The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General, Mr. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, underscored the significance of Bahrain hosting the Sustainability Forum Middle East as a reflection of the GCC’s strategic focus on climate and energy challenges. Speaking at the forum’s fourth edition on January 27, 2026, in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment and other dignitaries, he highlighted the progressive policies and initiatives undertaken by GCC countries to address these critical issues.
GCC’s Strategic Climate Actions
Mr. Albudaiwi noted that member states have proactively adopted measures to diversify their energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, invest in clean technologies including hydrogen, and implement Circular Carbon Economy principles. These efforts align with a unified regional drive to convert climate and resource challenges into strategic opportunities under the leadership of GCC heads of state.
Ambitious National Energy Targets
The GCC Secretary General detailed the ambitious sustainability goals across member states. The UAE aims for 44% clean energy and net zero emissions by 2050. Bahrain targets 20% renewable energy by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Saudi Arabia’s plans include 50% renewable energy by 2030 and net zero by 2060. Oman pursues 30% renewable electricity by 2030 with net zero by 2050, while Qatar and Kuwait target 20% and 15% renewable energies by 2030 and 2035 respectively, with net zero ambitions by mid-century.
Investment and Innovation as Key Drivers
The GCC states recognize that achieving these targets requires innovation, technology deployment, human capital development, and strengthened supply chains to enhance energy security and socio-economic outcomes. Mr. Albudaiwi emphasized that realizing the global objective of tripling renewable energy capacity will demand significant investments, forecasting a rise in clean energy funding in the Middle East and North Africa from $26 billion currently to nearly $63 billion annually by 2035.
Forum’s Role in Advancing Regional Sustainability
The forum serves as a critical platform to exchange knowledge, discuss financing solutions, and showcase technological advances essential for climate adaptation and mitigation. It supports the GCC’s commitment to creating environmentally and economically sustainable futures for their populations. The Secretary General expressed confidence in the GCC’s capabilities to lead this transition and hopes the forum’s outcomes will bolster collaborative efforts globally and regionally.