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01 Sep 2026 Admin SAE Energy and Environment
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Over the past decade, the MENA region has experienced considerable economic and population growth, which is only expected to continue in the future. The demand for power in this diverse region (comprised of energy importers and exporters) is expanding between 3% and 8% annually. In fact, the demand for energy is rising so rapidly in the Arab world that even countries which have traditionally exported energy in the past are facing the prospect of becoming energy importers themselves. The following figure shows the increasing demand for electricity overtime in the Arab region, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

 

 

Source: Al Jayyousi, Odeh, 2015. Renewable Energy in the Arab World, Transfer of Knowledge and Prospects for Arab Cooperation, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Jordan & Iraq.

 

In light of these developments, the Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy was adopted by the League of Arab States during the 3rd Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in January 2013 in Riyadh to articulate the renewable energy goals of the Arab world and improve its energy future. The Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy specifically seeks to:

  • Utilize the abundance of renewable energy resources in the MENA region;
  • Enhance the future energy security of the MENA region through the diversification of energy resources;
  • Increase the share of renewable energy technology and energy installed and deployed in the MENA region by 2030;
  • Meet the requirements of national and regional development by streamlining renewable energy target-setting procedures and providing guidelines for developing national renewable energy action plans in the MENA region;
  • Preserve the MENA region’s indigenous oil and natural gas as strategic reserves for the future;
  • Contribute to reduce the environmental impact of activities associated transportation, industrial and residential consumption.

 

If the countries of the Arab world are able to achieve these ambitious objectives, it’s estimated the installed renewable energy power generation capacity will increase from roughly 12 gigawatts in 2013 to 75 gigawatts in 2030. The following article will highlight some of the important aspects of the renewable energy market in the MENA region by asking a series of questions.

 

1) Which clean energy markets are the most promising in the MENA region?

According to the League of Arab States and the World Bank, electricity demand in Arab countries is expected to increase by 84% in 2020 compared to 2010. This increase would require an additional 135 gigawatts of generating capacity, which would require that Arab countries invest around $450 billion in infrastructure for electricity alone to reach this goal by 2020.

Having said that, the MENA region is fortunate because it has a substantial endowment of renewable energy sources. Especially when it comes to solar and wind energies. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency, Concentrated Solar Power technologies alone could generate a hundred times more electricity in the MENA region than the electricity consumption of the Arab region and Europe combined.

The following table presents some renewable energy resource indicators, reflecting the significant potential in the Arab countries.

 

Renewable energy resource indicators in the Arab countries

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency. Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030, Road Map of Actions for Implementations.

 

a) Solar power potential

The main measure of a region’s suitability for solar thermal concentrated applications is called Direct Normal Radiation and most Arab countries fall between the range of 2050 and 2800 kilowatts-hour per square meter per year. These rates are among the best in the world, which makes the MENA region ideal for implementing solar heating and cooling, Concentrated Solar Power and Concentrated Photovoltaic applications.

 

Map of global solar radiation in the Arab region

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency. Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030, Road Map of Actions for Implementations.

 

b) Wind power potential

The MENA region is also rich in wind power potential. However, this potential is concentrated in certain geographical areas. The greatest potential for large-scale wind power projects is in the Atlantic and Red Sea coasts, where the wind speed frequently exceeds the 6.9 meter per second economic feasibility threshold. In particular, Morocco, Oman and Mauritania have demonstrated great wind power potential, as they all meet the minimum wind speed requirement.

 

Map of wind speeds at 50m height in the Arab region

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency. Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030, Road Map of Actions for Implementations.

 

c) Other renewable energy potential

Several Arab countries also have the ability to develop geothermal, biomass and waste-to-energy applications. There are sites in Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Yemen that have temperatures that exceed 200 degrees Celsius at 5000 meters depth, which makes them ideal locations to develop sustainable geothermal renewable energy. On the other hand, there are Arab countries, like Sudan, which have a unique opportunity to develop sustainable biomass renewable energy, thanks to their extensive agricultural activities.

 

2) Which countries have invested the most in the renewable energy sector in the Arab world?

Most Arab states are procuring significant utility-scale renewable power projects. However, Algeria, Egypt, Jordan and Morocco have some of the most impressive project pipelines under construction within their borders. While the rest of the Arab world has project portfolios that are smaller, they are projected to grow substantially in the upcoming years.

The following table provides an overview of project portfolios for the Arab states.

 

Renewable energy projects in Arab countries announced in 2013

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency. Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030, Road Map of Actions for Implementations.

 

a) General renewable energy and technology-specific targets

Twenty Arab countries have announced renewable energy targets that represent fractions of electricity generation or installed capacity. In terms of installed capacity, Morocco’s clean power target of 42% by 2020 is the most ambitious in the MENA region. However, Algeria, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia have also announced their desire to generate more than 20% of their electricity for different horizons.

Fourteen Arab countries have also committed themselves to one or more technology-specific targets. Not surprisingly, the MENA region seems to be more focused on solar technologies than wind technologies. However, the MENA region’s targets for other renewable energy, such as geothermal and waste-to-energy, is substantially lower.

