Gulf energy, industry and digital investments to reach $62.45bn by 2030

Data from the World Investment Summit 2026, set to take place in Paris on September 1-2, projects that total investments in renewable energy and hydrogen, advanced industries, and digital infrastructure across Gulf Cooperation Council countries will rise from $32.87 billion in 2023 to $62.45 billion by 2030, an increase of $29.58 billion and nearly 90% growth.

The figures show that the renewable energy and hydrogen sector is expected to see the fastest growth, with investments rising from $10.37 billion in 2023 to $22.77 billion by 2030—a $12.4 billion increase and almost 120% growth.

This growth is linked to the Gulf states’ expansion of clean energy projects, greater reliance on renewables, and the development of hydrogen initiatives, as well as rising demand for emissions reduction solutions and improved energy efficiency, making the sector increasingly attractive to both local and international investors.

Digital infrastructure investments are also expected to climb from $9.45 billion in 2023 to $18.36 billion by 2030, an increase of $8.91 billion and over 94% growth. This is driven by the expansion of data centers, cloud services, and telecom networks, as well as rapid growth in artificial intelligence applications and digital transformation.

The sector’s growth reflects the rising need for more robust technology infrastructure to support expanding data and digital services, alongside the accelerating digitization of government, financial, industrial, and service sectors, and increased investments in AI and emerging technologies.

In advanced industries, investments are estimated to rise from $13.05 billion in 2023 to $21.32 billion by 2030, an increase of $8.27 billion and more than 63% growth.

This anticipated growth is driven by the Gulf’s efforts to localize high-value industries, develop supply chains, and increase reliance on automation and modern industrial technologies, as well as growing investments in energy-related, technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

The data collectively highlights the increasing interconnection between the three sectors, with digital infrastructure supporting industrial transformation, and clean energy and hydrogen providing more sustainable sources for industrial projects—opening new investment avenues that combine technology, manufacturing, and sustainability.

The summit aims to direct 25% of investments toward modern technologies and to apply environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards to 55% of targeted projects, supporting the development of more efficient, sustainable projects with long-term economic impact.

Summit data also points to expected European investment flows of $28.59 billion into GCC countries, along with the development of 15 joint projects and the establishment of eight strategic partnerships in the first year, opening new investment opportunities in clean energy, infrastructure, and sustainability-related technologies.

The summit will bring together over 2,000 participants and 100 speakers, featuring 10 main sessions, 16 workshops, and more than 40 bilateral meetings. The program aims to connect capital with promising opportunities, support international partnerships, and turn initiatives into actionable projects in the Gulf’s key investment sectors.