Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Majidreza Momeni ¹
• Fatemeh Damirchi ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of International Relations,, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran."

² Ph.D Student, Regional Studies, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
In recent decades, globalization has emerged as a broad framework that has profoundly influenced economic, social, and environmental policymaking. Among these areas, environmental sustainability and the development of green economy capacities have become central pillars of both national and international policymaking. Global trends increasingly indicate that economic growth can no longer be pursued independently of environmental considerations. In response, the concept of green economy has emerged as a new model for sustainable economic development, aiming to optimize the use of natural resources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote environmentally-oriented technologies. In this respect, the current study aimed to examine the impact of globalization on the evolution and direction of green economy policymaking in Saudi Arabia and the UAE between 2015 and 2024. The key question is, how has globalization influenced the green economy policymaking process in Saudi Arabia and the UAE during 2015–2024? The study is based on the hypothesis that globalization, by facilitating integration into the global economy, has created opportunities for investment in renewable energy and the development of green infrastructure, thereby promoting compliance with environmental agreements and advancing the transition toward a green economy. To test the hypothesis, the study used a mixed methods research design combined with process-tracing techniques. The analysis included document analysis, secondary quantitative data, and trends in policy changes to explain the causal mechanisms through which globalization has shaped green economy policymaking in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Literature Review
The research background on the topic can be examined through three key dimensions. First, concerning the impact of globalization on green growth, existing studies suggest that financial globalization has a positive effect on green growth, whereas trade globalization and financial development may sometimes pose challenges. In addition, indicators associated with the green and blue economies (e.g., renewable energy adoption and maritime trade) play a significant role in promoting sustainable growth in the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.
The second dimension concerns the role of financial innovations in supporting the green economy. Research indicates that financial innovation and green financing have helped reduce carbon emissions and expand renewable energy initiatives. The UAE, in particular, has implemented sustainable policies and invested heavily in green technologies, establishing itself as a model for sustainable economic development. The third dimension deals with energy transition and green projects for sustainable development. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made significant investments in energy transition and green economy infrastructure. While studies demonstrate notable progress toward sustainability on the part of the two countries, they also highlight the need for more effective policies to achieve broader success. The novelty of the present study lies in its comprehensive analysis of the impact of globalization on green economy policymaking in these two countries, in contrast to previous research that has either focused exclusively on the economic aspects of globalization or examined the outcomes of green policies in isolation.
Materials and Methods
This study employed a mixed methods research design to examine the impact of globalization on green economy policymaking in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In the qualitative phase, the economic and environmental policies and relevant documents were analyzed, while the quantitative phase relied on secondary data and international reports to examine trends and changes in policies and indicators related to the green economy. To assess the impact of globalization on green economy policymaking, the study also applied the process-tracing method, focusing on causal mechanism analysis. Moreover, the analysis drew on the conceptual framework of green economy and it application in data analysis.
Results and Discussion
Foreign investment in renewable energy projects, particularly in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has played a vital role in advancing sustainable development and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Globalization has facilitated the flow of information, technology, and capital, thus opening new markets for clean energy and contributing to the growth of this sector. Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has revised its environmental policies. Under Vision 2030, it has prioritized the development of solar, wind, and hydrogen energy. Projects such as the Sakaka Solar Power Plant and the Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm exemplify this transition, while collaborations with Chinese companies highlight the country’s ambition to become an exporter of renewable technologies. The UAE has also adopted ambitious plans for renewable energy development, aiming to source 50% of its electricity from clean energy by 2050. It is the first country in the Middle East to commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In addition to operating the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (i.e., its first nuclear facility with a capacity of 5,600 MW), the UAE has invested $5 billion in advancing green hydrogen development, advancing sustainable energy technologies at the international level. These developments indicate that the green economy policies of Saudi Arabia and the UAE cannot be understood solely as the outcome of domestic decisions. Rather, they are significantly shaped by globalization processes and international interactions. Globalization has influenced policymaking not only through diplomatic pressures and expectations from allies and trade partners, but also by enabling green investment and the transfer of clean technologies.
The transition of Saudi Arabia and the UAE toward a green economy is thus best seen as a product of both domestic priorities and the broader context of global change and international commitments. The shift toward a green economy cannot be attributed solely to domestic policies or governments’ pursuit of sustainable development; rather, it has unfolded within the broader context of globalization, shaped by economic interactions and international commitments.
Conclusion
Environmental policymaking in Saudi Arabia and the UAE can be examined within the conceptual framework of green economy and in the context of globalization. Leveraging their financial, infrastructural, and technological capacities, both countries have initiated a transition toward a sustainable, knowledge-based, and low-carbon economy. Their strategic emphasis on renewable energy, technological innovation, and circular economy practices reflects a deliberate effort to enhance efficiency and reduce dependence on unsustainable resources. Achieving these goals requires institutional empowerment, targeted investment in research and development, and the advancement of human capital. Moreover, addressing emerging climate and geopolitical challenges demands flexible approaches, scenario-based analysis, and multi-level governance. Accordingly, policy measures such as deepening multilateral climate diplomacy, establishing regional institutions, strategically engaging with international environmental regimes, promoting public diplomacy focused on green governance, and developing green power indicators in foreign policy can help consolidate these countries’ positions in the emerging climate order while enhancing their soft power and political influence in international affairs.
 

Keywords

• Globalization
• Green Economy
• Environmental Agreements
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Main Subjects

• Political economy