Gulf hydrogen ambitions edge closer to reality
Hydrogen projects worth more than $40bn announced in Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE over past 18 months as governments eye first-mover advantage
The UAE’s landmark commitment this month to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050—the first country to do so from a region that pumps more than a fifth of the world’s crude—caps a period of rapid realignment for the main Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) hydrocarbons producers. Hydrogen projects worth more than $40bn have been announced in Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the past 18 months. Some are more credible and concrete than others: stakeholders in a proposed 25GW renewables and green hydrogen hub in Oman announced by Hong Kong-based Intercontinental Energy in May do not envisage even taking a decision on going ahead for another five years. The region enjoys inherent competitive str

Also in this section
25 July 2025
Oil major cites strategy reset as it walks away from Australian Renewable Energy Hub, leaving partner InterContinental Energy to lead one of world’s largest green hydrogen projects
23 July 2025
Electrolysis seen as most leakage-prone production pathway as study warns of sharp increase through 2030 and beyond
22 July 2025
The gas-hungry sector is set for rapid growth, and oil majors and some of the world’s largest LNG firms are investing in ammonia production and export facilities, though much depends on regulatory support
16 July 2025
Major manufacturer cancels rollout of new hydrogen-powered vans and strengthens focus on battery electric and hybrid markets