The global energy transition in the Middle East is a complex geopolitical process that challenges traditional power dynamics, driven by rising Asian demand and the strategic actions of regional producers like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. While oil and gas remain crucial, their control has shifted from fixed Western-centric frameworks to more autonomous Middle Eastern actors leveraging energy for diplomatic gain. China’s increasing influence and Russia’s sustained presence further complicate the landscape, highlighting a multipolar system where energy politics are repoliticised. The push for a “just transition” also reveals tensions over economic diversification, raising concerns about social stability in the region.
