Greening the Future: Digitalisation and Sustainability in Arab Nations, Allam Ahmed, Arshi Naim
Allam Ahmed
World Association for Sustainable Development (WASD)
London
United Kingdom
ORCID: 0000-0002-1494-354X
Arshi Naim
London Institute of Sustainable Development (LISD)
United Kingdom
ORCID: 0000-0003-1325-6964
Paper Type: Editorial
DOI: 10.47556/J.WJSTSD.21.5.2026.1
Received: 20 May 2026 / Revised: 28 May 2026 / Accepted: 14 June 2026 / Published: 5 June 2026
Purpose: This special issue explored how digital transformation and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), can contribute to sustainable development in the Arab world. It aimed to advance understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and policy implications associated with building sustainable and digitally enabled societies.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The special issue brought together five rigorously peer reviewed studies employing diverse methodological approaches, including quantitative analysis, qualitative investigation, mixed-methods research, and conceptual applications. The selected papers examined sustainability challenges and digital innovations across entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, environmental behaviour, and healthcare.
Findings: The contributions demonstrated that digital technologies and AI can enhance organisational sustainability, improve financial transparency, promote responsible consumption, encourage sustainable behavioural change, and strengthen healthcare systems. The findings also highlighted the importance of effective governance, innovation, and stakeholder engagement in achieving sustainable development outcomes.
Originality/Value: This special issue provided a timely and interdisciplinary examination of the intersection between digital transformation and sustainability within the Arab context. It offered novel insights, practical recommendations, and evidence-based perspectives for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to accelerate progress towards sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Digital Technologies; Sustainability; Arab World.
Citation: Ahmed, A. and Naim, A. (2026): Greening the future: digitalisation and sustainability in Arab nations. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 21, No. 5, pp. 377-282. WASD: London, United Kingdom.