Three Gulf states – Qatar, Kuwait and Oman – are expected to sign up soon to a World Bank programme aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions by finding commercial uses for natural gas that is still burned, or flared, as a by-product of oil production.

Amid growing awareness of climate change and the need to conserve resources for their expanding water and power needs, Gulf states are seeking ways to reduce their huge environmental footprint. Qatar and Kuwait are among the world’s top carbon dioxide emitters per capita, according to recent US statistics.