 

The following table provides a detailed list of announced technology targets thus far for all states covered in this study.

 

Technology-specific targets in the Arab countries

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency. Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030, Road Map of Actions for Implementations.

 

3) What are the main factors that are driving Arab countries to develop renewable energy projects?

There are numerous factors that have motivated Arab decision-makers to develop renewable energy plans and endorse the Pan-Arab 2030 strategy including the desire:

  • To satisfy the ever-increasing energy demand in the MENA region and beyond;
  • To harness the MENA region’s unique renewable energy potential to provide a diverse and affordable range of energy generation options;
  • To decrease the dependency of oil-rich Arab economies on fossil fuels;
  • To generate affordable and clean energy in Arab countries that suffer from energy scarcity;
  • To stimulate sustainable economic and social development by generating jobs and creating new economic and industrial growth opportunities;
  • To protect and preserve the environment and reduce the impact of environmental degradation caused by oil and gas exploration;
  • To increase the private sector’s role in regional energy markets to promote efficiency and the faster adoption and deployment of renewable energy cultures and technologies.

 

 

4) What is the installed renewable energy capacity in the MENA region?

Despite the MENA region’s abundance of renewable energy sources, the level of installed renewable energy technologies still remains low. However, since 2014, there has been an impressive scale-up of renewable installed capacity in many Arab countries. In 2015, the total installed capacity of all renewables (including hydro) reached approximately 14 gigawatts.

In the same year, it’s estimated that renewable energy made up 6% of the region’s total power generation capacity, with hydropower dominating the majority of this capacity at 4.7%. Interestingly, the region’s wind and solar energy only accounted for 0.9% and 0.4% of this capacity respectively.

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency. Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030, Road Map of Actions for Implementations.

 

 

The following table contains a breakdown of renewable electricity installed capacity by country and technology.

 

Renewable energy installed capacity in the Arab countries – 2012

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency. Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030, Road Map of Actions for Implementations.

 

a. Solar

In 2015, the combined installed capacity for solar power in the Arab world exceeded 800 megawatts. Algeria had the largest installed photovoltaic capacity with 270 megawatts, followed by Egypt with 90 megawatts and UAE with 33 megawatts. On the other hand, Morocco had the largest installed Concentrated Solar Power capacity with 183 megawatts, followed by UAE with 100 megawatts and Algeria with 25 megawatts.


 

b. Wind

In 2015, the combined installed capacity for wind power in the Arab world exceeded 2000 megawatts. Morocco had the largest installed capacity for wind power with 790 megawatts, closely followed by Egypt with 745 megawatts. Tunisia and Jordan also showed great potential with 245 and 197 megawatts respectively.

 

c. Hydropower

In 2015, the combined installed capacity for hydropower in the Arab world was 11,000 megawatts. Egypt had the largest installed capacity for hydropower with 2,874 megawatts, followed by Iraq with 2,513 megawatts and Morocco with 1,770 megawatts.

 

5) Where does investment in the MENA region’s renewable energy come from?

Up until recently, most of the investments made in the MENA region’s renewable energy sector have been financed by governments, international renewable energy development assistance and regional development banks. However, several Arab countries are trying to promote more clean energy investment by encouraging the establishment of renewable energy funds and state-backed private sector entities and the repurposing of budgets in existing financial channels.

 

 

a. Renewable energy funds

National renewable energy and energy efficiency funds have been created in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia to invest in, and provide grants to renewable energy projects. While these funds are at various levels of maturity and financial sustainability, they demonstrate a commitment to promoting the innovation and deployment of renewable technology in the region. To further explore the status of funding opportunities and policy developments in the MENA region’s renewable energy sector, visit the renewable energy profiles of seventeen Arab nations on the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) website.

 

 

Selected Renewable Energy Funds

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency. Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030, Road Map of Actions for Implementations.

 

 

b) State-backed private sector entities

In some Arab countries, state-backed private sector entities have been created to channel funds into domestic and international renewable energy projects. These entities were established to substitute or complement the activities of public funds. For example, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the UAE established Masdar in 2006 as a privately structured company with the aim of investing portions of the emirate’s sovereign wealth fund in renewable energy projects in UAE and abroad.

 

c. Existing financing channels

On the other hand, some Arab states have chosen to use existing financing channels to fund renewable energy projects. For example, Libya has opted to reserve a portion of its public budget to invest in renewable energy projects. Whereas Kuwait has announced plans to invest money in domestic renewable energy projects through its sovereign wealth fund. State-backed energy companies have also created investment units to fund renewable energy projects in Algeria, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and UAE.

 

6) What are the main policies used in the Arab world to promote the renewable energy sector at the moment?

Public financing is the most popular form of financial support policies for renewable energy projects and these policies can be divided into two main categories. The first is public competitive bidding, which allows power purchase agreements to procure utility-scale renewable energy. The second is public investments in renewable energy projects through grants, soft loans or research and development activities. Although public competitive bidding encourages stakeholders in the private sector to invest in large-scale renewable energy projects, there are other policies that benefit small power producers.

