Environment

It is difficult to reconcile Saudi Arabia’s vision for sustainability with The Mukaab in its current form – but it’s not too late for a course correction.

The wide-ranging effects of water scarcity in the Gulf are likely to get worse without accelerated mitigation and adaptation measures.

As an oil producer seeking to lead the fight against climate change, the United Arab Emirates will have the difficult task of combining its dual roles and finding common ground to make COP28 a success.

Beyond the criticism of environmental activists and praise of supporters, the appointment points to Gulf efforts to address the regional dilemma posed by climate change, highlights UAE exercise of soft power, and underscores U.S.-UAE cooperation.

Post-COP 27, Gulf countries have the opportunity to demonstrate a net-zero world is possible through leading by example and bringing together two competing visions of how to get there.

Gulf Arab states are well positioned to join global forces to accelerate the development of clean hydrogen, but first they will have to cautiously address institutional, technical, cultural, and market barriers.

Gulf states will have to reconcile their plans for increasing oil and gas production and investments in fossil fuels with their ambitious climate targets.

The region seems to have jumped on the climate bandwagon, but its expanding ambitions also suggest it is trying to take control of the steering wheel.