Connect | MENA // Debate: Greenwashed gigawatts? Can hyperscale growth align with sustainability goals?

MENA’s National Vision strategies, from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050, place sustainability at the heart of digital infrastructure. Yet, the rapid push to deliver AI-ready capacity often sidelines these commitments, with environmental considerations addressed after deployment rather than integrated from the start. The challenge is clear: how can the region meet its sustainability goals while keeping pace with its digital expansion? This session examines the future of sustainable digital infrastructure in MENA. Discussions will explore whether projects can balance short-term delivery with national targets, how renewable energy can be leveraged more effectively, and what steps are needed to close the gap between visionary goals and on-the-ground execution.