutions, especially within the framework of the SCO and BRICS.
In the current foreign policy situation, Russia, apparently, will also be forced and interested to go to the formation of new mechanisms of exchange trade in energy resources, including the launch of alternative payment and pricing systems, outside the framework of Argus and Platts agencies and traditional exchange markers (benchmarks).

However, factors such as fluctuating oil prices, increasing global demand for renewables, and the urgency of climate change are pushing regional states toward energy diversification.

- **Global Context and Regional Motivation:**
  Geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and associated fluctuations in oil supply and prices, have had ripple effects on the region’s strategies, increasing the appeal of reliable, locally sourced renewable energy.

The transition is also accelerated by international climate commitments and economic diversification agendas (e.g., Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia).

- **Key National Projects in Solar Energy:**

    - **Saudi Arabia:**
      - *NEOM City and “The Line”*: A futuristic city powered by 100% renewable energy, utilizing massive solar installations.

Title:

Content: Israel ’ s president says he can save the planet from climate crisis
The global climate crisis means disaster for the Middle East, but like all crises, it also presents opportunities.
In Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, COP27 begins.
Many world leaders, including President Yitzhak Herzog, will come to the Middle East to find solutions to the climate emergency that has developed in the world.
“Israel ’ s ninth president, Shimon Peres, spoke of his vision for a New Middle East; I call it the Renewable Middle East.
The Renewable Middle East is a growing alliance to find common solutions to perhaps the biggest threat to our region: the climate crisis.
This is a vision of a sustainable regional ecosystem.
A region that is not only “new ” in the sense of distinction, but is also supported by its own positive momentum, ” Herzog wrote in an article published in The Times of Israel.
“Today I am arriving at COP27 in Egypt, the first Arab country to make peace with Israel.
Following the historic Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty of 1979, Israel made peace with Jordan and, most recently, normalized relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and the Sudan.
The Abraham Accords could not be adopted quickly enough, pushing the Middle East into the rapid rethinking it needs to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
I fervently hope that other countries in our region will join this green regrouping, including our Palestinian neighbors, and one day Syria and Lebanon, ” he added.
“Let no one doubt that if the world does not reach the 1.5 ° C goal, the Middle East will suffer disproportionately.
A hot, dry region will become hotter and drier.
Rising sea levels will threaten coastal populations.
And it is precisely because we all face the same challenges that we must join forces to find common solutions.
Our lives depend on it, ” added the Duke.
In a historic shift, Israel is integrating into the Middle East as its neighbors recognize that the future of dynamic engagement with a Jewish and democratic state, based on a shared commitment to the future of our children, is the key to a brighter future.
“The renewable Middle East can be truly transformative in clean energy as a source of solar energy for Europe, Asia and Africa.
Where others might see the vast expanses of the desert from the Maghreb to the Persian Gulf, I see an opportunity to produce clean energy and use Israel ’ s position at the crossroads of three great continents to export it to the world.
I first spoke in favor of a renewable Middle East in a speech on February 23, on the eve of the war in Ukraine.
The continued rise in energy prices around the world only underscores the need for reliable sources of green energy, ” he said.
As Israel and its neighbors begin to cooperate on joint projects that will help Europe, Asia and Africa solve their own problems in food security, water management, etc., this momentum of partnership will become self-sustaining, Herzog said.
He adds that “it will be a renewable world. ”
“It is for this reason that I established the Israel Climate Forum under the auspices of the Office of the President of Israel to keep the environment at the forefront of Israel ’ s national priorities and bring together some of the most influential people in the country to brainstorm and implement creative solutions to surpass themselves despite Israel ’ s small size. ”
“A renewed Middle East will be ahead for the same reason that Israel has always won despite adversity, or perhaps because of it: because there is no other choice, and the climate crisis is indeed a matter of life and death.
In our increasingly turbulent world, the Renewable Middle East is a beam of sustainably powered light.
Skeptics may call it a pipe dream, but this pipeline will carry green energy that will help free the world from dependence on fossil fuels, while creating sustainable partnerships to lead our region into a new, cleaner era. ”
If world leaders at COP27 are serious about limiting global temperature rises, then building and joining Middle East partnerships is a smart, green investment, he said.
The Duke called on all COP27 delegates to explore the hidden possibilities of Israel ’ s full integration in the Middle East, seek greater partnership in the region, and join and invest in this infrastructure of sustainable peace.
He added that the Renewable Middle East, which is being built now, will pay dividends for many decades to come not only to the peoples of the region, but also to the whole world.
Earlier, Cursor wrote that the name of the part of the world that heats up twice as fast as others.
In recent decades, scientists have been actively monitoring the rate of heating of the Earth and trying to contain global warming by all available means.
Cursor also reported that global warming would lead to supershowers on Earth.
Read the latest news from Israel and the world on the Kursor channel in Telegram.
Author of the material:
TAGS:

- *Sakaka Solar Power Plant*: 300 MW capacity; first utility-scale solar plant in the Kingdom.

- *National Renewable Energy Program (NREP)* targets 58.7 GW of renewable energy by 2030, including major solar investments.

- **United Arab Emirates (UAE):**
      - *Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (Dubai)*: Targeted to reach 5,000 MW by 2030; one of the world’s largest solar parks.

- *Masdar City (Abu Dhabi)*: A planned eco-city integrating solar energy as a major power source.

- *UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050*: Seeks to achieve 44% clean energy share in overall energy mix by 2050.

- **Israel:**
      - Fast adoption of solar rooftop and utility-scale projects; progressive policies supporting renewable integration.

- Projects like the Ashalim solar-thermal plant (250 MW) and widespread rooftop solar adoption.

- National target: 30% of electricity from renewables by 2030.

- **Egypt:**
      - *Benban Solar Park*: One of the world’s largest (1.65 GW), part of Egypt’s ambitions for 20% renewables in its energy mix by 2022/2035.

- Government support through feed-in tariffs and investment incentives.

