Renewable energy in the WANA region

The WANA region is typically associated with non-renewable energy in the form of oil and gas. Arab countries alone are estimated to hold 43% of the world’s proven reserves.  Despite this, the WANA region is home to cutting edge renewable energy projects, particularly in the countries of the Gulf sub-region. What factors best explain this? What are the different types of renewable energy in question? And what is their potential?