Exploring sustainable development challenges in oil and gas industry towards achieving sustainable cities and communities: evidence from GCC countries

GCC economies rely largely on oil and gas (O%G) exports. However, developing and using oil and gas fossil fuels can harm the environment and civilisation. Despite the GCC's national vision, numerous O%G enterprises, particularly in crude oil exploration, refining, and distribution, struggle to integrate sustainability into their systems and operations. GCC O%G industries face sustainable development issues, as noted by expert discourse and literature. Combining exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and best worst method techniques, 95 questionnaire responses from GCC O%G firms were analysed to categorise challenges and explore critical obstacles to implementing sustainable strategies to improve competitiveness. The best-worst method (BWM) prioritises obstacles. This survey found that economic issues are most critical, followed by environmental, knowledge and awareness, social, and technological challenges. Geopolitical problems are weighted higher by the BWM than energy inefficiency. Practical and policy implications for sustainable development from GCC viewpoints assist create sustainable cities and communities.