Title:

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A new way
Director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences Kirill Babaev on Russia ’ s turn to the East in the context of Western attempts to erect an iron curtain
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One of the symbols of 2022 was the slogan about “Russia ’ s turn to the East ”, the reorientation of our country ’ s foreign policy and foreign economic activity from Europe to Asia.
Has Russia, in such a short period of time, really managed to turn its foreign policy and trade priorities from the Western direction, where the United States and its allies have erected a new iron curtain for us, to the south and east, to our Asian partners?
On the one hand, the trade figures speak quite confidently about the successes.
China, which has been at the top of the list of Russia ’ s main trading partners for several years, is steadily increasing the pace of economic cooperation: last year the trade turnover between our countries reached a record figure of $190 billion in the history of bilateral relations.
It is very likely that this figure may exceed $250 billion this year.
Economic cooperation with China today is based on complementary industries: Russia sends energy to its eastern partner, receiving in return the products of those sectors from which Western suppliers have left.
In 2022, 44% of all new cars bought by Russians, flaunts the Chinese brand.
MTS analysts estimated that in the second quarter of 2022, more than 70% of smartphones sold were Chinese brands.
Impressive growth is shown by the figures of trade turnover with other Asian countries.
According to the results of the year, the volume of trade between the Russian Federation and India increased 2.4 times, primarily due to the growth of exports of fuel and energy goods and products of the chemical industry.
The trade turnover of Uzbekistan and Russia in 2022 increased by a quarter.
Nevertheless, the rapid development of trade relations with the southern and eastern neighbors already rests on logistics problems.
The railway tracks are close to full capacity, and existing pipelines are also unable to meet the demand of Asian economies.
The commissioning last year of two new border crossings in the Far East (the Nizhneleninskoye – Tongjiang railway bridge and the Blagoveshchensk – Heihe road bridge) is an important, but insufficient step.
Given that in 2023, after the removal of the kovid restrictions, the Chinese economy is likely to return to high growth rates, the commissioning of new logistics facilities in the East becomes the number one task for Russian exports.
Of particular importance here will be the prospect of the early launch of the construction of the Power of Siberia – 2 gas pipeline, capable of completing the task of transferring the Russian energy export infrastructure from the West to the East by the end of the decade.
Political relations with Asian countries are also developing quite successfully.
During 2022, the heads of Russia and China communicated seven times.
The leaders have good personal relations that in the conditions of a significant strengthening of the domestic political positions of Chinese President Xi Jinping following the results of the XX Congress of the CPC will inevitably play into Russia ’ s hands.
Despite the US attempts to isolate Russia on the world stage, it was the leaders of the Asian states that last year did everything so that Russia could consider them friendly, not submitting (sometimes very demonstratively, like Turkey and Saudi Arabia) to pressure from the West.
This year, the development of relations not only with these countries, but also with Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar will play a significant role in strengthening the position of the Russian Federation as one of the leaders of the “global majority ”, opposing the US dictates in world politics.
It will be extremely important to further strengthen such international associations as the SCO and BRICS.
The year 2022 gave them a chance to turn from the tools of “club diplomacy ” into full-fledged international organizations, but this path has yet to be completed.
The international situation is developing for this very well: the victory in the elections in Brazil of Lula da Silva, considered one of the “fathers ” of BRICS, and the chairmanship of South Africa in the unification this year, will give a new impetus to solving the strategic tasks of BRICS, including the expansion of the association at the expense of the BRICS + format and the possible creation of a financial union with the transition to the reserve currencies of the participating countries.
If these and other agreements are reached, Russia will implement them: next year it will be our turn to chair the BRICS.
And yet, despite the obvious foreign policy successes and good prospects for further “reversal ” of Russia, the main work will be not on international platforms, but inside the country.
Our state needs in a short time to make a turn to the East in the system of science and education.
Only a very small number of students in Russia study Oriental languages.
School programs in history, foreign literature, social studies give only a grain of knowledge about the East, focusing mainly on Europe.
The same can be said about universities: the history, economy, culture of Western civilization are still studied by an order of magnitude more students than the economy of China, the culture of India, Islamic finance or the sanctions experience in the recent history of Iran.
We see that both government and business urgently need knowledge of Russia ’ s Asian partners and skills to interact with them.
This task should be solved not only through the launch of programs of additional postgraduate education, but also with the help of scientific institutions and analytical centers designed to provide the government, regional authorities, corporations and banks with relevant information about the economy, business, legislation and social processes in Asian countries.
In this sense, the launch at the end of 2022 on the initiative of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov of the reform of domestic oriental studies is a very necessary undertaking.
Only the combination of an active foreign policy in the eastern direction with the construction of a new system of obtaining knowledge about the countries of Asia and Africa can this year make Russia ’ s “pivot to the East ” one of the most successful strategic projects in the history of our country.
Director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the Center for International Projects of the Financial University, Doctor of Philology
The position of the editorial board may not coincide with the opinion of the author
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- **Jordan:**
      - Strong government push via the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law, and projects like the Tafila Wind Farm and various utility-scale solar plants.

- Ambition to generate 20% of electricity from renewables by 2025.

- **Current Solar Capacity:**
  By 2023, UAE has surpassed 2.5 GW installed solar capacity, Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly with projects under construction, Egypt’s Benban alone contributes 1.65 GW, while Jordan and Israel are regional leaders in solar per capita.

- **Government Incentives:**
  - State-backed Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Title:

