For Gulf states, solar energy is future

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE look to the sun to meet future energy demands, provide clean energy.

Middle East Online

By Lara Sukhtian - DUBAI

The renewable energy pride of the UAE is the Masdar City project After decades of relying on carbon-emitting fossil fuels to build their cities in the desert, some oil and gas rich nations of the Gulf are now turning skywards to the sun to meet future energy demands. Ambitious multi-billion-dollar projects to harness the power of the region's year-round blazing sun have already been announced by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Global energy summits are being held in the region's desert capitals while whole communities, research institutes and businesses devoted to the production, promotion and application of renewable energy are being built. Perhaps most significantly, the region's nations are speaking of sustainable development and clean energy as a key to ensuring future growth.