 

Feed-In-Tariff programs reward small electricity producers with premium prices for each unit of renewable electricity they produce. On the other hand, net-metering allows small renewable energy self-producers to send excess electricity to the grid. Thus, lowering their monthly electricity bill. Unfortunately, in the MENA region, there is a bias towards supporting large-scale renewable energy projects as opposed to Feed-In-Tariff and net-metering programs. This is demonstrated by the fact that 10 Arab states have adopted public competitive bidding policies, whereas only five Arab states have adopted Feed-In-Tariff policies and only eight have adopted net-metering policies.

 

 

Renewable energy support policies

Source: International Renewable Energy Agency. Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030, Road Map of Actions for Implementations.

 

7) Do the current legal frameworks in the MENA region support the adoption and deployment of renewable energy technology?

In 2014, there were only six Arab countries that had passed renewable energy laws including: Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia. However, only two of those countries – Algeria and Jordan – provided a statutory guarantee of priority access to the grid for renewable energy. In other parts of the Arab world, renewable energy law is still in the process of being drafted or still pending approval from legislative bodies.

 

The future adoption of renewable energy laws is vital for the development of a clean energy sector in the MENA region, because they reduce risk to private investors and they provide clear expectations and a legal framework to support Arab governments’ renewable energy targets and strategy. Nevertheless, even though numerous Arab governments have yet to draft and approve comprehensive renewable energy legal frameworks, they have adopted various supporting policies for renewable energy projects.

 

8) What are the main obstacles hindering the adoption of clean energy technologies in the Arab region?

Despite the favorable environmental conditions, the considerable economic gains and the increasingly affordable price of technology, the rate of renewable energy adoption is still lagging in the MENA region. This lag can be attributed to various factors, including institutional inertia caused by the unfamiliar nature of the renewable energy market, the lack of clarity in institutional roles and responsibilities and the lack of dedicated policies and regulations. In that past, Arab power markets have traditionally been characterized by centralization and the heavy involvement of the public sector in the generation, transmission and distribution processes.

However, as the power demand in Arab countries continues to soar, there has been a very strong push in the region to deregulate the power and water markets. This push has driven many Arab countries to liberalize their laws (to varying degrees) to allow the private sector to participate in power generation activities. Although private participation in the renewable power sector has increased in the MENA region in recent years, it still remains relatively limited.

 

9) Transfer of technology between the Arab world and the countries of North and South.

According to International Renewable Energy Agency “Pan-Arab Renewable Energy Strategy 2030”, “renewable energy is a suitable area for the transfer of technology between the Arab world and the countries of North and South. Renewable energy technologies, characterized by diversity and decentralization, make it particularly suitable to develop energy in rural areas, or in projects between the Arab world and Europe, within a regional vision that embraces mutual interest exchange in technology, localizing manufacturing and energy industry.”

It added that “In this context, it would be possible to take advantage of the clean development mechanism (CDM), adopted in the Kyoto Protocol, in renewable energy applications to reduce greenhouse gases.”

 

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Economy

Algeria

10 Mar 2015

  Economy of Algeria Algeria’s economy is based mainly on oil and gas, it has the eighth-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the fourth-largest gas exporter; it ranks 18th in oil reserves. The hydrocarbon sector represents about 40–45 percent of total GDP and about two-thirds of budget revenues. Oil and gas resources account for 98 percent of the country’s exports and 70 percent of tax revenues. The chief challenges that Algeria faces in the short and medium terms are the need to diversify the economy, strengthen political and economic reform, improve the business climate, reduce regional inequalities and create jobs. Structural reform within the economy, such as development of the banking sector and the construction of infrastructure, moves ahead slowly. According to the World Bank indicator for ease of doing business in 2015, Algeria is ranked 154 out of 183 economies.   Essential Information   Area: 2,381,741 sq kmCapital: AlgiersPrincipal Towns: Oran, Constantine, Annaba, Stiff, Blida, Sidi Bel Abbes, Skikda, Batna, Tlemcen.Languages: Arabic is the official language but French is still widely used. There are Berber-speaking minorities.Climate: The coast has a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 13 to 32°C. The summer months of June to September can be hot and humid with daytime temperatures registering between 27 and 32°C; these can be exceeded, for brief periods, when the hot, dry sirocco wind blows from the southCurrency: 1$ = 78.9 Algerian dinar (DZD). DEMOGRAPHY 39,5 (Million 2015 est.) (source: IMF) 0-14 years: 28.4% (male 5,641,148/female 5,378,207) 15-24 years: 17.4% (male 3,451,069/female 3,291,166) 25-54 years: 42.8% (male 8,398,770/female 8,209,634) 55-64 years: 6.2% (male 1,230,865/female 1,186,832) 65 years and over: 5.2% (male 931,769/female 1,094,262) (2014 est.) Source: CIA factbook. EducationLiteracy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 80.2% male: 87.2% female: 73.1% (2015 est.) (Source: CIA factbook). NATURAL RESOURCESpetroleum, natural gas, iron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zinc Fossil FuelOil - proved reserves: 12.2 billion bbl (January 2012 est.)Natural gas - proved reserves: 4.502 trillion cu m (1 January 2011 est.) MineralsIron ore, phosphates, uranium, lead, zincHydro-electric0.3% of production Visa Requirements: Nationals from the following countries do not require a visa to travel to Algeria:Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Democratic Republic Sahraoui, Seychelles, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Yemen.Non-resident foreigners must change the equivalent of AD 1,000 on entering the country. WTO accession: Observer Independence Day July 5 Current local time  Weather Find the Algerian Diplomatic representation in Switzerland  

