Received: 2025-02-18  |  Accepted: 2025-05-11  |  Published: 2025-06-30

Title

Policy options in accelerating circular economy adoption in the Gulf countries


Abstract

The transition to a circular economy is a pivotal step for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, given the growing environmental challenges, scarce resources, and the urgent need to diversify economies away from hydrocarbon dependence. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of policies to accelerate the adoption of the circular economy in the Gulf countries based on a multi-dimensional analytical framework encompassing Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, and Political (STEEP) aspects. Drawing on consultations with regional experts and specialized researchers, numerous case studies, and global best practices. The study reviews a set of proposed policies to accelerate investment in the circular economy in the Gulf countries. These include various tools such as investment in clean technology, strong political support, and the establishment of circular funds. It also reviews the challenges and outcomes of recycling, stimulates legislation, and reduces traditional consumption patterns. The study also presents a "causal loop diagram" (CLD) highlighting the dynamic interactions and feedback influencing the transition to a circular economy. The findings emphasize the importance of aligning regulatory policies, providing financial incentives, developing circular infrastructure, and enhancing community awareness. The study concludes by proposing six actionable policy options constituting a roadmap tailored specifically to the Gulf context, contributing to integrating circular economy principles into national development strategies. It contributes to the sustainable development literature by proposing realistic and effective policies that enable Gulf countries to lead in circular innovation and low-carbon growth. It further contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable development by offering actionable, context-sensitive policy recommendations for fostering a resilient and circular Gulf economy.


Keywords

circular economy, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), policy options, STEEP, sustainability


URI

http://jssidoi.org/ird/article/195


DOI


Pages

43-66


Funding


This is an open access issue and all published articles are licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Authors

Rezk, Mohamed Ramadan A.
Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, Cairo, Egypt http://www.asrt.sci.eg
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Hassan, Mohammed Mahgoub
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khartoum, Sudan
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Omoruyi, Trevor Uyi
University of Chester, Chester, United Kingdom https://www.chester.ac.uk
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

El-Bary, Alaa A.
Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt https://aast.edu
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Piccinetti, Leonardo
Sustainabile Innovation Technology Services Ltd, Limerick, Ireland https://sinnovations.org
Articles by this author in: CrossRef |  Google Scholar

Journal title

Insights into Regional Development

Volume

7


Number

2


Issue date

June 2025


Issue DOI


ISSN

ISSN 2345-0282 (online)


Publisher

VšĮ Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, Vilnius, Lithuania

Cited

Google Scholar

Article views & downloads

HTML views: 2535  |  PDF downloads: 1341

References


Search via ReFindit


Abdirahman, A. A., Asif, M., & Mohsen, O. (2025). Circular economy in the Renewable Energy sector: A review of growth trends, gaps and future directions. Energy Nexus, 100395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2025.100395

Search via ReFindit


Abid, I., Hechmi, S., & Chaabouni, I. (2024). Impact of energy intensity and CO2 emissions on economic growth in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. Sustainability, 16(23), 10266. https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310266

Search via ReFindit


Adebayo, N. Y. A., Ikevuje, N. a. H., Kwakye, N. J. M., & Esiri, N. a. E. (2024). Circular economy practices in the oil and gas industry: A business perspective on sustainable resource management. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 20(3), 267-285. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2024.20.3.0353

Search via ReFindit


Al-Saidi, M., Das, P., & Saadaoui, I. (2021). Circular Economy in Basic Supply: Framing the approach for the water and food sectors of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 27, 1273-1285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.03.004

Search via ReFindit


Alnaser, W., & Alnaser, N. (2011). The status of renewable energy in the GCC countries. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 15(6), 3074-3098. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2011.03.021

Search via ReFindit


Alsabbagh, M. (2019). Mitigation of CO2e Emissions from the Municipal Solid Waste Sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Climate, 7(8), 100. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli7080100

Search via ReFindit


Andersson, M., Nejdawi, R., Laamrani, H. (2023). Food and Environment Policies team, Climate Change and Natural Resources Sustainability Cluster at ESCWA, & United Nations. Transitioning to a circular economy: status and enablers in the Arab region. Beirut. https://www.unescwa.org/sites/default/files/event/materials/Report-Circular-Economy-in-Arab-Region.pdf

