Digital transformation has emerged as a significant driver of innovation globally, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations actively participating in this evolution. This systematic review provides a comprehensive assessment of the digital transformation in the GCC’s oil and gas sector over the past decade. Through a rigorous bibliometric analysis of 505 documents sourced from the SCOPUS database, this study examines trends in research outputs, affiliations, and publication types. The analysis reveals dynamic trends in research outputs, with the GCC showing a substantial growth in publications in recent years, particularly mirroring global trends, albeit on a smaller scale. Despite this progress, GCC publications in 2023 represent approximately 30% of the decade’s total, reflecting opportunities for increased research investment and international collaboration to enhance scientific output. Key findings highlight the United Arab Emirates as a leading contributor with (35%) of publications, followed by Saudi Arabia (29%) and Kuwait (26%). Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar exhibit comparatively fewer publications, suggesting potential areas for increased research focus. Conference papers dominate the scholarly output, comprising 92% of the publications, underscoring their role in disseminating research findings effectively. The top six world-leading research centers in digital transformation in oil and gas were analyzed and found to represent approximately 26% of global publications in the research field. This review contributes to the global discourse on technological adoption, innovation, and sustainable development by synthesizing the existing literature. It emphasizes the imperative of sustained research investment and strategic initiatives to strengthen scientific output in the GCC’s digital transformation of the oil and gas sector. By providing robust analysis and insights into regional contributions, this study informs policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers aiming to advance digital initiatives across the GCC.

This research addresses the critical opportunities and challenges confronting economic sustainability for hydrocarbon-based economies. The primary objective is to advocate for a transformative shift towards diversified and knowledge-centric economic models to ensure long-term sustainability. The literature review exposes vulnerabilities in hydrocarbon-based economies. The study innovatively explores multifaceted dimensions of economic diversification, including governance issues, societal well-being, and the necessity for robust ecosystem frameworks. Utilizing a qualitative case study methodology, the research investigates Qatar’s initiatives, such as the Qatar National Vision 2030 and government programs, aiming to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and foster innovation. Insightful semi-structured interviews provide nuanced perspectives on innovation in the hydrocarbon context with business and academic professionals. The primary data collection method involved the following distinct groups: five business professionals and eleven academic experts, representing eight outstanding local and external organizations. Key findings underscore a holistic view of innovation, associating it with practical solutions, adaptability, and transformative potential, showcasing diverse approaches ranging from business-centric to collaborative and user-centric methods. Identified challenges in the education system, the urgency for a matured innovation ecosystem, and opportunities in sustainable energy further enrich the study. Moreover, this research examines the challenges and mitigation strategies associated with economic diversification in hydrocarbon-driven economies, focusing on Qatar. The research recommends sustained efforts in economic diversification, educational reform, and technological integration for hydrocarbon-based economies. Policymakers, businesses, and academics can leverage these insights to navigate the complexities of resource dependency and ensure long-term viability. The commitment to addressing challenges faced by hydrocarbon-dependent nations remains crucial, with a dedication to fostering economic diversity, innovation, and educational excellence for a resilient and prosperous future.

Global interest in LNG products and supply chains is growing, and demand continues to rise. As a clean energy source, LNG can nevertheless emit air pollutants, albeit at a lower level than transitional energy sources. An LNG plant capable of producing up to 126 MMTA was successfully developed and simulated in this study. A hybrid life cycle assessment model was developed to examine the social and human health impacts of the LNG supply chain’s environmental air emission formation. The Multiregional Input–Output (MRIO) database, the Aspen HYSYS model, and the LNG Maritime Transportation Emission Quantification Tool are the key sources of information for this extensive novel study. We began our research by grouping environmental emissions sources according to the participation of each stage in the supply chain. The MDEA Sweetening plant, LNG loading (export terminal), and LNG transportation stages were discovered to have the maximum air emissions. The midpoint air emissions data estimated each stage’s CO₂-eq, NO_x-eq, and PM2.5-eq emissions per unit LNG generated. According to the midpoint analysis results, the LNG loading terminal has the most considerable normalized CO₂-eq and NO_x-eq emission contribution across all LNG supply chain stages. Furthermore, the most incredible intensity value for normalized PM2.5-eq was recorded in the SRU and TGTU units. Following the midpoint results, the social human health impact findings were calculated using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors to quantify the daily loss of life associated with the LNG process chain. SRU and TGTU units have the most significant social human health impact, followed by LNG loading (export terminal) with about 7409.0 and 1203.9 (DALY/million Ton LNG produced annually), respectively. Natural gas extraction and NGL recovery and fractionation units are the lowest for social human health consequences.

The sustainability of the natural gas-to-methanol (NGTM) and methanol-to-gasoline (MTG) processes are assessed in this systematic review as a potential substitute in the global energy transition. Methanol offers itself as a versatile and less carbon-intensive substitute for conventional gasoline in light of growing environmental concerns and the demand for cleaner fuels. This review’s rationale is to assess MTG’s ability to lessen environmental impact while preserving compatibility with current fuel infrastructure. The goal is to examine methanol and gasoline’s effects on the environment, society, and economy throughout their life cycles. This review used a two-phase systematic literature review methodology, filtering and evaluating studies that were indexed by Scopus using bibliometric and thematic analysis. A total of 25 documents were reviewed, in which 22 documents analyzed part of this study, and 68% employed LCA or techno-economic analysis, with the U.S. contributing 35% of the overall publications. A comparative analysis of the reviewed literature indicates that methanol-based fuels offer significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and life cycle environmental impacts than gasoline, particularly when combined with carbon capture and renewable feedstocks. This review also highlights benefits, such as improved safety and energy security, while acknowledging challenges, including high production costs, infrastructure adaptation, and toxicity concerns. Several drawbacks are high manufacturing costs, the necessity to adjust infrastructure, and toxicity issues. The report suggests investing in renewable methanol production, AI-driven process optimization, and robust legislative frameworks for integrating green fuels. The life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) of NGTM and MTG systems should be investigated in future studies, particularly in light of different feedstock and regional circumstances. The findings emphasize NGTM and MTG’s strategic role in aligning with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and add to the worldwide conversation on sustainable fuels. A strong transition necessitates multi-stakeholder cooperation, innovation, and supporting policies to fully realize the sustainability promise of cleaner fuels like methanol.