Bahrain

  Bahrain is a banking and financial services centre; its small and reasonably prosperous economy is less dependent on oil than most Gulf states. Bahrain has taken great strides in diversifying its economy and its highly developed communication and transport facilities make Bahrain home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. Bahrain's economy, however, continues to depend heavily on oil. Petroleum production and refining account for more than 60% of Bahrain's export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP. Other major economic activities are production of aluminum - Bahrain's second biggest export after oil - finance, and construction. Bahrain competes with Malaysia as a worldwide center for Islamic banking and continues to seek new natural gas supplies as feedstock to support its expanding petrochemical and aluminum industries. The country’s limited oil reserves, which are expected to last only another 10 to 15 years, have led Bahrain to already make significant progress on developing the non-oil sector. Other major segments of Bahrain's economy are the financial and construction sectors. The financial sector contributes around 27 per cent of the kingdom’s GDP, while hydrocarbons contributes around 25 per cent. Manufacturing contributes around 13 per cent. The Kingdom is the main banking hub for the Gulf and a centre for Islamic finance with a total size of $800 billion, which has been attracted by the strong regulatory framework for the industry.   Essential Information Area: 695.25 sq kmPopulation: 1.3 millionCapital: Manama Principal Towns: Muharraq, Jidhafs, Isa Town, Awali, Hidd, Rifaa.Area: 695.25 sq kmPopulation:1.3 millionCapital: ManamaPrincipal Towns: Muharraq, Jidhafs, Isa Town, Awali, Hidd, Rifaa.Languages: Arabic is the official language. English is used widely in business circles.Gross Domestic Product (official exchange rate): $26,5 billion (2012 est)GDP per capita: $20,385 (2012 est.)International Reserves: $5.0 billion (2012 est.)Climate: Tropical Gulf climate with hot summers, mild winters and high year-round humidity. The annual average rainfall is only some 70 mm.Currency: 2.64 US Dollar (USD) = nearly 0.377 Bahraini Dinar (BHD)           Visa Requirements: No visa is required for GCC and British nationals. Other travellers must obtain entry visas in countries where there is a Bahraini consulate, these can then be extended locally. Travellers with an onward reservation may obtain a 72-hour transit visa at the point of entry. Bahrain National Day 16 December Current local time  Weather Bahrain Diplomatic representation in Switzerland  

Comoros

  Comoros is made up of three islands that have inadequate transportation links, a young and rapidly increasing population, and few natural resources. The low educational level of the labour force contributes to a subsistence level of economic activity, high unemployment, and a heavy dependence on foreign grants and technical assistance. Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, contributes 50% to GDP, employs 80% of the labour force, and provides most of the exports. Export income is heavily reliant on the three main crops of vanilla, cloves, and ylang-ylang; and Comoros' export earnings are easily disrupted by disasters such as fires. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. The government is struggling to upgrade education and technical training, privatize commercial and industrial enterprises, improve health services, diversify exports and promote tourism. Remittances from 150,000 Comorans abroad help supplement GDP.  The international donor community currently plays a modest role in the country’s development. According to the OECD statistics, Comoros received approximately US$25 million in development assistance in 2005. France was by far the largest donor contributing almost $17 million followed by UN agencies (including the World Bank) with over $7 million and the EC with over $4 million. Further, the economy is also significantly dependent upon remittances from the estimated 150,000-strong Comorian Diaspora in France and elsewhere. Economic development in the past two decades has been hindered by a combination of recurrent political crises, macro-economic imbalances, and external shocks. A gradual recovery of the economy is observed since 2008. Real GDP is driven by agriculture and services increased by 0.6% in 2008, 1.1% in 2009 and 2.1% in 2010.   Essential Information      Area: 2,170 sq kmPopulation:795,000 (July 2011 est.) Capital:MoroniPrincipal Towns:Fomboni, Moutsamoudou, DomoniLanguages: Arabic and French are the official languages while Comoran, a blend of Swahili and Arabic, is also spoken. Gross Domestic Product (purchasing power parity):$872 million (2012 est.) Gross Domestic Product (official exchange rate):$595 million (2012 est.) GDP per capita: $1,300 (2012 est.) Reserves: 6.2 months of imports of goods and services (2009 est.)Climate: The coast has a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 13 to 32°C. The summer months of June to September can be hot and humid with daytime temperatures registering between 27 and 32°C; these can be exceeded, for brief periods, when the hot, dry sirocco wind blows from the south. The Sahara desert is hot and arid with daytime temperatures reaching 43°C while night temperatures fall to 10°C or less. Currency: Comoros Franc (KMF) = nearly 0.00281 US Dollar (USD) Visa Requirements: A valid passport and onward/return ticket are required. A three-week entry visa, which may be extended, may be obtained from the airport on arrival. Travellers should obtain the latest details from the nearest Mission of the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros.   Comoros' National Day 6 July   Current local time  Weather Diplomatic representation of Comoros in Switzerland  

