The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is undergoing a transformational shift in its power sector, driven by ambitious national visions. Policies deployed in the region aim to enhance energy sustainability, integrate renewable energy sources, and improve the electricity sector’s efficiency while addressing growing electricity demand largely caused by extreme climate conditions. This growth is expected to continue with the adoption of electric vehicles and the electrification of certain industries. In this context, demand response (DR) programs can become a key tool for improving grid reliability, optimizing electricity consumption, and supporting the integration of variable renewable energy sources across the GCC. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of DR, its value creation mechanisms, and its deployment potential in the GCC region. By leveraging smart grid technologies, real-time pricing mechanisms, and automated energy management systems, DR can reduce peak loads, lower system costs, and enhance overall energy efficiency. As the GCC countries transition toward more sustainable and cost-reflective tariffs, DR programs represent a strategic and yet underutilized opportunity to enhance grid reliability, optimize renewable energy integration, and drive economic efficiency.
