Electricity demand in the Middle East and North Africa has tripled since 2000, and it is set to increase by 50 per cent by 2035, as rapid population growth, urbanisation and industrial expansion drive up consumption.
This amount is equal to the combined consumption of Germany and Spain, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The Mena region, mainly viewed as a global oil and gas supplier, is now emerging as a global centre of electricity demand growth.
“Everybody talks about China, India being the centre of global electricity demand growth. But [the] Mena region is a blind spot in these discussions,” Dr Fatih Birol, executive director at the IEA, told The National.
“It has the third largest growth after China and India.”
Air cooling and the treatment of seawater to produce fresh water are among the main driving forces.
Solar farms and decentralised energy grids could be the answer to help dampen the rapid growth, says The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa report, released on Thursday.
Gulf countries are pouring billions into such sources to provide energy needed to supply the rising demand, yet millions in post-conflict areas remain in perpetual darkness, facing electricity deficits and dependent on traditional sources, to their own detriment.
Cooling and water at the heart of it
Temperatures in the Middle East and North Africa are climbing at more than twice the global average, according to research by Greenpeace, which is making cooling indispensable.
Air conditioning accounts for nearly half of the region’s peak demand and a quarter of annual consumption. By 2035, cooling is set to become the single biggest driver of electricity growth, the report states.
In the Mena region, the amount of electricity needed to power air conditioning is extreme, and cooling systems are also highly inefficient, says Dr Birol.
“Air conditioners [in the region] use two times more electricity compared to Japan,” he said.
Dr Birol said that was particularly true for Gulf countries, where many households own AC units, as opposed to 20 per cent for the rest of the region.
Water scarcity adds a second pressure point. With seven of the world’s eight most water-stressed countries, the Mena region relies heavily on desalination. The region produced 12 billion cubic metres of desalinated water last year, and this is set to triple by 2035.
Natural gas provides 70 per cent of Mena's electricity, and oil nearly 20 per cent. Coal is marginal outside Morocco. Subsidies keep hydrocarbons cheap, reinforcing dependence.
Yet diversification is under way, and government policies such as those of the UAE and Saudi Arabia are moving it forward, says Dr Bitol.
“We expect the [energy] growth between now and 2035 … half the growth will be supplied by natural gas, and the other half mainly from solar, and a bit of nuclear as well,” he said.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity is expected to increase tenfold by 2035, reaching 200 gigawatts. Renewables’ share could rise to a quarter of generation, up from 6 per cent today. Nuclear power is also expanding, with reactors operating in the UAE and under construction in Egypt and Iran.
Even as demand soars, supply lags behind in several countries. Iraq lost $95 billion in economic output from power cuts between 2014 and 2020. Egypt, Kuwait and others have recently resorted to scheduled power cuts during extreme heat.
These problems highlight the vulnerability of grids under climate and demographic stress, and the uneven ability of states to invest in modernisation.
Chronic shortages in post-conflict countries
In post-conflict countries, electricity shortages are endemic. Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Syria and Yemen all face systemic deficits that undermine daily life and economic recovery.
In Syria, only 30 per cent of surveyed locations reported access to public electricity. More than 80 per cent of them received less than four hours a day.
The grid supply in Yemen has not recovered from the 2015 shutdown of its largest power plant, in Marib.
Lebanon’s public supply only covers a fraction of its demand, powering 80 per cent of its electricity by private diesel generators.
Reliance on such generators brings high costs, safety hazards and toxic pollution.
Last year, fire in Tripoli killed five children when a generator exploded. Meanwhile, air pollution in Baghdad now exceeds World Health Organisation limits by eight-fold.
Renewable lifeline
Off-grid solar and community mini-grids are emerging as lifelines. In Lebanon, the number of rooftop solar installations has risen tenfold in recent years. If interconnected, they could supply four times more reliable power than today’s fragmented system.
But scaling these solutions requires co-ordination and financing. Without it, much of the electricity produced is wasted – an estimated 1 TWh a year in Lebanon alone.
While wealthy Gulf states plan AI-driven data centres and nuclear plants, displaced people face energy poverty. In Syria, nearly 20 per cent of communities report no access to electricity at all. For refugees and internally displaced people, lack of electricity deepens vulnerability and delays return to normal life.
The IEA identifies four pillars for future-proofing Mena's electricity: expanding renewables and reducing hydrocarbon dependence; modernising grids to handle rising loads; investing in energy storage facilities; and using mini-grids and other decentralised solutions.
Policy will determine whether Mena's electricity story is one of resilience or crisis. For producers such as Saudi Arabia, diversifying can also free hydrocarbons for export and earn them more revenue.
“Today, altogether about 1.8 million barrels per day of oil are used for electricity generation [in the Middle East],” Dr Birol said, adding that the amount is substantially shrinking.
“So there will be more oil available to export and get hard currencies, hard revenue for the countries.”
