Re-Envisioning Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy Transitions in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are accelerating their transition toward sustainable mobility as part of broader national strategies to diversify economies and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons. This paper explores the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructures and their integration with renewable energy sources across the GCC countries. It highlights key government policies, renewable energy potential, and emerging technologies such as solar-powered charging, smart grids, and vehicle-to-grid systems. While progress is evident in nations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, challenges persist, including limited charging infrastructure, high costs, and climatic constraints. The study identifies opportunities for advancing sustainability through microgrids, hydrogen mobility, and regional policy harmonisation. It concludes that the decarbonisation benefits of EV charging infrastructure depend on how closely its expansion is aligned with renewable energy growth in the GCC.