Content: V Moscow Academic Economic Forum
Ensuring technological, economic, financial, environmental sovereignty, building up the industrial potential of the country, strengthening industrial cooperation, priority development of the social sphere, science and education, their integration with production are the main tasks of socio-economic development of the country in modern realities.
This conclusion was reached by the experts of the V Moscow Academic Economic Forum, organized by the Free Economic Society, the Russian Academy of Sciences and the International Union of Economists.
The fifth forum is devoted to the theme: "World trends in economic development: the role and place of Russia".
“If we want to enter the core of the new world economic order, the transition to which has accelerated rapidly due to the aggravation of the geopolitical situation, we need unique competitive technologies in medicine, ecology, energy, agriculture, industry, security and other areas.
The transition to a technological breakthrough should become the core of a new model of economic development of the country.
We have such experience - in Soviet times, a technological breakthrough was made in space, aviation, nuclear energy, chemistry.
There are considerable backlogs, including in academic institutions, they must be preserved and developed ahead of time, ” believes the co-chairman of the MAEF, President of the Free Economic Society of Russia, President of the International Union of Economists, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
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Scientific and technological breakthrough is necessary for the development of the Russian economy, agreed a member of the Presidium of the VEO of Russia, Director of the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Corresponding Member of the
According to the scientist, the effectiveness of the economy directly depends on the amount of research and development costs.
According to the calculations of INP RAS, each ruble spent on R & D is 1 ruble 43 kopecks of additional GDP growth of the country.
As for the financing of science, the situation in agriculture is worse than in many other sectors of the economy, drew the attention of the Vice President of the VEO of Russia, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Agrarian and Food Policy and Environmental Management.
The ratio of domestic spending on research and development in agriculture to the gross value added created in the industry is almost one and a half times lower than the same indicator for science as a whole.
This is 0.64% and 0.99%, respectively.
It is necessary to ensure the priority development of agrarian science, education, create a modern system for introducing the results of advanced research and development in agricultural production, "the senator stressed.
A technological breakthrough can be achieved not only by increasing R & D costs, but also by increasing the level of wages in the country as a whole, and in particular in sectors related to human capital, a member of the Board of the VEO of Russia believes.
“It is necessary to increase the share of wages in Russia ’ s GDP.
If in 2015 wages accounted for 48% of GDP, today it is 30%, which is significantly lower than in developed countries, the US, Germany and the UK, ” the economist said.
Andrei Klepach also raised the issue of preserving the country ’ s population.
According to VEB.RF, even if the birth rate in Russia rises from 1.4 to 1.5, and the mortality rate decreases, the country ’ s population will decrease to 130-138 million people by 2035.
To stop the decline of the population, it is necessary to carry out a systematic family policy, a policy of stimulating the birth rate and develop the health system, the economist believes.
Modern methods of cancer treatment and diagnosis can make a great contribution to the development of human capital and the "knowledge economy" in the country, said the director of the Moscow Research Oncology Institute named after P.A. Herzen, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Structural and technological modernization of the economy will allow not only to realize its growth potential, which by 2030, according to INP RAS, can amount to 4-5%, but also make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Russia.
“The strategy of socio-economic development of the Russian Federation with a low level of greenhouse gas emissions until 2050 in the new conditions, no doubt, should be updated, and, above all, rely on the structural and technological transformation of the economy.
It is this lever that should give the main reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, ” stressed the Vice-President of the VEO of Russia, head of the Economics Section of the Division of Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, academician of the Russian
Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Director of the Faculty of Chemistry, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Stepan Kalmykov noted that the solution of the problems facing the country today is directly related to the competitiveness of domestic nuclear energy, because economic development is impossible without highly concentrated energy sources.
"The development of nuclear energy is based on the closure of the nuclear fuel cycle, which determines the minimization of the burial of long-lived radioactive waste and the full use of fissile isotopes," the scientist said.
The forum also raised issues of the development of nuclear medicine, a relatively young industry.
Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrei Kaprin told about the production of radiopharmaceuticals and methods of radiation therapy.
The work of the IAEF is based on an interdisciplinary approach.
The discussions of the forum are attended by scientists from different fields of science, which allows us to offer effective science-based solutions to the problems of socio-economic development of the country.
“The knowledge and experience of the Forum participants will help to develop new tools for strengthening Russia ’ s economic potential, will contribute to its scientific and technological breakthrough and contribute to the development of cooperation with friendly countries, ” said the co-chairman of the MAEF, president of the Russian Academy of Sciences, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The main events of the MAEF - the main plenary session and the main conferences - were held on June 7 and 8 at the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as at the sites of leading universities and scientific centers of the country: the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Plekhanov Russian University, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow Polytechnic University, the All-Russian Institute of Agrarian Problems and Informatics va.
More than 13 thousand specialists from 74 regions of Russia and 28 countries of the world took part in the forum events, including from Syria, China, India, Canada, Cuba, Germany, Greece, the USA, Hungary, Italy, South Africa, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
MAEF operates on an ongoing basis.
During the year, industry and thematic forums are held within its framework.
From May 2 to June 2, 112 scientific events were held at 87 regional sites of the MAEF in 51 subjects of the Russian Federation.
Age limit: 18 +.

- Tax exemptions and feed-in tariffs (notably in Egypt and Jordan).

- Mandates and quotas for renewable use in government and commercial buildings.

- Investment funds and research grants (such as Masdar in UAE).

Title:

Content: Russian Federation
Moscow
+ 24 °
Society25 July 2024 7: 15
Green energy: how can Russia build relations with developing countries?
Experts of the Presidential Academy studied the world experience
Photo by Shutterstock.
Bioenergy is one of the main directions of bioeconomy development.
This kind of science looks at ways to reduce dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, but it also involves competition for land and other resources that threaten food security, biodiversity and the balance of greenhouse gas emissions.
Irina Popova and Alexander Ignatov from the Institute for Applied Economic Research of the Presidential Academy studied the experience of the main energy partners of the G20 – the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Zero emissions by 2050
IEA and IRENA will place considerable emphasis on the development of bioenergy.
They see it as an important substitute for fossil fuels.
Accordingly, in all their calculations and forecasts, both organizations proceed from the fact that bioenergy production should increase by several times in order to achieve the goals of the Paris climate agreement of 2015.
IEA and IRENA focus on the technological and bioresource aspects of the bioeconomy, with far less focus on sustainability and equity.
“The IEA explains the importance of expanding bioenergy production in the following way: it is made from an organic material known as biomass, which contains carbon absorbed by plants in the process of photosynthesis; when this biomass is used to produce energy, carbon is released during combustion and returned to the atmosphere, ” the experts of the Presidential Academy note. Virtually zero emissions.
It is thus the world ’ s largest source of renewable energy, the IEA points out: bioenergy accounts for 55% of renewable energy and over 6% of the world ’ s energy supply. ”
Although this approach to the assessment of biomass as sustainable and carbon neutral is adopted in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it is not shared by all experts.
A number of activists and practitioners believe that burning biomass produces as much carbon dioxide as burning coal.
This problem is related to the incorrect accounting methodology.
The IEA ’ s “Net Zero Emissions by 2050 ” (NZE) scenario envisions a rapid expansion of bioenergy use with the aim of displacing fossil fuels by 2030.
The agency advocates for additional efforts by national governments to accelerate the adoption of modern bioenergy.
To implement the NZE scenario, the IEA notes, bioenergy use should increase by 8% per year between 2022 and 2030.
At the same time, its production should not entail negative social and environmental consequences.
SCALE GROWTH
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which reduces emissions by capturing and storing bioenergy emissions that are already carbon neutral, also plays an important role.
In 2022, BECCS captured and stored 1.5 million tons of CO2, and in 2030 this figure could increase to about 190 million tons, which will compensate for emissions in those industrial sectors where they will be most difficult to control.
IRENA noted that in recent years, bioenergy has become more and more widely used, but this is still not enough to meet the needs of the energy transition.
According to the organization, more active and concerted efforts are needed, especially in shipping, aviation and various industrial sectors for which bioenergy can be a key solution.
The dramatic increase in biofuel production, the agency points out, requires careful planning, taking full account of the sustainability of biomass supplies.
About $3.4 trillion will be required in the medium term for the development of biofuels (mainly promising biofuels) and hydrogen industries, IRENA believes.
Also, according to the calculations and forecasts of the agency, bioenergy will continue to be crucial for medium- and high-temperature processes.
Bioenergy will be obtained from biomass residues, industrial waste and raw materials for petrochemicals.
To realize the potential of biomass, industry needs to scale up the use and collection of its residues, as well as develop efficient supply chains.
The largest number of jobs in renewable energy will come from bioenergy - 9.1 million jobs by 2030 and 11.3 million by 2050.
As part of its G20 Presidency, India has proposed the creation of a Global Biofuels Alliance, aimed at integrating the efforts of G20 member states to expand and create new markets for sustainable biofuels.
DISBALANCE RISKS
The IEA recommendations for the Global Alliance include three areas of action:
- identify and assist the development of markets with high biofuel production potential;
- accelerate technological development for the commercialization of innovative biofuels;
- Seek consensus on performance-based assessments and systems for sustainable development.
“It is clear that India, Brazil and Indonesia need the technologies that the US, Canada, Germany and the EU have, as well as investments.
Obviously, the alliance will develop during the Brazilian G20 Presidency in 2023-2024, ” Irina Popova and Alexander Ignatov note.
Unbalanced development of bioenergy, noted in the IEA and IRENA, can lead to negative consequences.
Among the main risks, both organizations mention threats to food security; increased carbon emissions or reduced biodiversity in the event of significant changes in the order and technology of land use; problems of achieving economic competitiveness and providing high-quality and affordable energy services within the framework of developed bioenergy.
IRENA concluded that despite the strong factors contributing to the spread of bioenergy, there are numerous obstacles to its further development around the world.
They depend on specific renewable energy markets and technologies.
The barriers mentioned also include the high cost of many options for bioenergy technologies and the lack of access to appropriate financing.
There are also institutional barriers, including the lack of specific regulations, as well as cultural and information barriers.
In particular, the introduction of biofuels is strongly influenced by global trends in oil prices.
ACCOUNTING THE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES
In one of its reports, IRENA lists possible measures to support the introduction of technological innovations: grants, preferential tariffs and certification schemes, the corresponding comfortable legislation and regulatory framework in this area, and the verified state policy.
For example, the availability of district heating systems is a powerful contributor to bioenergy heating in urban areas.
Other public policy measures include raising public awareness, including among consumers and potential investors, of the benefits of bioenergy; creating non-discriminatory rules of the game by eliminating fossil fuel subsidies; and introducing regulated carbon prices or other taxes, fees and duties to price the environmental impacts of fossil fuel energy.
In the same report, IRENA makes recommendations directly to the G20.
The most significant of these are the incorporation of circular economy and bioeconomy objectives into national planning systems and public policies; the adoption of specific strategies for the bioenergy industry; the development of financing instruments; and the promotion of international technology transfer and knowledge-sharing.
Experts of the Presidential Academy made a package of recommendations to the federal government.
The study notes that it is advisable for the G20 to support IRENA ’ s bioenergy initiatives.
It is also necessary to insist on the need to take into account the possible negative consequences of the development of bioenergy when comparing it with hydrocarbons and other sources.
It is useful to stimulate cooperation on bioenergy issues with developing countries, including within the framework of the expanded BRICS.
Finally, it is necessary to study the potential of Russia in terms of bioenergy production, as well as the prospects for mutually beneficial partnerships in this area.
More research on the most relevant topics in the telegram channel of the Presidential Academy @ ranepa _ science

- **Economic & Climate Impacts:**
  - These projects diversify economies away from oil, create jobs in new sectors, attract foreign investment, and stabilize energy costs.

- They directly contribute to regional climate targets, reducing carbon emissions and pollutant levels, and strengthening international climate commitments.

- **Challenges:**
  Local challenges include grid integration, intermittency, need for storage, political and market instability, and ensuring sufficient local skills and supply chains.

**Summary:**
Middle Eastern countries—especially Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, and Jordan—are proactively investing in solar energy as a central pillar of their energy transition strategies.

Innovations, ambitious national targets, and robust incentive frameworks are key drivers, with large-scale solar parks standing as visible symbols of change.

This transition supports climate goals and economic diversification, repositioning the region as a potential leader in both energy and environmental policy.

**Summary: Energy Transition Strategies in the Middle East (Focus on Solar Energy)**

The Middle East, long reliant on oil exports (accounting for up to 70% of total exports in countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman), is facing urgent pressure to adapt to rapid climate change.

Title:

