Applying the Circular Economy Model in Improving Waste Management and Treatment Systems in the Arab Gulf States (With the Potential to Benefit from Global Experiences)

Abstract

According to a recent report issued at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2019, the current linear economy model in the Arabian Gulf region is depleting its resources at an accelerated rate while generating unprecedented amounts of waste and emissions, causing social, economic, and environmental damage. If waste is the world’s biggest problem because of its environmental and health risks, the Gulf States needs to exploit the vast resources of wastes and benefit from its revenues. Hence, the importance of applying the circular economy as a modern model seeks to enhance the value and productivity of resources and reduce slack and losses, which has a positive impact on the economy and the environment. The report noted that countries in the region could save nearly $138 billion by 2030 if they adopted the circular economic model. Whereas the GCC countries are taking accelerated steps toward adopting the circular economy model to achieve sustainable growth according to their strategic vision, the question arises: How does the application of the circular economy model contribute to the improvement of waste management and treatment systems in the Gulf States? The research aims to introduce the circular economy model and try to diagnose the reality of the wastes industry in the region while demonstrating the contribution of the application of the circular economy model to improving waste management and treatment systems in the Arab Gulf countries, with the potential to benefit from global experiences in this field.