Journal of Excellence in Wellness and Environmental Studies

Published date: Oct 20 2025

Journal Title: Journal of Excellence in Wellness and Environmental Studies

Issue title: Journal of Excellence in Wellness and Environmental Studies: Volume 1, Issue 1

Pages: 3 - 24

DOI: 10.18502/jewes.v1i1.18994

Mohammad Aljaradinm.Aljaradin@HBMSU.ac.aeSchool of Sustainability and Green Economy, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Dubai

Abdelrahman AzzuniA.Azzuni@HBMSU.ac.aeSchool of Sustainability and Green Economy, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, Dubai

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region faces unprecedented environmental challenges that necessitate a fundamental transition from linear to circular economic models. This comprehensive study presents the implementation of the first systematic benchmarking analysis of the circular economy (CE) across all six GCC countries, addressing a critical research gap in regional comparative assessments. Through a mixed-methods approach incorporating social, technological, economic, environmental, and political (STEEP) analysis and multi-criteria comparative benchmarking, this research evaluates the current state, identifies performance disparities, and proposes strategic frameworks for advancement. Our findings revealed significant heterogeneity across the region, with the UAE leading in recycling rates (94.5%) and policy frameworks, while other countries lag substantially. Qatar demonstrates strong policy ambitions with 25% GHG reduction targets by 2030. Saudi Arabia shows promise with Vision 2030 initiatives targeting 82% waste diversion from landfills. Smaller states like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman are implementing focused sectoral approaches. The analysis identifies five critical enablers: integrated policy frameworks, technological innovation, financial mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and regional collaboration. Economic modeling indicates potential savings of $138 billion by 2030 across the GCC through comprehensive CE adoption, with opportunities for 77,000 new jobs in Saudi Arabia alone. This study contributes to sustainable development literature by providing the first comprehensive regional benchmarking framework and offering evidence-based policy recommendations tailored to the unique socio-economic and environmental contexts of GCC countries.

Keywords: circular economy, Gulf Cooperation Council, waste management, sustainability policy, benchmarking analysis, resource efficiency, environmental policy, sustainable development

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