Content: The Middle East is waking up to massive destruction caused by climate change.
The Middle East is waking up to massive destruction caused by climate change.
The countries of the Middle East and Africa are paying the largest tax on climate change, although they have not contributed much to the acceleration of the occurrence of climate coups that threaten to cause mass destruction to societies, economies and agricultural infrastructure, so they began to move to impose at the next climate conference the fulfillment of their financial pledges to reduce the risks caused by climate change.
CAIRO – Temperatures in the Middle East have risen much faster than the global average over the past three decades.
Precipitation has also decreased, and experts predict that the world will experience droughts with greater frequency and severity.
The Middle East is one of the most vulnerable regions of the world to the effects of climate change, and the effects are already emerging.
In Iraq, intense and frequent sandstorms have choked cities this year, shutting down trade and leaving thousands in hospitals.
Soil salinity in Egypt ’ s Nile Delta is destroying important agricultural land.
In Afghanistan, drought has helped fuel the migration of young people from their villages in search of jobs.
Temperatures in some parts of the region in recent weeks have exceeded 50 degrees Celsius.
This year ’ s annual UN climate change conference, known as COP27, will be held in Egypt in November and will highlight the region.
Governments across the Middle East are waking up to the dangers of climate change, especially the damage it is already inflicting on their economies.
Lama El Hitto, an environmental climate change consultant who has worked with the World Bank and specialises in the Middle East and North Africa, said: “We are seeing the impacts right in front of us.
These effects are not something that will affect us in 9 or 10 years.
More and more countries are beginning to realize that action is necessary. ”
Karim El Guindi: Changes increase social tensions and affect security
Egypt, Morocco and other countries in the region are ramping up clean energy initiatives, but their top priority at COP27 is pressing for more international funding to help them deal with the risks they already face from climate change.
One of the reasons for the Middle East ’ s weakness is the lack of margin to mitigate the blow to millions of people as temperatures accelerate, as the region already records high temperatures and has limited water resources even under normal conditions.
In a report released this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that Middle Eastern governments have limited capacity to adapt.
Economies and infrastructure are weak, and regulations often remain unenforced.
Poverty is widespread, making job creation a priority at the expense of climate protection.
As in Egypt, autocratic governments restrict civil society, hampering an important tool in engaging the public on environmental and climate issues.
At the same time, developed countries are pressuring the Middle East and elsewhere to make emission reductions, even as they themselves renege on their promises.
As the region warms and dries up, the United Nations has warned that crop production in the Middle East could fall by 30 percent by 2025.
The region is expected to lose between 6 and 14 percent of its GDP by 2050 due to water scarcity, according to a World Bank report which confirmed that rainfall in Egypt has fallen by 22 percent over the past 30 years.
Droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe.
The eastern Mediterranean recently experienced its worst drought in 900 years, according to NASA.
This is a major blow to countries such as Syria and Lebanon, where agriculture depends on rainfall.
Water demand in Jordan and the Gulf states is putting pressure on aquifers.
In Iraq, increased drought has caused an increase in sand storms.
At the same time, rising water and air temperatures are increasing the frequency of extreme and often devastating weather events, such as the deadly floods that frequently hit Sudan and Afghanistan.
Climate damage can have serious social consequences.
Karim El Guindi, associate fellow of the Environment and Society Program at the UK ’ s Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, said many of those who have lost the livelihoods they once earned in agriculture or tourism will move to cities in search of jobs.
Al-Jundi, also a non-resident researcher at the Middle East Institute, believes that this is likely to lead to increased urban unemployment, burdening social services, and could increase social tensions and affect security.
But adapting infrastructure and economies to cope with the damage will be very expensive and will require the equivalent of 3.3 percent of the region ’ s GDP each year over the next 10 years, the International Monetary Fund estimates.
Spending must go to everything from creating more efficient water use systems and new farming methods to building coastal protection, strengthening social safety nets, and improving awareness campaigns.
Therefore, one of the top priorities for the Middle East and other developing countries at this year ’ s COP27 is to press the United States, Europe and wealthier nations to keep their promises to provide them with billions in climate finance.
The developed countries have not yet fulfilled those promises.
Most of the money it has provided has gone to help poor countries pay for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in order to “mitigate, ” in UN terminology, rather than“ adapt. ”
For this year ’ s COP27, the main theme repeated by UN officials, Egyptian hosts and climate activists is the implementation of commitments.
The gathering aims to push countries to clarify how to achieve promised emission reduction targets and reach deeper cuts, with experts saying the targets will lead to catastrophic levels of warming if they remain the same.
The Middle East is one of the most vulnerable regions of the world to the effects of climate change, and the effects are already beginning to appear.
Developing countries also want wealthier nations to show how they will deliver on their promises from the recent COPE conference to provide $500 billion in climate finance over the next five years and ensure that at least half of that funding is dedicated to adaptation rather than mitigation.
However, global events threaten to undermine the momentum from COP26.
In terms of cutting emissions, the sharp rise in global energy prices and the war in Ukraine have prompted some European countries to return to using coal for power generation despite insisting it is only a temporary step.
The Middle East also has many countries whose economies depend on fossil fuel resources, such as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, and even Egypt with their increasing production of natural gas.
Continued inflation and the prospect of a recession could make major countries more reluctant to make climate finance commitments.
With international officials often focusing on cutting emissions, it must be remembered that countries in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere in the developing world have not contributed significantly to climate change, yet bear the brunt of its effects.
“We need to talk about funding to adapt to a problem they didn ’ t cause. ”
arabic

The region is already experiencing worsening heat, humidity, sandstorms, and rising sea levels, making climate adaptation a necessity.

Title:

Content: The Guardian: The Middle East is facing a ‘ resurrection ’
And Mecca may not be livable by the end of the century.
Friday 29 October 2021 05: 27 pm / Jerusalem time + 2GMT
London / Sama /
Titled “Resurrection Soon: A Reluctant Middle East Forced to Awareness of the Climate Crisis, ” The Guardian ’ s diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour said that Hurricane Shaheen hit Oman some time ago, the first tropical cyclone to reach this point west into the Gulf.
In Basra, southern Iraq, power has been cut off frequently as a result of this summer ’ s temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, forcing residents to move in their cars to get cold.
Kuwait broke the record for the hottest day of 2016 of 53.6 degrees Celsius, and this summer temperatures were very high, with floods in Jeddah and more recently in Mecca at a time when temperatures in Saudi Arabia have increased by 2 percent and the maximum temperature of 2.5 percent since the 1980s.
Qatar is the world ’ s highest emitting country and the world ’ s largest producer of liquefied gas (LNG), and public spaces are equipped with air conditioners.
In Tehran, pollution annually kills 4,000 people a year, and in Khuzestan province, citizens have blocked streets and burned tires due to drought as a result of mismanagement, U.S. sanctions and a deadly atmosphere.
In the United Arab Emirates, the climate crisis is estimated to cost $6 billion a year, the highest in terms of health costs.
The salinity of the Gulf increased with the proliferation of desalination plants by 20%, which affected marine life and biodiversity.
Conditions are expected to worsen at a time of rising temperatures, humidity and sea levels.
Warming rates in the Middle East are twice as high as in the world.
By the end of the century, if the dangerous predictions are correct, Mecca may not be fit for life, making the Hajj season dangerous if not catastrophic.
Large swaths of the Middle East have come to resemble the Afar region of Ethiopia, a vast area without human settlement that pushes towards the Red Sea.
The glittering cities of the Gulf may face the dilemma of rising water levels themselves.
We do not speak of the day of judgment, but of the day of judgment.
Jim Crane, an energy researcher at Rice University in Houston, said: “This is really a difficult topic because the interests of the ruling elites are at odds with the interests of the citizens.
The ruling elite depends on oil resources for the survival of their regimes.
They want to keep the oil trade in order to keep them in power.
Their system is based on oil leasing, but the population ’ s ultimate interests lie in a sustainable climate. ”
Zeina Khalil Haj, founder of Greenpeace in the Middle East, believes that the region is suffering from double pressure: “With increasing demands for energy change, a region that relies on fossil energy, oil and carbon for its economic survival, but cannot continue this dependency.
There will be no oil market but with climate change, they are required to increase efforts to survive.
The extreme climate is changing people ’ s lives on a daily basis and there is no choice but to go green. ”
The West ’ s persistent appetite for fossil energy has led the region to build car-based cities, shiny skyscrapers filled with air conditioners and shopping malls.
It must look for ways to avoid self-destruction, and it must be, according to Thomas Friedman, the Prometheus moment for the Middle East and the search for creative and creative ways.
In fact, the region has been reminded for a decade that it has to make the transition from oil.
Although the moment when oil demand will reach its highest point remains controversial, and depends on a number of assumptions about regulation, technology and customer behavior, the point I mentioned is 2040, after which demand will decline.
But the International Energy Organization ’ s “Net Zero ” report sees the peak as 2050 and by comparison suggests a reduction in oil demand from 88 million barrels per day in 2020 to 72 million barrels per day by 2030, and 24 million barrels per day in 2050, a 75% decline between 2020-2050.
The report argues that the Gulf has three factors underpinning the transformation: capital, sun, and vast, empty spaces.
Until recently, the Gulf states, including Iran, did not feel the desire to shift away from fossil energy to this extent.
When asked, Saudi Oil Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said it was “a sequel to La La Land, ” meaning that the report and its writers do not know what is happening.
"If I wanted to worry about the IEA's expectations, I would be on Prozac all the time," he said.
Qatar ’ s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said reducing oil and gas production levels would affect the supply process and laughed at “the enthusiasm surrounding the transition. ”
The Organization of Petroleum Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) forecasts that the process of oil demand will increase significantly through 2045 and the share of oil in global energy demand will fall from 30% to 28%, which is not a green revolution.
Gulf states still rely on gas and oil exports, accounting for 70 percent of goods exported from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Oil resources account for more than 70% of the total resources of Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
In Vision 2030, published by Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, he promised to turn the country into an important industrial hub.
World Bank figures show that Saudi Arabia relies on 75% of its oil resources for its budget.
Aramco, which is making its mark on global carbon emissions, is not diversifying at the same pace as Shell or BP.
Instead, it announced it would increase crude oil production capacity from 12 million barrels per day to 13 million barrels per day by 2027.
Haj believes that the shift away from oil may require a psychological shift from the consumer mentality, “The Gulf has not yet reached this kind of discussion.
If you see the way of life in the UAE and Qatar, it is based on inexhaustible consumption, and I fear we are still a long way from that in terms of politics and readiness. ”
Iran is the largest country in the world in terms of carbon emissions by population, followed by the UAE in second place and Saudi Arabia in 13th place.
Of course, Gulf rulers at events such as the Glasgow climate conference can defend themselves by saying that their region is not the primary source of carbon emissions, and historically, collectively, accounts for 4.7% less than carbon emissions and pollution from the United States, Europe and China.
The Middle East exports oil, but pollution is the responsibility of those who import it.
But the region ’ s leaders have come to grips with the problem not because of Western pressure but in response to citizens ’ demands, the goose has realized that the eggs, the oil, are no longer golden but brown.
The UAE is the first country to say it has moved to ratify the Paris Treaty and is the least dependent Gulf state on oil for its government resources.
Last week, she announced the “Net Zero by 2050 Initiative ” with an initial investment budget of $163 billion and appointed the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Maryam Al Muhairi.
The announcement came after the government ordered awareness sessions in all its ministries since June for 80 days.
It was the first country in the Gulf to adopt a net zero domestic consumption policy.
The plan is still in its infancy and some of its features are unclear, but the direction is clear.
It promised to rely on renewable and nuclear energy by 50% to generate electricity by 2050.
Abu Dhabi ’ s national oil company said it would get 100 percent of its electricity from the nuclear reactor and solar power.
The Mohammed bin Maktoum Solar Park will be the largest in the world with a capacity of 5,000 megawatts.
Gulf states are competing with each other, with news reports that Qatar has appointed a climate minister, Bahrain aiming for net zero carbon by 2050 and Kuwait announcing a plan to reduce carbon emissions.
Saudi Arabia does not like to be late.
It announced that it would increase the proportion of renewable energy from 0.3% to 50% by 2030.
The plan is to plant 10 million trees in the coming decades.
Over the weekend, the kingdom organized a summit of the Green Middle East Initiative, attended by John Kerry and Britain ’ s Prince Charles.
It promised to reach net zero carbon emissions in its territory by 2060.
The main reason the Gulf states have been slow to shift away from oil and its commodities is that they have made them rich and helped them anesthetize their citizens.
Their loyalty was bought through a series of subsidies for water, electricity, fuel and tax breaks.
These dynamics were different from Iraq, Lebanon and to a lesser extent Iran, but the situation is changing with the emergence of local environmental groups.

Major cities such as Mecca may become unlivable by the end of the century if trends continue.

**Energy Transition Imperatives and Obstacles:**
- Policymakers and ruling elites are often dependent on oil revenues for regime stability, leading to resistance or slow adaptation to a post-oil future.

- Oil giants like Saudi Aramco are not transitioning as quickly as global peers (e.g., Shell, BP) toward renewables.

- Patterns of high consumption, especially in the Gulf states (UAE, Qatar), highlight structural barriers to rapid energy transition.

**Major National Projects & Current Solar Capacity:**
- **UAE:**
  - The UAE pioneered a "net zero" domestic consumption policy and positions itself as a regional leader in energy transition.

Title:

Content: Tuesday 21st May 2024 Abu Dhabi UAE
Prayer times
News Highlights
Today 's Issue
Today 's Issue
ECONOMY
Ahmed bin Saeed opens Middle East Oil and Gas Conference in Dubai
Ahmed bin Saeed opens Middle East Oil and Gas Conference in Dubai
May 21, 2024 17: 26
Dubai (Union)
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and CEO of Emirates and Group, inaugurated the 31st annual Middle East Oil and Gas Conference, hosted by ENOC and organized by S & P Global Commodity Insights at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) from May 20 to 22. The evolution of basic energy markets within a sustainable landscape. ”
The opening ceremony was attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of ENOC Group, and members of the Group ’ s Board of Directors, HE Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of ENOC Group, members of the Group ’ s management team, and a number of leading innovators and decision-makers in the oil and gas sector in the region and globally.
The conference highlights the importance of balancing conventional and renewable energy, enhancing global oil and gas flows, energy security and geopolitical turbulence. The 2024 edition of the Middle East Oil and Gas Conference will also feature three training sessions hosted by industry experts, providing access to knowledge and tools to support progress in the challenging energy sector.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “I am delighted to welcome you to the 31st edition of the Middle East Oil and Gas Conference here in the vibrant city of Dubai, and we are always delighted to host so many friends from the international community here in the region.
As we meet today, the global energy sector stands at a crossroads, the absolute necessity of a transition to a sustainable future, yet the key energy markets that have powered our economies for decades remain critical to our daily lives.
The theme of this year ’ s conference, “Evolution of Core Energy Markets in a Sustainable Landscape, ” indicates that we are ready to face the challenges of the new era of the energy sector.
He added: “The conference will address three main themes that revolve around the region ’ s oil and gas markets: geopolitics and market volatility, the expansion of renewable energy sources and the evolution of the energy mix, and leading the energy transition through innovation and sustainability.
His Excellency concluded: “I wish you a pleasant stay, and I am confident that you will find time to visit and enjoy Dubai ’ s landmarks during your time here.
The city of Dubai itself is a shining example of what can be achieved through the practical application of a forward-looking vision, which is the subject of an important debate about the future of energy. ” Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of ENOC Group and Co-Chair of the Middle East Oil and Gas Conference 2024, said: “The Middle East Oil and Gas Conference is a leading global platform hosted by ENOC Group for industry experts to engage in in-depth discussions on key trends. issues and solutions.
With the energy sector undergoing rapid dynamic transformations, the conference continues to be a catalyst for dialogue, innovation and progress, and we look forward to engaging in important discussions and conversations that will enhance opportunities for collaboration and achieve meaningful results as we move forward in shaping the future of energy. ”
Over the course of its three days, the event will showcase two main tracks with a focus on refining, low-carbon projects and new energy sources. The conference will also discuss topics including sustainability of the energy future in aviation and maritime, refineries and supply chain improvements, investments in the chemical industry, studying how gas interacts with hydrogen, carbon intensity used in commodity trading, circular carbon economy, and a paradigm shift in the use of hydrogen and its derivatives in the region.
The conference also aims to provide effective insights into the development of a sustainable energy future in ever-changing environments.
The Middle East Oil and Gas Conference attracts more than 400 participants from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, including leading traders, oil and gas companies, national oil companies, refineries, digital consultants and technologists, as well as banks, financial markets, law firms, regulators, renewable energy operators, and oil and gas supply and service companies.
All rights reserved to Union News Center 2024 ©