Search via ReFindit


Anouti, Y., Klat, A., Batal, J., Strategy&, PwC, Van Den Beukel, J.-W., Khalifa, T., & Haddad, M. (2019). Putting GCC cities in the loop: Sustainable growth in a circular economy. https://www.strategyand.pwc.com/m1/en/reports/putting-gcc-cities-in-the-loop.pdf

Search via ReFindit


Arif, M., & Aldosary, A. S. (2023). Urban Spatial Strategies of the Gulf Cooperation Council: A Comparative analysis and Lessons learned. Sustainability, 15(18), 13344. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813344

Search via ReFindit


Ateba, B. B., & Enwereji, P. C. (2024). The Resource Curse in the Gulf Region: Charting a path for long-term economic sustainability. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 14(5), 259-270. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.15003

Search via ReFindit


Balushi, I. a. A., & Yusoff, N. Y. B. M. (2025). Evaluating the Impact of Energy Mix and Digital Economy on Ecological Footprint in GCC: Fresh Insight from Panel ARDL Approach. Journal of Management World, 2025(1), 856-866. https://doi.org/10.53935/jomw.v2024i4.821

Search via ReFindit


Binsuwadan, J., Yousif, G., Abdulrahim, H., & Alofaysan, H. (2023). The role of the circular economy in fostering sustainable economic growth in the GCC. Sustainability, 15(22), 15926. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215926

Search via ReFindit


Circle Economy. (2024). Closing the skills gap: vocational education & training for the circular economy. In The Circular Jobs Initiative. https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5d26d80e8836af2d12ed1269/608c0aa6fec4df0fa7bd78e4_20210422%20-%20CJI%20VET%20Paper%202%20-%20297x210mm.pdf

Search via ReFindit


Circular Flanders. (2024). Circular Flanders - hub of the flemish circular economy. https://vlaanderen-circulair.be/en

Search via ReFindit


Corona, B., Shen, L., Reike, D., Carreón, J. R., & Worrell, E. (2019). Towards sustainable development through the circular economy—A review and critical assessment on current circularity metrics. Resources Conservation and Recycling, 151, 104498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104498

Search via ReFindit


Correspondent, G., & Correspondent, G. (2024, December 27). ‘Paradigm Shift’ as Gulf’s urban population set to surge 30% by 2030: Report - Global Business Outlook. Global Business Outlook - Covering the globe's vital informations. https://globalbusinessoutlook.com/real-estate/paradigm-shift-gulfs-urban-population-set-surge-report/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Search via ReFindit


Cowan, E., Booth, A. M., Misund, A., Klun, K., Rotter, A., & Tiller, R. (2021). Single-Use Plastic Bans: Exploring stakeholder perspectives on best practices for reducing plastic pollution. Environments, 8(8), 81. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments8080081

Search via ReFindit


Cui, W., Wei, Y., & Ji, N. (2024). Global trends of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies in carbon neutral perspective: Bibliometric analysis. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 270, 115913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115913

Search via ReFindit


Dang, J., & Motohashi, K. (2015). Patent statistics: A good indicator for innovation in China? Patent subsidy program impacts on patent quality. China Economic Review, 35, 137-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chieco.2015.03.012

Search via ReFindit


De Lange, D. E. (2024). Circular economy international trade: An investigation of the relationship between European Union circularity and international trade. Journal of Cleaner Production, 144350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.144350

Search via ReFindit


Domenech, T., & Bahn-Walkowiak, B. (2017). Transition towards a resource efficient circular economy in Europe: policy lessons from the EU and the member States. Ecological Economics, 155, 7-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2017.11.001

Search via ReFindit


Doshi, T. K. (2023). GCC economies and regional geopolitics after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In Edward Elgar Publishing eBooks (pp. 195–230). https://doi.org/10.4337/9781789901764.00020

Search via ReFindit


Earthna. (2023). The Circular Economy in Qatar 2. In www.earthna.qa. https://www.earthna.qa/sites/default/files/inline-files/The%20Circular%20Economy%20in%20Qatar%202-Full%20Report.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Search via ReFindit


economic donut. (2023, May 7). The Circular City: How Education is Shaping Sustainable, Resource-Efficient Urban Landscapes. Medium. https://medium.com/@economicdonut/the-circular-city-how-education-is-shaping-sustainable-resource-efficient-urban-landscapes-71ee75c2a458

Search via ReFindit


Elisabetta Ceroni. (2024). The role of extended producer responsibility (epr) in the transition to a circular economy. https://ssalibrary.at/sgem_jresearch_publication_view.php?page=view&editid1=5465

