SOMA Newsletter

Author

Soma Mater
June 09, 2025

Welcome to the SOMA MATER weekly newsletter.

At SOMA MATER, we specialize in delivering comprehensive research and advisory services with a focus on Food & Water Security and Net Zero Transition in the MENA Region. In order to support our subscribing clients in navigating these topics and understanding the regional narrative, we produce monthly Food and Water Security and Net Zero Transition Intelligence Reports, along with our in-depth analysis and insights.

This weekly newsletter highlights the top 3 stories from the past week in Food and Water Security and Net Zero transition, along with SOMA MATER's analysis and perspective.

What factors have contributed to Jordan becoming one of the global leaders in electric vehicle adoption?

What is the significance of the newly established Global Water Organization (GWO) and how does it aim to address global water challenges?

What are the key features and implications of the UAE's new climate law?

Sustainably yours,

The SOMA team

Electric Dreams: Jordan's Rise to EV Stardom

#NetZeroTransition

Jordan has emerged as a leader in electric vehicle adoption, ranking second globally with 65% of new car sales being electric in 2024, after Norway's 90%. With 150,000 EVs on its roads consuming 350 GWh of electricity annually, Jordan holds a 45% share of the Middle Eastern EV market, ahead of the UAE's 13%. Chinese manufacturers dominate Jordan's EV market, and are now focusing on Africa and the Middle East due to US and EU tariffs, utilizing Nigeria's lithium resources and Egypt's strategic location as a gateway to European markets.

This remarkable success can be attributed to three key factors: Jordan's highest fuel prices in the Middle East (around $1.3 per liter), which makes EVs an attractive economic choice with 73% reduction in fuel costs; favorable tax policies on EVs compared to conventional vehicles; and widespread availability of home charging infrastructure, facilitated by mandatory parking spaces in new housing. The charging network continues to expand, with 14 charging locations between Amman and Aqaba, and 20 solar-powered charging stations along major highways.

The transition to EVs is particularly significant for Jordan's environmental goals, as road traffic accounts for 50-90% of air pollution in Jordanian towns. Looking ahead, the EV market is projected to grow at a 35% annual rate, with 65% of Jordanian car buyers considering EVs for their next purchase. The charging infrastructure market alone is expected to reach $75 million annually by 2028, while discussions are underway for creating a "green zone" in Amman where only EVs would be permitted.

SOMA’s Perspective:

Jordan's emergence as a global EV leader is a testament to how regional players can successfully navigate the green transition when the right incentives align. The success story is compelling given its foundation in practical economics rather than purely environmental concerns. High fuel prices combined with smart policy decisions on tax incentives and infrastructure have created a sustainable model that other regional nations could adapt (although Jordan's unique circumstances may not be immediately replicable elsewhere). This also underscores China's growing influence in the region's green transition. With Chinese manufacturers dominating Jordan's EV market.

Sources:

https://books.openedition.org/ifpo/5069?lang=en#:~:text=50-90%25 of air pollution,Allabanc%2C Arnottd%2C 2010).

Liquid Assets: New Global Water Alliance Flows into Action

#FoodandWaterSecurity

The Global Water Organization (GWO) has officially launched its operations in Riyadh under the leadership of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and the Saudi environment minister. The organization unites founding members from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Spain, Greece, Senegal, Pakistan, and Mauritania in their commitment to sustainable water resource management.

The GWO's charter establishes a framework for enhanced international collaboration, focusing on protecting water resources in both quantity and quality. Members have agreed to prioritize the development of best practices, international benchmarks, and shared research efforts in sustainable technologies. Saudi Arabia's commitment is also demonstrated by its allocation of over $6 billion to various water and sanitation projects across four continents in 2023.

This initiative parallels the UAE's Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative (MBZWI), which focuses on addressing global water scarcity through breakthrough technologies. MBZWI's notable projects include contribution to the $119 million XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition and the Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, both aimed at developing innovative solutions for water conservation and sustainable desalination technology.

SOMA’s Perspective:

This announcement demonstrates how the MENA region is approaching water security - from theoretical preparation to active crisis management. Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s billion dollar commitments to water projects reflect the urgency with which regional powers are treating water security. This underscores a regional understanding that water security requires both immediate action and long-term innovation. The inclusion of diverse founding members from water-stressed nations like Pakistan and Mauritania indicates a strategic move to create a coalition of both resource-rich and water-scarce countries.

Sources:

From Heat Records to Carbon Credits: UAE's New Climate Law

#NetZeroTransition

The UAE marked the implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024 On the Reduction of Climate Change Effects, which came into effect on May 30. This legislation establishes the UAE as the first country in the MENA region to create a comprehensive legal framework for climate resilience and emissions accountability. The law introduces measures across key sectors including energy, infrastructure, and waste management, while incorporating diverse mitigation strategies such as carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and enhancement of natural carbon sinks.

The legislation introduces mechanisms for implementation, including a Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) framework that mandates emissions inventories and third-party audits. Violations can result in penalties ranging from AED500,000 to AED2 million. The law also establishes a National Carbon Credit Registry to connect the UAE with international carbon markets. Additionally, it mandates sector-specific climate adaptation plans and promotes the development of emissions trading systems and carbon offset projects.

This legislation comes at a critical time, as the UAE experiences recent extreme heat, breaking its May heat record with temperatures reaching 51.6ºC. The country also experienced its hottest April on record, with an average daily high of 42.6ºC. According to 2022 data, the industry sector was the UAE's largest source of CO2 emissions, accounting for 40% of total emissions. The electricity and heat production sector ranked second, contributing 37.5%.

SOMA’s Perspective:

This legislation emphasizes both mitigation and adaptation measures. Article 4 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 11 of 2024 specifically focuses on climate change mitigation, through mechanisms such as emissions reduction through various means including energy efficiency, clean energy adoption, carbon capture and storage (CCUS), and integrated waste management. SOMA believes that successful climate action requires this balanced, multi-faceted approach of not only heavy investment into adaptation, but the adoption of mitigation measures.

Sources:

SOMA MATER is writing Intelligence Reports on the topics of Food and Water Security and Net Zero Transition. If you’d like to know more, contact us through the link below:

https://wkf.ms/3BmPiPo