From oil to hydrogen: The Middle East’s next global advantage
The Middle East is emerging as a global leader in hydrogen, leveraging abundant renewable resources and strategic location. This page explores how green and blue hydrogen can drive the region’s clean energy future and economic diversification.
The Middle East is emerging as a key player in the global hydrogen economy, driven by its abundant renewable resources, strategic location, and strong government commitment. As the world accelerates its transition to cleaner energy, green and blue hydrogen offer promising pathways to decarbonise heavy industry, transport, and power generation. This thought leadership explores how the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can capitalise on these opportunities to diversify their economies and lead the energy transition.
Despite challenges such as production costs and infrastructure needs, the region’s unique advantages—including high solar irradiance, existing export facilities, and proximity to major markets—position it well to scale hydrogen production and export. With growing global demand and supportive policies, the Middle East is set to become a global hub for hydrogen, unlocking new avenues for sustainable growth and industrial innovation.
Hydrogen is no longer a question of if, but where. The Middle East’s unique combination of climate, infrastructure, and political will makes it a natural leader in the global energy transition.
Joerg Doerler | Partner | Strategy & Transactions
