Financing low-emission and climate-resilient infrastructure in the Arab Region: Potentials and limitations of public-private partnership contracts

The aim of this chapter is to discuss the application of the public private partnership (P3) model as a contractual arrangement for financing climate smart infrastructure development in the Arab region, emphasizing the preconditions for implementation and the barriers and difficulties for its application. The methodology approach is based in a doctrinal analysis and desk-based survey of the scope and status of P3 implementation in the Arab region. Due to the scope of the study and the nature of the methodological approach, the survey, by no means, can be regarded as representative. However, since it is combined with the review of the literature, it builds a rough profile of the salient law and institutional barriers to P3 implementation in the Arab region. Larger studies can be undertaken at a later stage, provided that the necessary staff time and funding are available. The results indicate that the absence of P3 laws; lack of standardized contractual framework; absence of P3 institutions; and lack of human capacity are the main legal barriers that must be addressed if the P3 model is to enhance climate resilient infrastructure development in the Arab region. This chapter will be useful to academics and researchers interested in the topic of climate change adaptation in the Arab region.