Gulf solar imports plunge up to 90% as Iran war disrupts supply chains
Solar panel imports across the Gulf have fallen sharply since the US-Iran war began in February, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman all recording drops of more than 80% as shipping disruptions, higher freight and insurance costs and rising equipment prices hit supply chains.
The UAE averaged imports of around 100 megawatts of solar capacity per month between March and June — down nearly 90% from a monthly average of 785MW throughout 2025, according to an AGBI report, citing research group Rystad Energy.
Saudi Arabia cut imports by 81% over the same period to 139MW, while Oman's fell 89% and Iraq's by 68%.
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Muhammad Ali Bandial