By Kamel Jameel
The Gulf states have shown remarkable progress in environmental conservation due to their intensified efforts to reduce pollution and address environmental changes that pose global risks. Their initiatives align with sustainability goals and environmental preservation.
According to the Omani News Agency on Friday, March 7, the 2025 Global Pollution Index, published by Numbeo, highlighted significant achievements by Gulf nations in reducing pollution both regionally and globally.
Oman ranked 22nd globally and first in the Arab world among the least polluted countries, followed by the UAE at 53rd globally, Qatar at 54th, Saudi Arabia at 60th, Kuwait at 75th, and Bahrain at 78th globally and sixth in the Arab world.
Advancing Environmental Sustainability
This ranking reflects the ongoing efforts of Gulf countries to maintain environmental quality. These nations are enhancing sustainability through various initiatives and policies aimed at reducing pollution while ensuring sustainable economic growth.
The results underscore the progress made in tackling environmental challenges and improving living conditions for their populations.
The Global Pollution Index considers key factors such as:
- Air quality: Measuring air pollution levels, a crucial indicator of environmental health.
- Water quality: Assessing water management and sustainable usage.
- Waste management: Implementing efficient waste disposal systems to maintain urban and rural cleanliness.
- Noise pollution: Reducing excessive noise that impacts public health.
- Green spaces: Expanding greenery in cities to improve environmental quality and overall well-being.
Strategic Environmental Initiatives
Gulf nations have taken serious steps toward developing sustainable infrastructure and reducing harmful emissions by launching various environmental initiatives, including:
- Investing in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power projects.
- Enhancing public transportation systems to minimize pollution from private vehicles.
- Implementing sustainable waste management through recycling and raising public awareness.
These efforts position the Gulf countries as leaders in environmental sustainability, reinforcing their role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
Environmental Pollution Challenges
The 2025 Global Pollution Index highlights the significant environmental progress achieved by Gulf countries, positioning them at the forefront of nations striving for genuine environmental sustainability.
This progress comes at a time when many major countries face complex environmental challenges due to rapid urban and industrial expansion.
As a result, the Gulf nations stand out as a model for addressing environmental pollution challenges effectively.
Despite their own urban and industrial growth, Gulf states have successfully implemented effective strategies to balance economic development with environmental conservation.
Oman and the Expansion of the Green Economy
Oman is actively developing its “Green Hydrogen Project”, aiming to establish it as a primary energy source in the future.
The country is implementing ambitious plans, including:
- Generating 30% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
- Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
UAE’s Leadership in Renewable Energy
The UAE was among the first Gulf countries to integrate sustainability into its national strategies, taking pioneering steps such as:
- Launching Masdar City, the world’s first carbon-free sustainable city.
- Setting a target to increase renewable energy share to 50% by 2050 under the UAE Energy Strategy.
These initiatives reinforce the Gulf region’s commitment to sustainability and its global leadership in environmental conservation.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Green Energy
Saudi Arabia has prioritized environmental sustainability through massive initiatives, including:
- “Saudi Green” and “Middle East Green” initiatives, aiming to plant 50 billion trees.
- Expanding green hydrogen projects, making it a key future energy source.
Qatar’s Ambitious Environmental Projects
Qatar has made significant strides toward sustainable development, focusing on:
- Increasing renewable energy generation by 4 GW by 2030.
- Investing in water recycling and desalination projects powered by clean energy.
- Aiming to plant 10 million trees by 2030 as part of its environmental initiatives.
A Clean Future for Kuwait
Kuwait has launched several projects and strategies to improve environmental quality, including:
- A target of 22.10 GW renewable energy by 2030 across 12 projects.
- Reducing carbon emissions by 7.4% by 2035.
- Funding a project to reduce over 40% of airborne dust affecting the country.
Bahrain’s Bold Environmental Plan
Bahrain has set ambitious climate and sustainability goals, such as:
- Achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
- Launching waste-to-energy projects and improving energy efficiency.
- Expanding green spaces by 30% over the coming years.
These initiatives showcase the Gulf nations’ commitment to a greener, more sustainable future, reinforcing their global leadership in environmental progress.
Addressing Environmental Challenges
Omar Abdul Latif, a member of the Iraq Green Observatory and an environmental expert, attributes the Gulf countries’ success in reducing pollution and improving their environment to intensified efforts to combat climate change, reliance on foreign expertise, and strong financial and local capabilities.
In an interview with Al-Khaleej Online, Abdul Latif stated that Gulf nations are making greater efforts than many other countries in tackling climate change due to the region’s rising temperatures.
He explained that while Gulf states have utilized local expertise, they have primarily relied on international specialists to address climate challenges. This includes rain enhancement projects aimed at moderating temperatures and making the climate more stable in the coming years.
Abdul Latif emphasized that financial and human resources in the Gulf enable these countries to adopt advanced solutions, positioning them among the leaders in climate change mitigation.
He concluded that Gulf nations’ ongoing environmental initiatives will solidify their regional and global leadership in the next five years.