Djibouti

  Djibouti’s economy is based on service activities connected with the country's strategic location and status as a free trade zone in the Horn of Africa. Two-thirds of Djibouti's inhabitants live in the capital city; the remainder are mostly nomadic herders. Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transhipment and refuelling centre. Imports and exports from landlocked neighbour Ethiopia represent 70% of port activity at Djibouti's container terminal. Djibouti has few natural resources and little industry. The nation is, therefore, heavily dependent on foreign assistance to help support its balance of payments and to finance development projects.  The Djiboutian economy has benefited from huge investment in the transport sector namely; port investment, construction and banking sector during the last years. Foreign direct investment (FDI) as well has registered a positive evolution in the last ten years. With the aim of strengthening Djibouti's position as a hub for trade, logistics and related services, as well as a provider of financial services, several road corridors were opened or renovated in 2010. Nevertheless, the economy remains little diversified and highly dependent on port operations in the tertiary sector. This accounts for 76% of GDP, while the primary sector contributes a mere 3.9%. The country depends almost entirely on imports for its food supply. Domestic agricultural production covers only 10% of the country's food needs.  Djibouti is at the crossroads of major sea routes for trading oil and other goods, and wants to become a hub for commercial, logistical and financial services for the Gulf of Aden countries. The government has launched a 4.3 billion US dollar (USD) investment programme, and in 2012, funding was obtained to build new port facilities for salt and potassium exports.  The government is also drafting a long-term development strategy called Vision 2035, and a study is being done of which leading sectors could diversify the sources of national growth and create jobs. Essential Information     Area: 23,200 sq km Population: 792,198 (2013 est.) Capital: Djibouti Principal Towns:Dikhil, Tadjoura, Obock Languages: Arabic and French are the official languages. Afar, Amharic and Somali are also widely spoken. Gross Domestic Product: $1.4 billion (2012 est.) GDP per capita: $1,767 (2012 est.) GDP per capita (PPP): $2,700 (2012 est.) Gross Official Reserves: $0.2 billion (2012 est). Climate: Very hot and arid from April to August with average temperatures of 32°C but reaching 45°C. October through March is slightly cooler with occasional light rain. Currency: 1.00 USD ≈ 179.7 Djiboutian Franc (DJF), 1.00 DJF = 0.00556 USD. Visa requirements: Visas are required by all visitors, except French nationals, on short stay visits. Ten-day visas are available on arrival for US and EU nationals - an onward ticket is also required.    Djibouti National Day, 27 June. Current local time  Weather Diplomatic representation of Djibouti in Switzerland  

Egypt

  Egypt is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic activity takes place. The Egyptian economy relies heavily on tourist revenues. Egypt is the most populated Arab country, it counts about 82.1 million people, with $2,922 GDP per capita. The contribution of the Egyptian economy is about 0.3% of the emerging markets index MSCI. Egyptian population is rather young. The aged 15 years or less, about 34%, and the age group of youth from 15-35 years old about 35%.  The people who represent the workforce in the category of 15-65 years old represent 62%, which requires a clear map to take advantage of the power work in economic activity. The services sector is the owner of the largest share in terms of its contribution to the GDP of the acquisition of more than 50%, while the contribution of industry and agriculture, two sectors that offers a real job opportunities, permanent and constitute a measure of value added is 37.7% and 13.1% subsequently. The rising contribution of services sector because of its education and health services, provided by public institutions. On the other hand, the tourism sector is considered historically a main source of Egypt’s national income with some 12 million tourists visiting Egypt and spending about $11 billion annually.Egypt’s economy is still suffering from a severe downturn and the government faces numerous challenges as to how to restore growth, market and investor confidence. Political and institutional uncertainty, a perception of rising insecurity and sporadic unrest continue to negatively affect economic growth. Real GDP growth slowed to just 2.2 percent year on year in October-December 2012/13 and investments declined to 13 percent of GDP in July-December 2012. The economic slowdown contributed to a rise in unemployment, which stood at 13 percent at end-December 2012, with 3.5 million people out of work. Foreign exchange reserves have continued to decline to reach about 3 months of imports. Essential Information  Area: 1,002,000 sq kmPopulation: 85,3 Million (2012 est.) Capital: CairoPrincipal Towns: Alexandria, Tanta, Damietta, Suez, Port Said.Languages: Arabic is the official language; French and English are both widely used, particularly in business circles. Gross Domestic Product: $255billion (2012 est.)GDP per capita: $2,989International Reserves: $15.72 billion Climate: Generally warm and dry from November to March although day temperatures can rise to over 38°C. April to October can see periods of intense heat in Cairo and Upper Egypt. Rainfall is limited to the northern, coastal region. A hot and dusty desert wind, the Khamaseen, blows in April/May and August/September.Currency: 1$ ≈ 6.8 Egyptian Pound (EGP) DEMOGRAPHYAge Distribution (2012 est.) 0-14 years: 32.5% 15-24 years: 18.2% 25-54 years: 38.1% 55-64 years: 6.5% 65 years and over: 4.7%  Population Growth 1.92% (2012 est.) Education71.4% of the total population age 15 and over can read and write  NATURAL RESOURCESFossil FuelPetroleum, natural gas MineralsIron ore, phosphates, manganese, limestone, gypsum, talc, asbestos, lead, zinc  Hydro-electricAssuan and Nasser Dams Visa: All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport and a visa. Travellers should ensure that their passports extend for three months from the date of the visa being issued. Where this date may be exceeded intending visitors are advised to renew their passports beforehand as persons found with non-registered passports can be liable to a £E 20 fine. One-month tourist and seven-day transit visas are available at Egyptian ports, airports and frontier posts; even so it is preferable to obtain visas before travelling.  National Day 23 July. Current local time  Weather Diplomatic representation of Egypt in Switzerland