Search via ReFindit


engieimpact. (2025). Kalundborg’s Eco-Industrial Park Transformed Waste into Savings. Engieimpact. https://www.engieimpact.com/insights/eco-industrial-park-case-study-kalundborg

Search via ReFindit


ESG News. (2024, March 6). EU sets new standards for reuse and recycling. https://esgnews.com/eu-sets-new-standards-for-reuse-and-recycling/

Search via ReFindit


Eurostat. (2023, June). Green and Sustainability Bonds Issued by Governments. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Green_and_sustainability_bonds_issued_by_governments

Search via ReFindit


Eurostat. (2024). Monitoring Framework - Circular Economy - Eurostat. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/circular-economy/monitoring-framework

Search via ReFindit


Gakunga, M. (2024). COMESA and European Union launch new €40 million Regional Circular Economy Programme – Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). https://www.comesa.int/comesa-and-european-union-launch-new-e40-million-regional-circular-economy-programme/

Search via ReFindit


GCC-Stat. (2024). Gulf Cooperation Council Statistical Center. Gulf Cooperation Council Statistical Center. https://gccstat.org/en/statistic/publications

Search via ReFindit


Ghisellini, P., Cialani, C., & Ulgiati, S. (2015). A review on circular economy: the expected transition to a balanced interplay of environmental and economic systems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 114, 11-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.09.007

Search via ReFindit


Hartley, K., Baldassarre, B., & Kirchherr, J. (2023). Circular economy as crisis response: A primer. Journal of Cleaner Production, 434, 140140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140140

Search via ReFindit


Hollands, A. (2025, March 6). Australia’s billion Circular Future Fund: a sustainable shift. Climate Logic. https://climatelogic.com.au/australias-circular-future-fund-for-sustainable-business/

Search via ReFindit


Ibrahim, O., Al-Kindi, G., Qureshi, M. U., & Maghawry, S. A. (2022). Challenges and construction applications of solid waste management in Middle East Arab countries. Processes, 10(11), 2289. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10112289

Search via ReFindit


IEA (2023), Value of fossil-fuel subsidies by fuel in the top 25 countries, 2022, IEA, Paris https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/value-of-fossil-fuel-subsidies-by-fuel-in-the-top-25-countries-2022

Search via ReFindit


Ijaz, M., Naz, F., & Sadiq, N. (2025). Sustainable synergy: exploring the nexus of green initiatives and digitalizationdigitalization in gulf countries – a comprehensive study on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/jstpm-01-2024-0015

Search via ReFindit


Imtihan, N., Suhaemi, Z., Edinov, S., & Satrianto, A. (2025). Analysis of the Circular Economic System using the Causal Loop Diagram Method based on the Green Economy an Islamic Economic Perspective in West Sumatera. International Journal of Scientific Research and Management (IJSRM), 13(01), 8235-8244. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsrm/v13i01.em05

Search via ReFindit


Invest Qatar. (2022, March 27). Increased momentum towards a circular economy: drastic changes and opportunities to transform the GCC region. https://www.invest.qa/en/media-centre/news-and-articles/increased-momentum-towards-a-circular-economy-drastic-changes-and-opportunities-to-transform-the-gcc-region

Search via ReFindit


Jodai, A. A., Smeets, P., Sherehy, F. A., & Idriss, H. (2024). SABIC’s pathway to carbon neutrality and the role of hydrogen. In Routledge eBooks (pp. 82-97). https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003294290-5

Search via ReFindit


Komyshev, D., Kapral, A., Drebot, O., Sakharnatska, L., & Karpyk, J. (2024). Advancing Waste Reduction and Resource Conservation through Circular Economy Practices: A Rational Review. Grassroots Journal of Natural Resources, 7(3), 173-190. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.0703ukr09

Search via ReFindit


Lara, J. C. F., Fadel, M. E., & Khalfan, M. M. A. (2025). Integrating Industry 4.0 and circular economy in the UAE construction sector: a policy-aligned framework. Built Environment Project and Asset Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/bepam-01-2024-0005

Search via ReFindit


Mariyam, S., Cochrane, L., Al-Ansari, T., & McKay, G. (2024). A Framework to Support LocalizedLocalized Solid Waste Management Decision Making: Evidence from Qatar. Environmental Development, 50, 100986. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2024.100986

