Region's temperatures escalate, necessitating heightened aspirations
In the face of increasing climate challenges, the Middle East and Africa are seizing unique opportunities to leapfrog outdated infrastructure and build smarter, more inclusive systems. The region, known for its extreme heat and rising energy demands, is embracing smart technologies, renewable energy, and regional cooperation to turn climate pressure into lasting progress.
Energy sustainability has become a vital priority, particularly in light of the fact that buildings account for roughly a third of global energy consumption and CO2 emissions. To address this issue, advanced design tools are being utilised to simulate how buildings will perform before construction begins. This helps planners choose better materials and layouts to ensure buildings are efficient, resilient, and low-carbon for decades.
Smart building systems are also playing a significant role in this transition. These systems can adjust cooling, lighting, and ventilation based on real-time needs, reducing waste and making indoor spaces healthier and more comfortable.
Across the region, microgrids offer huge potential as a core part of a more flexible, reliable energy system. These localised networks of electricity sources and consumers can operate independently when the main grid fails, providing communities and facilities with uninterrupted power. In parts of Africa, microgrids are already improving access to electricity, while in the Middle East, they are poised to revolutionise the energy landscape.
The Middle East and Africa are not alone in their efforts. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain have set their own long-term goals for reducing emissions. Notably, the United Arab Emirates has set an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy. The UAE aims to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and plans to reduce emissions by 47 per cent by 2035.
The Africa Renewable Energy Initiative is another significant step towards a sustainable future. This initiative targets 300 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, a massive leap from current levels. Electricity demand in the Middle East is expected to grow by around 3 per cent each year, and cooling systems, which are the biggest driver of electricity use in this region, are running constantly in many places, putting pressure on power grids.
In recent years, governments in the Middle East and Africa have made significant strides in adopting renewable energy. The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco, among others, have committed to expanding solar and wind energy capacities as part of their climate strategies. Modern water plants are also adopting intelligent devices that collect and share data to help operators manage energy more efficiently and predict future needs.
However, the strain on infrastructure from extreme heat is already visible in some areas. On August 1, 2025, the temperature in Sweihan, UAE, reached 51.8°C, breaking the previous record set in 2017. The temperature increase is not only a concern for comfort but also for the strain it puts on cooling systems and power grids.
By combining smart technologies, better design, renewable energy, and regional cooperation, we can build a sustainable future for the Middle East and Africa. Together, these commitments cover about 70 per cent of the region's emissions, and with continued efforts, we can reduce this number even further. The path to a sustainable future may be challenging, but with determination and innovation, it is certainly achievable.
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