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Algeria Launches 2026 Oil and Gas Bid Round to Attract New Foreign Investment

22 Apr 2026

Algeria officially launched a new licensing round for the oil and gas sector, titled "Algeria Bid Round 2026." The move aims to bolster production and attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the energy sector, the country’s primary source of foreign currency. The bid round includes seven exploration blocks stretching across fields in Ogla, Illizi, Touggourt, and El Bayadh. These areas are believed to hold significant oil and natural gas reserves, positioning them among the most prominent investment opportunities in North Africa this year. This initiative is part of a broader government strategy to revitalize the energy upstream sector and solidify Algeria’s position as a regional gas hub, particularly amid rising global demand for energy sources following the supply chain disruptions of recent years. According to the Algerian Ministry of Energy, the process will enter a technical phase in June 2026, during which project data will be opened to international firms, followed by briefing sessions and technical consultations. Final bids are expected in November 2026, with contracts slated for signing in January 2027. These will include production-sharing contracts (PSCs) or partnership agreements with the state-owned oil giant, Sonatrach. Through this round, Algeria seeks to draw new global energy players into the local market at a time when it is working to scale up production levels and improve the investment climate in a sector that serves as the backbone of the national economy. Its substantial gas reserves further cement its role as a key player in the European and Mediterranean energy markets. The move also highlights a gradual shift in Algeria’s investment policy—moving from traditional reliance on national companies toward a model more open to foreign capital. By offering flexible contractual incentives via production-sharing models, the state aims to mitigate risks for international investors and incentivize entry into high-cost exploration projects. Ultimately, the "Algeria Bid Round 2026" reflects a clear effort to reposition Algeria on the global energy investment map by linking untapped natural resources with foreign capital and technology, amidst a wide-scale reshaping of global energy supply and demand dynamics.

Egypt Ranks Third Regionally in Investment Attractiveness: Insights into Fitch’s FDI Inflows Report

A report by Fitch Ratings—reviewed by the Egyptian Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC)—revealed that Egypt ranked third among 18 markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in terms of investment openness. Globally, Egypt secured the 27th position out of 202 countries, a metric reflecting a relative improvement in its standing on the global investment map. The report indicates that this ranking reflects Egypt's capacity to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, bolstered by a diversified investment landscape. Key sectors include oil and gas, automotive manufacturing, ICT, food industries, renewable energy, infrastructure, and financial services. This sectoral diversity demonstrates the breadth of the Egyptian economy and its multiple investment catalysts, moving away from reliance on a single sector or limited economic axis. Fitch attributes the improvement in investment flows to several structural factors, including economic growth, a strategic geographic location linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, low labor costs, and a wealth of human talent. This is further supported by a massive domestic market, abundant energy sources, and a tourism sector that remains a long-term draw for capital. Additionally, the report notes the increasing role of Gulf-based financing, which has become a primary source of foreign capital in Egypt in recent years. In the same vein, the report suggests that a flexible exchange rate policy, in alignment with International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommendations, is expected to support the stability of foreign currency inflows in the short and medium term by enhancing the economy’s resilience to external shocks and boosting investor confidence. Egypt aims to attract approximately $60 billion in FDI between 2026 and 2030—a target the report deems relatively achievable, given that annual inflows typically range between $9 billion and $11 billion, excluding exceptional mega-projects. The report contrasts this figure with total investment flows into the African continent, which often remain below $60 billion annually, highlighting the scale of Egyptian ambition relative to its regional context. The report also highlights Egypt's position as a premier investment destination in North Africa, with growing interest from multinational corporations in the industrial, pharmaceutical, and electronic sectors. It notes that the Egyptian government has taken significant steps in recent years to enhance the investment climate, including the implementation of the unified approval system for investment licenses, known as the "Golden License." This system allows for the establishment and operation of projects within a relatively short timeframe of approximately 20 working days, reducing administrative hurdles and accelerating investment entry. The legislative framework has been further strengthened by Investment Law No. 72 of 2017 and its subsequent amendments, which provide tax incentives and guarantees for investors, including facilitating the repatriation of profits and ensuring equality between local and foreign investors. Recent amendments under Law No. 160 of 2023 introduced further incentives, alongside efforts to improve the geographical distribution of investments across the country. Regarding future sectors, the report points to a surge in interest in renewable energy. Fitch expects Egypt to lead the region in solar and wind capacity growth, driven by reforms initiated in 2014 that allowed private sector participation in electricity production and the gradual reduction of energy subsidies. The government aims to increase the contribution of renewable energy to 42% of total electricity production by 2030, a goal currently being met ahead of schedule. The report also sheds light on the expansion of investments in coastal development and tourism, particularly in the North Coast region, alongside the continued importance of the real estate sector, which contributes roughly 20% of GDP, reflecting its deep integration into the macroeconomy. Fitch confirms that Egypt possesses the largest stock of FDI in North Africa. The United Arab Emirates emerged as the largest investor in the country during 2024 and 2025, followed by the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, reflecting a diversified base of foreign capital sources. In summary, the report presents a dual image of Egypt as an investment hub: on one hand, there is clear progress in the legislative framework, attractive sectors, and capital flows. On the other hand, actual performance remains tied to the economy's ability to translate these structural advantages into sustainable, long-term inflows within a highly volatile regional and international environment.

