Artificial intelligence could generate more than 1 trillion (AED 3.67 trillion) in economic and sustainability value across the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) by 2030, according to two World Economic Forum (WEF) reports. Achieving this potential will require faster grid connections and better management of rising energy and water demand.
The reports, released on Wednesday, examine how the region can expand AI adoption while developing infrastructure to support long-term growth. They were published during the inaugural Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders 2026 in Dubai, held from October 13 to 15.
“Mena has the resources, investment capacity and ambition to become a major center of AI-led growth. Turning that ambition into reality will require innovation across data-centers infrastructure, energy and water systems, and the application of AI to drive sustainability solutions,” said Maroun Kairouz, managing director at the WEF.
The report, ‘Unlocking Value: AI for Resilient Growth in MENA’, developed with Bain & Company, identifies five areas of potential value. These include USD 200 billion in sustainable financing, USD 370 billion in sustainable investment flows supported by the public sector, and USD 250 billion in long-term asset losses avoided. The report also projects USD 90 billion in higher energy-sector valuations through improved sustainability performance and USD 100 billion in sustainable projects launched through cross-sector partnerships.
Despite the opportunity, adoption remains uneven. A survey found that 89% of sustainability leaders in the Mena Chief Sustainability Officers Network see high or very high potential for AI to advance sustainability goals. Only 40-55% reported piloting or scaling sustainable AI applications, depending on the use case. Data Centers Face Energy and Water Challenge.
The second report, developed with Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), examines the infrastructure needed to support large-scale AI deployment. The report recommends advanced cooling, AI-driven operations, smarter infrastructure design and updated regulations to manage these pressures.
Nedaa Almubarak, managing director of SRMG Think, said, “The opportunity lies in aligning intelligent infrastructure with efficient resource use to build resilient, sustainable and competitive digital ecosystems that drive long-term economic growth and innovation.”
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