Energy Transition and Digital Transformation in the Arab Region

Dr. Miltiadis D. Lytras is an expert in advanced computer science and management, editor, lecturer, and research consultant, with extensive experience in academia and the business sector in Europe, Asia and the Arab region. His expertise focuses on the fields of cognitive computing, information systems, technology enabled innovation, social networks, computers in human behavior, and knowledge management. Dr. Lytras is a Research Professor at Deree College - The American College of Greece and a Distinguished Scientist at the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Patricia de Pablos is a Professor of Business Administration at the University of Oviedo in Spain. Her field of research focuses on knowledge management, healthcare sector, innovation, information technologies and technological disruption. She has contributed to numerous academic publications. She has wide editorial experience in journals, books and book series. She serves as Editor in Chief of International Journal of Asian Business and Information and Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management. Dr. Ahmad Alsadeeqi is a Senior Expert at the Arab Planning Institute in Kuwait, where he contributes to regional strategies for digital transformation and sustainable energy. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Heriot‑Watt University in the United Kingdom, with a strong background in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Software Development. Dr. Alsadeeqi has extensive consulting experience across Arab economies and has held academic positions at the Arab Open University. His research focuses on smart cities, energy systems, data quality, and blockchain applications in public value creation, with several publications in international journals and conferences. He has led training and advisory projects for government institutions, advancing digital economy readiness and energy transition policy in line with Kuwait’s Vision 2035. As co‑editor, Dr. Alsadeeqi brings both technical depth and regional policy expertise, strengthening the volume’s alignment with Arab perspectives on digital economy and energy transformation.

• Section I: Foundations of Energy Transition and Digital Transformation in the Arab Region1. Introduction to Energy Transition and Economic Transformation in the Arab Region Scope, rationale, and objectives; challenges and opportunities; global climate policy context; role of digital innovation2. Digital Economy and its Role in Energy Sector Modernization Big data, AI, blockchain for efficiency, grid optimization, and energy access3. Energy Affordability, Security, and Equity in Arab Countries Pricing, subsidies, affordability, and energy poverty across oil‑exporting and importing nations4. Policy Landscape for Clean Energy Transition in the Arab World Mapping current policies, regulatory frameworks, fragmentation, and reform opportunities5. Aligning Energy Transition with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Integration of energy transition, inclusion, and SDGs through regional strategies.Section II: Technological Innovation and Infrastructure for a Green Future6. Artificial Intelligence and Smart Energy Systems AI in demand forecasting, consumption optimization, smart grids, predictive maintenance7. Energy Storage, Grid Integration, and Renewable Deployment in the Arab Region Solar, wind, hydrogen integration; decentralized systems; battery innovation8. Cybersecurity, Data Governance, and Digital Infrastructure for the Energy Sector Secure, interoperable platforms; risk management frameworks9. Digital Twins and Simulation Technologies for Energy Infrastructure Planning Strategic planning, predictive modeling, lifecycle management of energy projects10. Circular Economy, Green Innovation, and Resource Efficiency Waste‑to‑energy, closed‑loop renewable systems, resource efficiency modelsSection III: Economic Diversification and Social Impacts of the Energy Transition11. Economic Diversification Beyond Oil: Regional Models and Lessons Learned Comparative strategies for building knowledge‑based, tech‑driven economies12. Labor Market Transformation and the Green Jobs Agenda Workforce trends, reskilling, and green job creation13. Gender, Youth, and Inclusion in the Energy‑Digital Nexus Equity in access, empowerment, and representation of women and youth14. Climate Resilience, Migration, and Socio‑Economic Stability in the Arab Region Vulnerable communities, environmental migration, adaptation planningSection IV: Strategies, Investments, and Governance for a Sustainable Transition15. Financing the Energy Transition: Public‑Private Partnerships and Sovereign Wealth Funds Innovative financing models, sovereign wealth funds, blended strategies16. Governance Models and Institutional Reform for Energy Transformation Policy coordination, decentralization, reform of legacy institutions17. Regional Cooperation and Cross‑Border Energy Projects in the Arab World Integration frameworks for infrastructure, regulation, and knowledge exchange18. Conclusion: Pathways for an Inclusive and Digitally Enabled Energy Future Synthesis of insights; roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders