Knight Frank Study Finds Major Rooftop Solar Potential in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to Support GCC Net-Zero Goals

A new research report by global real estate consultancy Knight Frank, conducted in collaboration with the University of Leeds and the University of Bristol, has highlighted the significant potential of rooftop solar systems across Gulf cities in accelerating national decarbonisation goals. According to the findings, deploying large-scale rooftop solar infrastructure could substantially reduce emissions while delivering strong financial returns for property owners.

The study, titled Going Green: Rooftop Solar Potential in the GCC, evaluates solar capacity using advanced geospatial modelling across major urban areas, including Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. The research suggests a strategic shift underway in the region—from reliance on vast desert-based solar megaprojects to distributed rooftop systems integrated across city landscapes.

Faisal Durrani, Partner and Head of Research, MENA at Knight Frank, said the built environment accounts for 39% of global carbon emissions, underscoring the critical role of urban rooftops. “Rooftop solar is emerging as a central component of future energy planning rather than a secondary option,” he noted.

The assessment identifies 158.2 sq. km of suitable rooftop area in Riyadh and 42.8 sq. km in Abu Dhabi. According to the analysis, deploying solar across rooftops larger than 1,000 sqm in Riyadh could produce 17,500 GWh of clean electricity annually—equivalent to more than 40% of the city’s 2023 power consumption.

Saudi Arabia: Distributed Solar Gains Momentum

Saudi Arabia continues to advance its renewable energy agenda in line with its targets of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060 and achieving a 50% renewable energy share by 2030. Landmark projects such as Sakaka (300 MW), Sudair (1,500 MW) and Al Shuaibah (2,600 MW) have positioned the Kingdom among global leaders delivering ultra-low solar tariffs ranging between 6–9 halalas/kWh.

While rooftop solar adoption in Saudi Arabia remains limited, installations are expanding in industrial clusters across Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. Wesley Thomson, Partner and Head of ESG, MENA, stated that the economics are already favourable. “According to the Shamsi Solar Calculator, payback periods in Riyadh range between seven and eleven years, with larger commercial systems performing best,” he said.

UAE: High Potential but Slow Uptake

Despite its clean energy target of 50% renewable power by 2050 and a planned 70% emissions reduction, the UAE’s rooftop solar share remains below 1% of total installed capacity. Progress has largely been driven by large-scale developments such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

Knight Frank’s analysis shows that Abu Dhabi alone has more than 42.8 sq. km of technically feasible rooftop space—equivalent to more than 6,000 football fields. Cost competitiveness is also improving, with large commercial rooftop installations now producing power at 8 fils/kWh, compared with 6 fils/kWh from desert-based facilities.

“Large rooftop systems can match the economics of remote solar parks—without land acquisition hurdles,” Thomson added.

Scale Defines Profitability

The study highlights that system scale is a decisive factor in achieving cost competitiveness. In Abu Dhabi, rooftop systems under 100 sqm generate electricity at approximately 30 fils/kWh, while installations larger than 1,100 sqm can reduce power costs by nearly 60%. Similar cost dynamics were recorded in Riyadh.

The report suggests that this trend could unlock new investment opportunities across shopping complexes, logistics hubs, public sector buildings and industrial facilities—transforming rooftops into energy-producing assets.

A New Phase of Distributed Solar

Researchers conclude that rooftop solar will play a crucial role in relieving grid pressure, reducing transmission losses and supporting urban sustainability without requiring additional land.

“The GCC is moving from a utility-scale success story into a distributed opportunity phase,” said Dr. Christopher Payne, Partner for Strategy, Economics and Geospatial, MENA. “As cities expand and electricity demand intensifies, rooftop solar represents an immediate, scalable resource located exactly where the consumption happens.”

Knight Frank stated that widespread rooftop adoption could strengthen energy resilience, support net-zero targets and attract long-term institutional investment across the region.