Energy transitions era: geopolitical characteristics and connotations in the Arab Gulf States

IF 4.9 2区社会学 Q2 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Sustainable Futures Pub Date : 2025-06-07 DOI:10.1016/j.sftr.2025.100808

Abdalftah Hamed Ali , Monged Abdalla

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Abstract

The Middle East’s energy landscape is experiencing significant changes due to internal socio-economic issues, shifting global energy demands, and evolving geopolitical circumstances. This study explores the geopolitical trends influencing the energy transitions in the Arab Gulf States. The research examines how these countries navigate the complexities of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources amidst fluctuating oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and stringent international climate commitments. Using a mixed-methods approach combining policy analysis, qualitative review, and cross-country comparison, the paper analyzes key national plans and regional dynamics across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. Research findings revealed that the Gulf Arab States face many challenges, including fluctuating oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and balancing economic stability with environmental sustainability. Additionally, adopting renewable energy brings various social and political advantages and enables the Gulf to meet its regional climate governance obligations.

The study highlights strategic approaches such as energy diplomacy, economic diversification under national visions, and emerging investments in green technologies and critical minerals. It further identified the risks associated with insufficient integration into global renewable supply chains. The paper concluded with policy implications for regional sustainability, the balance of geopolitical power, and the imperative for institutional reform. This contribution added to the literature by contextualizing GCC responses within broader international patterns of energy transition and geopolitical realignment.

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能源转型时代：海湾阿拉伯国家的地缘政治特征与内涵

由于内部社会经济问题、不断变化的全球能源需求和不断演变的地缘政治环境，中东的能源格局正在发生重大变化。本研究探讨了影响阿拉伯海湾国家能源转型的地缘政治趋势。该研究考察了这些国家如何在油价波动、地缘政治紧张局势和严格的国际气候承诺的背景下，应对从化石燃料向可再生能源过渡的复杂性。本文采用政策分析、定性审查和跨国比较相结合的混合方法，分析了沙特阿拉伯、阿联酋、卡塔尔、科威特、阿曼和巴林等国的主要国家计划和区域动态。研究结果显示，海湾阿拉伯国家面临许多挑战，包括油价波动、地缘政治紧张局势以及平衡经济稳定与环境可持续性。此外，采用可再生能源带来了各种社会和政治优势，使海湾地区能够履行其区域气候治理义务。该研究强调了能源外交、国家愿景下的经济多元化以及对绿色技术和关键矿产的新兴投资等战略方法。它进一步确定了与全球可再生能源供应链整合不足相关的风险。文章最后提出了对区域可持续性、地缘政治力量平衡以及制度改革的必要性的政策影响。这一贡献通过将海湾合作委员会的反应置于更广泛的国际能源转型模式和地缘政治重新调整的背景下，增加了文献。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Sustainable Futures Social Sciences-Sociology and Political Science

CiteScore

9.30

自引率

1.80%

发文量

审稿时长

71 days

期刊介绍： Sustainable Futures: is a journal focused on the intersection of sustainability, environment and technology from various disciplines in social sciences, and their larger implications for corporation, government, education institutions, regions and society both at present and in the future. It provides an advanced platform for studies related to sustainability and sustainable development in society, economics, environment, and culture. The scope of the journal is broad and encourages interdisciplinary research, as well as welcoming theoretical and practical research from all methodological approaches.