The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is writing the biggest chapter in the green hydrogen story. With more than $150 billion committed across 15 countries, the region has become the world’s most ambitious hub for large-scale hydrogen production and export.
The headline numbers are staggering.
Saudi Arabia’s $110 billion NEOM development, the UAE’s $25 billion Al Dhafra programme, Egypt’s $15 billion Suez Canal Economic Zone projects, and Morocco’s $12 billion Noor Ouarzazate expansion are transforming MENA into the largest cluster of hydrogen infrastructure on the planet. By 2030, this momentum will reshape global energy markets. And by 2050, when demand is expected to hit 500 million tonnes a year, MENA is positioning itself as the supplier the world will rely on.
Saudi Arabia: The world’s largest bet
Saudi Arabia leads with NEOM’s green hydrogen facility — a $5 billion site producing 650 tonnes daily, powered entirely by renewable energy. This sits within the wider $187 billion Saudi Green Initiative, funding multiple hydrogen projects across the Kingdom.
UAE: Building global partnerships
The UAE is creating an integrated hydrogen ecosystem. Abu Dhabi’s Masdar consortium is building 2GW of electrolyser capacity, while Dubai is linking hydrogen production to the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park. Partnerships with ADNOC, BP, and TotalEnergies are accelerating technology transfer and global market access.
Egypt: The Suez export hub
Egypt’s Suez Canal corridor is emerging as a critical export gateway. Projects backed by Siemens Energy, Scatec, and ACWA Power already total $10 billion, with the government targeting 1.2 million tonnes annual capacity by 2030 for both local and international markets.
Morocco and North Africa: Europe’s link
Morocco is using its Atlantic ports and renewable infrastructure to focus on green ammonia exports. Flagship projects include the OCP Group’s $7 billion ammonia complex, solar-hydrogen plants by Masen, and German-backed technology deals with ThyssenKrupp. Tunisia and Algeria are moving on smaller-scale projects aimed at domestic energy and industrial use.
GCC cooperation: Connecting the region
The GCC is aligning hydrogen strategies through shared infrastructure and cross-border trade. Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman together are putting $20 billion into specialised applications, from blue hydrogen transition to industrial decarbonisation.
Export-ready infrastructure is where MENA pulls ahead.
Around $30 billion is being spent on shipping terminals, pipelines, and storage. Europe plans to import 10–20 million tonnes annually by 2030, while Japan and South Korea together are targeting over 5 million tonnes. India’s steel and chemical sectors are also set to become key customers. Deals with Maersk, DP World, and Air Products are creating end-to-end supply chains, backed by long-term agreements between MENA governments and importing nations.
Investment opportunities: the next growth wave
For investors, the numbers speak for themselves. Venture and private equity funding for hydrogen tech in MENA now tops $5 billion annually. Global institutions like the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development are cutting risks through concessional finance. Corporate partnerships are opening doors for manufacturers, technology providers, and shipping companies. And with government incentives, streamlined approvals, and regulatory support, the business case is stronger than ever.
The scale is unmatched. The resources are abundant. The policies are in place. MENA is set to define the global clean hydrogen market for decades. For those looking to take part, the time to enter this ecosystem is now.
Meet the leaders shaping this market
The conversation around green hydrogen isn’t just happening in boardrooms and government offices — it’s live on the ground. CARE MENA, taking place on 26-27 November at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, brings together climate leaders, investors, innovators, and policymakers to explore the opportunities driving this $150B market. If you want to connect with the companies, governments, and financiers building the future of clean energy in the region, this is where the deals get done.
