The Gulf region sits at the heart of the global energy system. With established oil and gas resources, abundant solar potential, and world class infrastructure, the region is uniquely positioned to lead the decarbonization of hydrocarbon production while maintaining energy security and competitiveness.

Drawing on DNV’s strong regional presence and more than 160 years of global expertise, this report explores how Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are reducing emissions, scaling carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and developing low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia alongside renewables. It forecasts key developments through 2060 and highlights the enablers that will shape the next phase of the region’s energy transition.

Access the Oil and gas decarbonization in the Gulf region report to learn more about:

• Oil and gas growth with lower emissions
  The GCC has accounted for nearly 18% of global oil and gas production since 2005, and this share is expected to grow as investment continues in low-cost resources. At the same time, decarbonization enablers such as electrification of assets, energy efficiency improvements, digitalization, and methane mitigation are enabling production growth while reducing production emissions across the value chain.
  
  
• Expanding energy and boosting industry and exports
  GCC countries are diversifying beyond crude exports through investment in downstream industries, petrochemicals, renewables, and low-carbon fuels. Expansion of solar and wind capacity will reduce domestic oil and gas use in power generation during the 2030s and in transport from around 2040, freeing up volumes for export while supporting national decarbonization targets.
  
  
• Hydrogen and ammonia as new exports
  Hydrogen and ammonia are emerging as new low-carbon export opportunities that complement oil and gas while supporting longer-term revenue diversification. With access to low-cost natural gas, abundant renewable resources, and established export infrastructure, the GCC is well-positioned to scale both low-carbon and electrolysis-based hydrogen production. By 2060, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is expected to produce around 19 Mt of hydrogen and 13 Mt of ammonia per year, with most projects concentrated in the GCC. Around 50% of production is expected to be exported, primarily to Europe and advanced Asian economies, integrating hydrogen and ammonia into global decarbonization pathways.
  
  
• CCUS for net zero
  Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is central to decarbonizing oil and gas production and enabling low carbon hydrogen at scale. Over 98% of current CCUS projects in the MENA region are located in the GCC, led by Aramco, ADNOC, and QatarEnergy. CO₂ capture capacity, including bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and direct air capture (DAC), is projected to reach around 250 MtCO₂/yr by 2060, supporting national net-zero ambitions.