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A Systematic Literature Review of the Digital Transformation in the Arabian Gulf’s Oil and Gas Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Abdulla Al-Hajri

    (College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

  • Galal M. Abdella

    (College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

  • Hussein Al-Yafei

    (Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technology, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha P.O. Box 24449, Qatar)

  • Saleh Aseel

    (Chemical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technology, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha P.O. Box 24449, Qatar)

  • Abdel Magid Hamouda

    (College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdulla Al-Hajri & Galal M. Abdella & Hussein Al-Yafei & Saleh Aseel & Abdel Magid Hamouda, 2024. "A Systematic Literature Review of the Digital Transformation in the Arabian Gulf’s Oil and Gas Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:15:p:6601-:d:1448256
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jamil, Sadia, 2021. "From digital divide to digital inclusion: Challenges for wide-ranging digitalization in Pakistan," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(8).
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