For importers such as Jordan and Morocco, renewables can protect economies from shocks.
But for conflict-torn states the task is more urgent. Without reliable electricity, recovery is near impossible, according to the IEA.
“Solar and renewables – since they are distributed [electricity] generation, not a central one – will provide more security and it will be much less reliant on the grids, which are more vulnerable to physical attacks,” said Dr Birol.
As demand continues its relentless climb, the region faces the challenge of not just keeping the lights on, but ensuring that electricity becomes an engine of stability, not a source of division.
Energy co-operation that benefits all can help ensure security, says Dr Birol, with agreements such as the Arab Common Electricity Market signed in December last year.
The Arab League agreement was signed by countries including the UAE, Palestine, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Yemen and Libya, among others, to create stable electricity flow and supply and improve electricity use efficiency amid regional growth.
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERemedy%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Microsoft%20Game%20Studios%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%204%20%26amp%3B%205%2C%20Xbox%3A%20360%20%26amp%3B%20One%20%26amp%3B%20Series%20X%2FS%20and%20Nintendo%20Switch%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%20train%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V8%20and%20synchronous%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E800hp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E950Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EEight-speed%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E25.7kWh%20lithium-ion%3Cbr%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%203.4sec%3Cbr%3E0-200km%2Fh%3A%2011.4sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E312km%2Fh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20electric-only%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2060km%20(claimed)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Q3%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh1.2m%20(estimate)%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
MATCH INFO
Barcelona 4 (Messi 23' pen, 45 1', 48', Busquets 85')
Celta Vigo 1 (Olaza 42')
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Profile of VoucherSkout
Date of launch: November 2016
Founder: David Tobias
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers
Sector: Technology
Size: 18 employees
Stage: Embarking on a Series A round to raise $5 million in the first quarter of 2019 with a 20 per cent stake
Investors: Seed round was self-funded with “millions of dollars”
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%3Cp%3EThe%20Zayed%20Centre%20for%20Research%20is%20a%20partnership%20between%20Great%20Ormond%20Street%20Hospital%2C%20University%20College%20London%20and%20Great%20Ormond%20Street%20Hospital%20Children%E2%80%99s%20Charity%20and%20was%20made%20possible%20thanks%20to%20a%20generous%20%C2%A360%20million%20gift%20in%202014%20from%20Sheikha%20Fatima%20bint%20Mubarak%2C%20Chairwoman%20of%20the%20General%20Women's%20Union%2C%20President%20of%20the%20Supreme%20Council%20for%20Motherhood%20and%20Childhood%2C%20and%20Supreme%20Chairwoman%20of%20the%20Family%20Development%20Foundation.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Scoreline:
Barcelona 2
Suarez 85', Messi 86'
Atletico Madrid 0
Red card: Diego Costa 28' (Atletico)
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%20%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Steffi%20Niederzoll%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Reyhaneh%20Jabbari%2C%20Shole%20Pakravan%2C%20Zar%20Amir%20Ebrahimi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More on Quran memorisation:
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFirst%20match%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2020%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%2016%20round%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%203%20to%206%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EQuarter-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%209%20and%2010%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESemi-finals%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2013%20and%2014%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFinal%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDecember%2018%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Sukuk explained
Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.
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Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
SPEC SHEET
Display: 10.9" Liquid Retina IPS, 2360 x 1640, 264ppi, wide colour, True Tone, Apple Pencil support
Chip: Apple M1, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Memory: 64/256GB storage; 8GB RAM
Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, Smart HDR
Video: 4K @ 25/25/30/60fps, full HD @ 25/30/60fps, slo-mo @ 120/240fps
Front camera: 12MP ultra-wide, f/2.4, Smart HDR, Centre Stage; full HD @ 25/30/60fps
Audio: Stereo speakers
Biometrics: Touch ID
I/O: USB-C, smart connector (for folio/keyboard)
Battery: Up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi; up to 9 hours on cellular
Finish: Space grey, starlight, pink, purple, blue
Price: Wi-Fi – Dh2,499 (64GB) / Dh3,099 (256GB); cellular – Dh3,099 (64GB) / Dh3,699 (256GB)
Company profile
Name: Tratok Portal
Founded: 2017
Based: UAE
Sector: Travel & tourism
Size: 36 employees
Funding: Privately funded
Scoreline
Chelsea 1
Azpilicueta (36')
West Ham United 1
Hernandez (73')
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%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHigh%20fever%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EIntense%20pain%20behind%20your%20eyes%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESevere%20headache%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMuscle%20and%20joint%20pains%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENausea%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVomiting%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ESwollen%20glands%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERash%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIf%20symptoms%20occur%2C%20they%20usually%20last%20for%20two-seven%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
THE SPECS
Engine: 4.0L twin-turbo V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 571hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,000-4,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 11.4L/100km
Price, base: from Dh571,000
On sale: this week
What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
