Strategy& – A sustainable built enviroment

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing a significant construction boom, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. These countries have plans to invest a whopping US$2 trillion in construction projects by 2035, creating whole new cities and not just new buildings. This construction boom comes at a time when governments in the Middle East are committed to reducing emissions and developing sustainable energy sources. Therefore, it presents a unique opportunity for the region to lead in the development and implementation of sustainable technologies and techniques for the built environment. By driving innovation in this space, the MENA region can make a substantial contribution to achieving net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In fact, Strategy& estimates that the reduction in life-cycle emissions for urban development alone could contribute to over half of the total emissions reduction efforts needed. In summary, the MENA region's construction boom offers a tremendous opportunity for it to become a pioneer in sustainable built environments. By leveraging this opportunity, the region could make significant progress towards its emissions reduction goals and help create a more sustainable future.