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Gulf's leading role at COP30

Beneath the diplomatic choreography at COP30, the Gulf’s approach reveals clear contradictions: Since 2021, most GCC states have boosted oil and gas output to fund fiscal reforms.

 European Council President Antonio Costa, Kenya's Vice President Abraham Kithure Kindiki, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin and the Netherlands' outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof pose for the family photo at the Leaders Summit ahead of the COP30 UN climate conference in Belem, Para State, Brazil on November 7, 2025. (PABLO PORCIUNCULA/AFP via Getty Images)

Welcome back to Al-Monitor Gulf. 

This week, Gulf countries stepped into the global climate spotlight at COP30 in Brazil, using the summit to reaffirm their role in shaping the post-Paris Agreement agenda and advance their dual pursuit of climate credibility and energy pragmatism. Beyond Brazil, Saudi Arabia launched the Red Wave 8 naval drills amid rising Red Sea tensions, and the United Arab Emirates expanded its African investment footprint with $6.2 billion in Chad deals. 

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