Empowering a sustainable future: green jobs in the Arab region

This policy brief examines the evolving landscape of green jobs in the Arab region, drawing on real-time data from the ESCWA Skills Monitor to identify trends, gaps and opportunities. Despite global momentum, green jobs account for just 5.06 per cent of online job postings in the Arab region as of 2024, with the highest concentrations observed in larger economies such as Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. This policy brief takes a closer look at the oil and gas sector to assess the extent of its transition toward sustainability. Findings show that 23 per cent of jobs within the sector are now classified as green, signalling early signs of greening in one of the region’s most carbon-intensive industries. However, there remains a disconnect between occupations with high green alignment and those in high demand. Policies that scale up green investment, embed sustainability in education and workforce systems, and enhance labour market intelligence are needed to guide a just and inclusive green transition.