- The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai is set to become the world’s largest, targeting 5,000 MW capacity.

- The region hosts major international climate events, such as COP28 in the UAE.

Title:

Content: Monday 26th September 2022 Abu Dhabi UAE
Prayer times
Today 's Issue
Today 's Issue
United Arab Emirates
TRENDS Conference: Middle East Security and Climate Change Challenges
TRENDS Conference: Middle East Security and Climate Change Challenges
September 26, 2022 02: 56
Abu Dhabi (Union)
With the participation of Al-Ittihad newspaper and in cooperation with the Atlantic Council, TRENDS Research and Consulting Center is organizing its second annual conference, entitled “Sustainable Security in the Middle East: Challenges and Prospects of Climate Change ”, at the Council ’ s headquarters in Washington, DC, with the participation of four ministers and about 30 speakers from important political figures and experts from different countries of the world.
The conference aims to highlight climate change as a global crisis that requires new approaches and joint steps to address the consequences, while at the same time providing innovative solutions in all sectors in which climate diplomacy plays a pivotal role for a better future for the Middle East and the whole world.
This year ’ s conference will discuss climate action in the region, explore environmental challenges and opportunities, and showcase ambitious solutions.
The two-day sessions will also provide unique perspectives focusing on climate resilience, the transition to a low-emission economy, and collaboration to solve pressing challenges.
The conference aims to draw insights from experts and practitioners from within and outside the region to formulate recommendations for policymakers.
Keyword
Keynote addresses will be delivered by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance; Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chief Executive Officer of the UAE Independent Climate Action Accelerators Project; H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change; H.E. Maryam Al Muhairi, Minister of Climate Change and David Livingstone, Senior Advisor to the US Presidential Special Envoy.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Consulting Center, said that the second annual TRENDS conference, which coincides with the Center ’ s celebrations of its eighth anniversary, with its participation of experts and thinkers, will certainly be an important opportunity to present ideas and perceptions that help support regional and international efforts to address the threat of global warming. In order to overcome them and achieve the desired goals, especially in the field of achieving sustainable environmental security, in the Middle East region.
Dr. Al-Ali stressed that TRENDS aims to organize its second annual conference “Sustainable Security in the Middle East: Challenges and Prospects of Climate Change ”, in cooperation with the Atlantic Council, to be a bridge of knowledge and academic communication linking the most important think tanks and studies at the regional and international levels. About 30 speakers were important political figures and experts from around the world.
Regional focus
Hamad Al Kaabi, Editor-in-Chief of the Union, stressed that the media is a key partner in raising awareness of the importance of addressing climate change, which is no longer a future threat but a daily challenge facing all the world ’ s population and all countries.
Al-Kaabi, who will present a paper at the conference on “The role of media in supporting green security initiatives, ” said that the region is now the focus of the world ’ s attention as it hosts Cop27 events in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh from November 8 to 18, and the United Arab Emirates hosts Cop28 events in the city of « Expo Dubai » in November 2023.
It has become clear that climate change has become a file that requires regional cooperation, as well as concerted global efforts to curb climate change, protect sustainable development plans, and maintain the development and prosperity paths in the Middle East.
The conference will begin with an opening speech by H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, while the keynote speech will be delivered by David Livingstone, Senior Advisor to the US Presidential Special Envoy for Climate Affairs.
Security and Climate Change
The first day will also feature a welcome speech by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Center, and Mr. Jonathan Panikov, Director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, Middle East Programs, Atlantic Council.
The first session of the conference will discuss the topic of national security, climate change and the Middle East: current challenges and future prospects, highlighting the perspective of climate change and national security in the region and their implications for the Middle East and the stability of the region, environmental changes and the effects of global warming on public health, the link between extreme natural phenomena and increased migration flows, and climate change as a geopolitical challenge: adaptation and resilient development.
The session will be moderated by Reina Nainan, Senior Non-Resident Researcher at the Adrian Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Atlantic Council, and the co-founder ’ s CEO, News3 Dow.
Scarcity of resources
The second session will address the impacts of resource scarcity and population growth in the Middle East.
The effects of the war in Ukraine are discussed in the Middle East's main agricultural imports, such as wheat.
As well as the challenges facing the region in terms of high demand for food and water, especially in light of the expected increase in the region ’ s population, future prospects and implications of population growth and drought on the infrastructure of food and water systems, the strategic importance of water and the growing concept of cross-border water conflict in the Middle East and North Africa, the impact of climate change on supply chains, regional food security strategies and the effects of the war in Ukraine.
The session will be moderated by Dr. Christian Alexander, Head of Strategic Studies at Trends.
Clean energy
The third session of the first day of the conference will begin in the afternoon US time with a keynote address by H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change.
The session will then address energy industries, infrastructure and politics in the Middle East: opportunities and challenges of the transition to clean energy, and will discuss the transition to an energy system in which environmentally friendly technologies and the potential of sustainable clean energy sources play an increasingly important role.
In addition to the role of industrial partnerships in the transition to safe and low-carbon energy systems, the transformations of key high-energy industries in pursuit of sustainability objectives, the impact of increased regional gas supplies to Europe (in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine) on the rapid transition to wind, solar and hydrogen, the challenges of energy transition in the Middle East and North Africa, and the impact of renewable energy generation on urban infrastructure, transportation systems and electricity grids.
The session will be moderated by Dan Murphy, CNBC's Middle East anchor and correspondent.
Climate Diplomacy
The second day of the second annual TRENDS conference in Washington will begin with an opening speech by Her Excellency Maryam Bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, followed by the fourth session of the conference entitled between COP27 and COP28: Middle East Diplomatic Efforts to Address Climate Change.
The session will address the role of climate summits in facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy and highlight the importance of geopolitical factors related to climate diplomacy, as well as new visions for building a sustainable environmental framework, assessing the commitments and commitments made at COP26, and climate diplomacy as a growing foreign policy challenge.
The title is divided into two themes: COP27 and COP28, which will be attended by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, CEO of the UAE ’ s Independent Climate Action Accelerators Project.
It highlights the UAE ’ s hosting of this conference.
The session will be moderated by Awad Al Braiki, Head of Trends Global.
Green security initiatives
The fifth session of the conference is entitled “Multilateral Green Security Initiatives: The Beginning of a Green New Era Towards Collective Environmental Security in the Middle East ”.
It will discuss the importance of regional and collaborative efforts in operationalizing the Middle East ’ s green security initiatives, as well as ways to mitigate the challenges of environmental insecurity, and ways to enhance regional security and key infrastructure systems that accommodate different climatic conditions, through environmental measures and collective green initiatives.
The use of multilateral green security initiatives to improve the capacity of MENA countries to be global leaders in a resilient and inclusive post-carbon economy, the economic aspects of sustainable environmental security and the investments needed to achieve environmental security, and the role of the media in supporting Middle East green security initiatives.
The session will be moderated by Mohamed Al Mulla, Founder and Director of Diwan Al Mulla Network in the State of Kuwait.
The conference will conclude with recommendations and closing remarks, delivered by Somaya Hadrami, Vice President of Trends Global, and Mr. William Wechsler, Senior Director of the Rafik Hariri Center and Middle East Programs, Atlantic Council.
* Trends Research and Consulting Center is an independent research institution, established in 2014 in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and is interested in looking to the future through many specialized research programs.
Trends has been able to build a strong network of relationships and partnerships with various international research centers and international governmental and non-governmental organizations and bodies, and benefit from international research and academic expertise to enhance its scientific and research role at the regional and global levels, by organizing scientific events that enrich the exchange of research experiences and expertise, and the production of various publications in various fields of human knowledge. *
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- **Saudi Arabia:**
  - Announced plans to ramp up renewable energy’s share of the national grid from 0.3% to 50% by 2030.

- Investments focus on large-scale solar and wind projects, with government-backed policy support.

Title:

Content: Riyadh hosts the first conference of the World Association for Energy Economics in the Middle East
Tuesday 16 / 10 / 1443 Corresponding to 17 / 05 / 2022
Riyadh 16 Shawwal 1443 AH corresponding to 17 May 2022 AD
Riyadh will host in February next year the 44th World Conference on Energy Economics, which will be held for the first time in the Middle East, organized by the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in cooperation with the Saudi Energy Economics Association during the period 13-17 Rajab 1444H (4-8 February 2023) at the headquarters of the Center.
Held under the theme “Pathways to a Clean, Stable and Sustainable Energy Future ” in partnership with the World Association for Energy Economics, the conference is a global gathering of experts and specialists to highlight traditional and renewable energy issues, environmental challenges and the stability of energy markets.
The conference will address seven topics including economics and energy mix diversification, development and climate change, energy transitions and pathways, energy investment and finance, mobility and technology, industrial efficiency and competitiveness, energy market volatility and security of supply.
The conference annually attracts more than 500 participants from around the world, including government officials, opinion leaders, representatives of international and industrial organizations, academics, students and others. The World Association for Energy Economics was founded in 1977 to promote understanding of energy economics and its practical applications.
KAPSARC is a leading research consultancy in energy economics and sustainability that aims to develop the Kingdom ’ s energy sector and guide global policy through evidence-based advice and applied research.
The conference gives those wishing to contribute to shaping the future of the energy sector the opportunity to submit their research and scientific papers on the website https: / / iaee2023.saudi-aee.sa, which was recently launched to be a reference for everything related to the conference, and a platform for those interested in energy and environment issues.
/ / Finished / /
13: 50 p.m.
0103.

- **Regional Collaboration:**
  - There is increasing engagement in international climate conferences (e.g., COP27 in Egypt, COP28 in UAE, MENA Climate Week).

- Governments are adopting frameworks to target emissions, invest in large solar parks, and diversify economic bases.

**Government Incentives & Policy Signals:**
- Financial incentives and policy roadmaps are being introduced to attract private and foreign investment in renewables.

- Research centers like KAPSARC in Saudi Arabia guide energy policy and transition strategies.

Title:

Content: Riyadh hosts the first conference of the World Association for Energy Economics in the Middle East
Tuesday 16 / 10 / 1443 Corresponding to 17 / 05 / 2022
Riyadh 16 Shawwal 1443 AH corresponding to 17 May 2022 AD
Riyadh will host in February next year the 44th World Conference on Energy Economics, which will be held for the first time in the Middle East, organized by the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in cooperation with the Saudi Energy Economics Association during the period 13-17 Rajab 1444H (4-8 February 2023) at the headquarters of the Center.
Held under the theme “Pathways to a Clean, Stable and Sustainable Energy Future ” in partnership with the World Association for Energy Economics, the conference is a global gathering of experts and specialists to highlight traditional and renewable energy issues, environmental challenges and the stability of energy markets.
The conference will address seven topics including economics and energy mix diversification, development and climate change, energy transitions and pathways, energy investment and finance, mobility and technology, industrial efficiency and competitiveness, energy market volatility and security of supply.
The conference annually attracts more than 500 participants from around the world, including government officials, opinion leaders, representatives of international and industrial organizations, academics, students and others. The World Association for Energy Economics was founded in 1977 to promote understanding of energy economics and its practical applications.
KAPSARC is a leading research consultancy in energy economics and sustainability that aims to develop the Kingdom ’ s energy sector and guide global policy through evidence-based advice and applied research.
The conference gives those wishing to contribute to shaping the future of the energy sector the opportunity to submit their research and scientific papers on the website https: / / iaee2023.saudi-aee.sa, which was recently launched to be a reference for everything related to the conference, and a platform for those interested in energy and environment issues.
/ / Finished / /
13: 50 p.m.
0103.

- Climate financing from wealthier nations is being sought to support transition and adaptation, given the Middle East’s vulnerability to climate impacts.

- Failure to adapt will exacerbate social tensions, migration, and security challenges as climate impacts intensify.