The energy landscape of the Middle East is undergoing a historic transformation. Traditionally known as the global epicenter of oil and gas, the region is now embracing a future powered by innovation, diversification, and sustainability. Entrepreneurs like Sakher Altoun are playing a crucial role in this evolution—driving clean energy initiatives, developing new technologies, and building business models that balance profitability with environmental responsibility.
A Shift toward Sustainability
As global awareness around climate change accelerates, so does the urgency for energy reform. Middle Eastern nations—particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—are investing heavily in renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ensure long-term economic stability. Visionary entrepreneurs, like Sakher Altoun, are seizing this momentum to reimagine how the region produces, distributes, and consumes energy. “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 are prime examples of national efforts supporting this shift. These programs prioritize clean energy, energy efficiency, and innovation—creating a fertile environment for startups and investors alike”, he explains. Entrepreneurs who align their ventures with these long-term goals are well-positioned to lead the next wave of energy disruption.
Renewable Energy as a Growth Sector
Solar and wind energy have become cornerstones of the Middle East’s clean energy strategy. With abundant sunshine and wide-open spaces, the region has ideal conditions for large-scale solar farms. Sakher Altoun highlights the importance of capitalizing on this advantage by launching solar panel manufacturing, installation services, and energy storage solutions tailored to both commercial and residential markets. He adds that countries like Jordan, Morocco, and the UAE are already setting benchmarks in renewable energy adoption. For instance, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai is one of the world’s largest solar energy projects, attracting global interest and partnerships. Innovators and visionaries like Sakher Altoun in the clean tech sector can tap into such projects to offer innovative solutions in battery technology, smart grid systems, and green construction materials.
Innovation in Energy Technology
Sakher Altoun is also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible through energy tech—leveraging artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT to optimize energy systems. Smart grids, predictive maintenance for energy infrastructure, and decentralized energy systems are gaining traction, creating new business opportunities across the region.
“For example, startups are developing platforms that use blockchain to track carbon credits and renewable energy certificates, bringing transparency and accountability to the energy market. Others are working on IoT-based systems that help households and businesses monitor their energy consumption in real-time, reducing waste and lowering costs, he explains.
A Thriving Energy Startup Ecosystem
Across the Middle East, incubators and accelerators focused on energy and sustainability are providing vital support for entrepreneurs like Sakher Altoun. Participation in global events like Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the World Future Energy Summit also provides entrepreneurs with platforms to showcase their innovations and attract international partnerships. “These ecosystems are critical in helping early-stage companies scale their operations and expand into new markets”, he adds.
Looking Ahead: A Vision of Collaboration
According to Sakher Altoun, the future of energy in the Middle East is not about abandoning oil overnight—it’s about building a balanced and resilient energy ecosystem. Entrepreneurs must act as both innovators and collaborators, working alongside governments, corporations, and communities to develop solutions that are economically viable and environmentally sound. He explains that this vision involves cross-border collaboration, regional policy harmonization, and opens innovation that welcomes international ideas while fostering local capabilities. He believes that by taking bold, forward-thinking approaches, entrepreneurs can help the Middle East lead the global transition to sustainable energy.
The Middle East stands at a critical crossroads—where the past dominance of fossil fuels meets the future promise of clean, smart energy. Sakher Altoun’s projects and vision are the catalysts of this change, blending vision with action to build a new energy paradigm. “With the right support, strategic alignment, and a commitment to sustainability, the region’s entrepreneurial leaders can reshape the global energy narrative and ensure a greener, more prosperous future for generations to come”, he concludes.