Search via ReFindit


Mason, M. (2023). TheorizingTheorizing the climate change accountability of Persian Gulf petrostates. Environmental Policy and Governance, 33(6), 631-640. https://doi.org/10.1002/eet.2082

Search via ReFindit


Nassar, A. K. (2024). Strategic energy transition in the Gulf Cooperation Council: Balancing economic, social, political, and environmental dynamics for sustainable development. International Journal of Green Energy, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15435075.2024.2435434

Search via ReFindit


Net Zero Insights. (2023). Net Zero Insights Q1 2023 Startups report. https://radar.thecircularlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CircularEconomyStartupsReport_Q123.pdf

Search via ReFindit


OECD. (2020). Managing environmental and energy transitions for regions and cities. OECD Publishing, Paris. https://doi.org/10.1787/f0c6621f-en

Search via ReFindit


Oman Observer. (2022, July 17). Circular economy project opportunities worth RO 528m unveiled. Oman Observer. https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1122313/business/energy/circular-economy-project-opportunities-worth-ro-528m-unveiled

Search via ReFindit


Orange, R. (2017, November 28). Waste not want not: Sweden to give tax breaks for repairs. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/19/waste-not-want-not-sweden-tax-breaks-repairs?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Search via ReFindit


Rachel Cooper. (2018, August). 97% of plastic bottles in Norway are recycled. Climate Action. https://www.climateaction.org/news/97-of-plastic-bottles-are-recycled-in-norway

Search via ReFindit


Raksha, R., V. (2025). Conceptualizing Circular Economy – an orientation for sustainable development of the Indian economy. Interantional Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management, 09(01), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsrem41128

Search via ReFindit


Rezk, M., Leonardo Piccinetti, Nahed Salem, Trevor Uyi Omoruyi, & Donatella Santoro. (2024). Nigeria’s transition to a circular economy: challenges, opportunities and future perspectives. Insights Into Regional Development, 6(2), 11-23. https://doi.org/10.9770/IRD.2024.6.2(1)

Search via ReFindit


Saif, O., Mezher, T., & Arafat, H. A. (2014). Water security in the GCC countries: challenges and opportunities. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 4(4), 329-346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13412-014-0178-8

Search via ReFindit


Sanfilippo, A., Vermeersch, M., & Benito, V. B. (2024). Energy transition strategies in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Energy Strategy Reviews, 55, 101512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2024.101512

Search via ReFindit


Shiva, V. (2024). Sustainable Management Practices in the Circular Economy: Balancing environmental and economic goals. Universal Research Reports, 11(4), 170-174. https://doi.org/10.36676/urr.v11.i4.1346

Search via ReFindit


Stahel, W. R. (2016). The circular economy. Nature, 531(7595), 435-438. https://doi.org/10.1038/531435a

Search via ReFindit


Sumra, K. B., Siddique, H., Afzal, S., & Qazi, A. (2025). Sustainable smart cities: promotion of circular economy in urban GCC regions. Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/jstpm-01-2024-0025

Search via ReFindit


TOMRA. (2016, January 5). Sorting and recycling municipal solid waste (MSW) in Xiamen city, China. TOMRA. https://www.tomra.com/waste-metal-recycling/media-center/customer-stories/xiamen

Search via ReFindit


Torcătoru, C., Săvescu, D., & Repanovici, A. (2022). Literature Review by Scientometric Methods on the Impact of the Circular Economy on Sustainable Industrial Products. Sustainability, 14(9), 5084. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095084

Search via ReFindit


Wang, X., Li, Y., Zhou, R., Yang, Q., & Shi, C. (2024). How China Can Promote the Outer Circular Economy under Policy Uncertainty. International Review of Economics & Finance, 96, 103615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iref.2024.103615

Search via ReFindit


Wang, Y., Zhen, J., & Wang, B. (2024). AnalyzingAnalyzing the role of environmental policy innovations and natural resource management in driving circular economy forward: Evidence from BRICS economies. Journal of Environmental Management, 371, 123252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.123252

Search via ReFindit


WorldBank Data. (2024). World Bank. https://data.worldbank.org

Search via ReFindit


Yasmin, T., Refae, G. a. E., & Eletter, S. (2023). Highlighting the role of UAE's government policies in transition towards “Circular economy.” In Studies in systems, decision and control (pp. 723-735). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35828-9_60

Search via ReFindit


ZenRobotics. (2025). Terex Corporation. https://www.terex.com/zenrobotics

Search via ReFindit