A Comparative Analysis of Circular Economy Practices in Saudi Arabia with Leading Countries

Abstract

As a result of the increase in urbanisation and resource consumption, the need for sustainable economic models has become noticeable. The linear economy model, established globally, consumes non-renewable resources, exceeding the earth's capacity which exhibits significant shortcomings that limit sustainability, requiring a shift towards CE as a sustainable conception. Saudi Arabia, one of the largest global economies, is striving to adopt this transformation due to significant environmental and economic challenges. Saudi Arabia has no specific strategy for the circular economy. This hinders the ability to find solutions of the challenges waste management and excessive consumption issues. The country is lacking a comprehensive framework that compares its policies with leading countries. A framework was developed to analyse and compare circular economy initiatives, strategies and policies between Saudi Arabia and China, Japan, and Europe. Collected data were examined and policies and strategies were analysed using thematic analysis. This approach allows for the identification of commonalities and differences between the countries. The study highlighted differences in policies and practices, identifying best practices that Saudi Arabia could adopt to enhance the sustainability. The findings emphasise the need of adopting global best practices and developing local strategies to KSA. Policymakers and researchers in Saudi Arabia can leverage these results to contribute to more effective shift to the CE. This work can by developed by implementing this study on quantitative study approach where indicators and metrics are compared, which leads to greater impact.