Saudi Arabia and Switzerland: A Strategic Partnership from Historical Roots to the Horizons of Vision 2030

The bilateral relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Swiss Confederation represents a continually evolving partnership. Grounded in a long history of mutual understanding, it has now entered a new phase characterized by strategic depth, particularly in light of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. While Switzerland is a global hub for innovation, finance, and technological expertise, Saudi Arabia stands as the region's largest economy and a gateway for monumental developmental transformation. This confluence of interests creates a vital intersection for collaboration in the fields of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and technology. Historical Foundations of Diplomatic Relations The institutional connection between the two countries dates back many decades, with Switzerland recognizing the newly established Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1927. However, formal diplomatic relations were only established in 1956. This relationship saw a significant economic turning point with the formation of the Saudi-Swiss Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in 1975. Since then, the JEC has served as the primary platform for enhancing cooperation in economic, trade, investment, scientific, and technical domains. The relationship has been strengthened by high-level reciprocal visits, underscoring Switzerland's role as a trusted partner, even playing a crucial diplomatic role in representing Saudi and Iranian interests in 2017. Analysis of Economic Relations and Investment Opportunities The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently ranked as Switzerland's second most important trading partner in the Middle East (after the UAE). The total trade volume between them amounts to approximately CHF 6.8 billion (including gold), with Swiss exports accounting for over CHF 6 billion of this figure. Furthermore, the cumulative investment of Swiss companies in Saudi Arabia reached about CHF 1.41 billion by the end of 2022. While this economic volume is an indicator of mutual trust, the biggest driver for future growth is Vision 2030. This unprecedented economic shift has offered vast opportunities for numerous Swiss companies to participate in "Giga-projects" such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Riyadh Expo 2030. This direction was affirmed during the recent 14th Joint Economic Commission meeting, where discussions emphasized the need to finalize bilateral legal agreements, such as improving the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between EFTA states and the GCC, and expediting the conclusion of a new Investment Protection Agreement (IPA). Partnership in Transformation Pillars: Technology, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship The new Saudi-Swiss partnership is focused on three main pillars, as the Kingdom seeks to leverage Switzerland’s extensive expertise to accelerate its non-oil economic diversification. 1. Technology and Innovation Switzerland is a world leader in technological education and innovation, hosting institutions like the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), which is globally prominent in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. This expertise aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a global technology power, especially after its leadership in global digital development indices. Technological cooperation is evident in several forms: AI and Digital Transformation: Specialized Swiss companies are seeking opportunities to integrate solutions in AI, Blockchain, and even the Metaverse into vital Saudi sectors. Digital Infrastructure: Swiss firms are participating in building the advanced digital infrastructure that supports projects like NEOM, which relies entirely on cutting-edge technologies. 2. Sustainability and CleanTech Sustainability holds paramount importance in the partnership, particularly with Saudi Arabia's adoption of ambitious climate initiatives, including the NEOM Green Hydrogen projects, set to be the world's largest of their kind. CleanTech Forum: The two nations hosted the First Saudi-Swiss CleanTech Forum in 2023, gathering Swiss SMEs that offer innovative solutions for climate change mitigation. Knowledge Transfer: Saudi Arabia benefits from the "bottom-up" Swiss approach to innovation, which focuses on funding basic research in universities and supporting start-ups in renewable energy and environmental solutions. 3. Entrepreneurship and Business Localization The Kingdom views the private sector, including Swiss companies, as an essential engine for achieving development goals, specifically in job creation and economic diversification. Figures indicate that Saudis hold a positive perception regarding the availability of entrepreneurial opportunities and the necessary skills to launch a business. The Localization Challenge: As the market grows more attractive, Saudi Arabia has introduced new policies to ensure value localization.The most prominent is the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) program, which requires foreign companies to move their regional headquarters to the Kingdom to secure government contracts. Additionally, the Economic Participation Policy (EPP) has been adopted, mandating a local economic participation of at least 35% in certain public procurement contracts. Swiss Response: Despite the complexity of these rules, about ten Swiss companies have already responded by relocating their regional headquarters to the Kingdom.This reflects the strategic importance they attach to the opportunities in the Saudi market. Furthermore, cooperation in the hospitality and tourism sector through partnerships for qualifying Saudi tourism competencies is evidence of Swiss expertise penetrating new sectors. Future Outlook and Strategic Trajectory The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Switzerland is currently at its strongest point, having evolved from a traditional trade partnership into a strategic alliance aimed at building the future. Vision 2030 serves as the driving force connecting the robustness of the Swiss economy with Saudi Arabia's ambitious push for diversification. While the Kingdom imposes regulatory challenges (such as RHQ and EPP) to ensure value localization, the fields of CleanTech, Artificial Intelligence, and entrepreneurship remain ideal areas for deepening this cooperation, establishing it as a model for partnership between a developed European economy and an ascending regional power.

