Artificial intelligence (AI) could unlock more than $1 trillion in economic and sustainability value across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by 2030. However, realizing this AI value will depend on faster grid connections and effective management of rising energy and water demands, according to two new reports from the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The reports, Unlocking Value: AI for Resilient Growth in MENA, developed with Bain & Company, and Optimizing Hyperscale Data Centre Infrastructure in MENA, developed with Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG), examine how the region can translate its AI ambitions into sustainable economic growth. They also highlight the infrastructure requirements for scaling AI while maintaining resilient energy, water and digital systems.

“MENA has the resources, investment capacity and ambition to become a major centre of AI-led growth,” said Maroun Kairouz, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “Turning that ambition into reality will require innovation across data-centre infrastructure, energy and water systems, and the application of AI to drive sustainability solutions.”

The report Unlocking Value: AI for Resilient Growth in MENA estimates that AI could generate more than $1 trillion in economic and sustainability value by 2030. This includes up to $200 billion in sustainable financing through the financial sector and $370 billion in sustainable investment flows enabled by the public sector.

The projected value also includes $250 billion in long-term asset losses avoided, $90 billion in increased valuation through improved sustainability performance in the energy sector, and $100 billion in sustainable projects launched through cross-sector partnerships.

“The opportunities and challenges that AI presents span growth and innovation, energy cost and supply, and risk management, and the mix differs by region around the world,” said Christophe De Vusser, Worldwide Managing Partner, Bain & Company. “This report uniquely covers how that mix sits in MENA, with disproportionate focus on resilience, while leveraging its unique energy and geopolitical position as a boundary region.”

Despite the potential, the report identifies a gap between expectations and implementation. According to a survey by the MENA Chief Sustainability Officers Network, 89% of sustainability leaders see high or very high potential for AI to advance their organizations’ sustainability goals. However, only 40% to 55% describe their adoption of sustainable AI use cases as being at the piloting or scaled stage, depending on the application.

The report also presents case studies demonstrating how AI could support sustainability across several sectors. First Abu Dhabi Bank explored how AI could accelerate sustainability outcomes for financial institutions. Bahrain’s Ministry of Sustainable Development developed an AI-enabled sustainability prototype for the public sector.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company examined how AI could strengthen sustainability and resilience across the energy sector. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning developed a practical tool to advance sustainability solutions through public-private collaboration.

Alongside these opportunities, the second report, Optimizing Hyperscale Data Centre Infrastructure in MENA, examines the infrastructure needed to support the next phase of AI development.

It describes AI infrastructure as a systems challenge that extends beyond technology. Gigawatt-scale deployments will require integrated planning and operation across energy, water and digital infrastructure.

The report states that MENA could connect new data centres to the grid within two to five years, compared with more than 10 years in mature markets. This difference could provide the region with a competitive advantage as demand for AI computing infrastructure grows.

“MENA is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of digital infrastructure by bringing together its energy capabilities, investment capacity and technological ambition,” said Nedaa Almubarak, Managing Director, SRMG Think. “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.”

Nevertheless, managing rising energy and water consumption will be essential to sustainable expansion. Cooling can account for more than 40% of total electricity consumption in data centres globally. In MENA, extreme heat can make cooling particularly energy intensive.

In addition, AI workloads can create sharp and unpredictable spikes in electricity demand. The report warns that the region’s grid and energy advantages could diminish if data centres cannot manage these fluctuations without destabilizing power and water systems.

To address these challenges, the report recommends smarter infrastructure design, AI-driven operations, advanced cooling technologies and updated regulations. These measures could help build a more resilient data-centre ecosystem while supporting the region’s expanding digital infrastructure requirements.

The findings will also inform discussions on regional growth and sustainability. The World Economic Forum is bringing together more than 400 leaders and experts in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 13 to 15 October 2026, for the inaugural Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders. The meeting aims to strengthen intergenerational dialogue and practical collaboration on issues shaping the future. Its insights will inform the Forum’s year-round work and discussions at the Annual Meeting 2027 in Davos-Klosters.

Overall, the reports highlight the scale of AI value available to MENA while emphasizing that economic opportunity must be supported by reliable infrastructure and responsible resource management. The region’s ability to align AI investment with resilient energy, water and data-centre systems will be critical to realizing its projected economic and sustainability gains by 2030.

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