UAE's Reno, a Home Renovation Tech Platform, Secures $4 Million to Fuel GCC Expansion

Reno, a technology platform based in the UAE specializing in home renovation and interior design, has successfully closed a $4 million funding round, comprised of a mix of equity and debt. The funding is specifically aimed at building the region's first end-to-end operating system for renovation processes. The round was led by prominent investors, including Sanabil 500, Hub71, Plus VC, Zero 100 VC, FlyerOne Ventures, Sandstorm VC, AngelSpark, and the Swiss Founders Fund. Leading Home Renovation with AI Technology Founded in 2024 by Marc Michel, Amr Hosny, and Farah Karabeg, Reno positions itself as a comprehensive, all-in-one platform for interior design and renovation across residential and commercial projects. The current funding will support the launch of Reno’s new app in early 2026, which is set to introduce innovative features, including: Real-time AI-powered design. Instant budget estimates. An Intelligent Materials Engine, providing customers with complete clarity from the very start of their renovation journey. A Comprehensive and Transparent Business Model Unlike traditional renovation services, Reno integrates all stages of the renovation process into a single platform, covering design, project management, contractor oversight, and financing options. One of its signature offerings is the "Renovate Now, Pay Later (RNPL)" financing option. This model provides a transparent, structured, and fully supervised renovation experience, giving homeowners and property investors unmatched control and visibility through AI-driven workflows and transparent, milestone-based processes. Control and Growth for Investors: Ibrahim Shami, CEO and Co-founder of Seraya (one of the fastest-growing short-term rental operators in the UAE), leveraged the RNPL financing options to renovate multiple units without paying upfront. Reno's support helped him double his portfolio's renovation pace from two to four apartments per month, effectively turning a renovation "bottleneck into an opportunity to expand faster and smarter." Reducing Stress for Families: For a customer like Camillo Schobesberger, a busy professional, the platform-driven approach transformed his renovation into a smooth, structured experience thanks to daily updates, clear budget oversight, and milestone-linked payments. He noted that the platform "made the renovation journey smooth for my family, minimising disruption," and the carefully managed upgrades "increased my property value by nearly 40%." Expansion Outlook Marc Michel, Co-founder and CEO of Reno, stated: "Our goal is to make home renovations as seamless and transparent as possible." With the new $4 million funding, Reno plans to expand its geographical footprint across the GCC region, scale its technology capabilities, and continue to refine the renovation experience. By leveraging innovation and data-driven workflows, Reno is redefining how renovations are managed, helping clients save time, reduce stress, and maximize their property value.

TERN Group Raises $24 Million to Expand Partnerships Across Europe and the Gulf

TERN Group, an AI-powered global workforce-mobility platform for healthcare professionals headquartered between the UK and the UAE, has secured $24 million in a Series A funding round, bringing its total capital raised to $33 million. The round was led by Notion Capital (UK) with participation from EQ2 Ventures (UAE), RTP Global, LocalGlobe, Leo Capital, Presight Capital, and investor Tom Stafford, co-founder of DST Global. Founded in 2023 by Avinav Nigam and Krishna Ramkumar, TERN trains, certifies, and places healthcare professionals from 13 countries, cutting international hiring timelines from 6–12 months to under 10 weeks. The new funds will be used to: Scale the company’s AI platform. Enhance training and compliance infrastructure. Strengthen partnerships with healthcare providers across the Gulf region while supporting growth in Europe and the UK. CEO Avinav Nigam emphasized TERN’s mission to make global healthcare hiring faster and more transparent, noting the UAE’s rapidly growing demand for skilled professionals—healthcare spending there is projected to exceed $50 billion by 2029. The platform already serves more than 650,000 healthcare professionals and over 100 healthcare organizations, offering end-to-end solutions including résumé analysis, compliance tracking, and initial interviews, with a support team that assists candidates with training, relocation, and cultural integration. Notion Capital highlighted TERN’s ability to address the global shortage of healthcare workers by combining AI-driven efficiency with strict regulatory compliance, making it a trusted partner for health systems in the UK, UAE, Germany, and beyond. With this investment, TERN Group plans to accelerate expansion in the Gulf and deepen integration with regional health systems, building a sustainable workforce infrastructure that enables hospitals and governments to meet rising healthcare demand efficiently and confidently.

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