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This paper aims to address the need to adopt circular economy models in the urban development and infrastructure of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The purpose is to provide insights into the progress, challenges and potential benefits of transitioning from a linear to a circular economic model in response to the environmental challenges posed by rapid economic development and population growth in the GCC region. The study emphasizes the relevance of this research in fostering economic diversification, mitigating ecological concerns and attracting sustainable investments.

The study adopts a qualitative approach to investigate the adoption of circular economy principles in each GCC country’s urban development and infrastructure. It details the specific strategies and initiatives undertaken by Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia. The research methodology includes a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), thematic, comparative and individual analysis of their goals, progress and the unique approaches employed. Additionally, a SWOT analysis is conducted to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with adopting circular economy models in the GCC region.

The case studies reveal each GCC country’s diverse approaches and progress in adopting circular economy models. Bahrain aims for carbon neutrality by 2060, Kuwait prioritizes sustainability in urban development, Oman focuses on waste reduction, Qatar integrates circular economy principles into its Vision 2030 initiative and Saudi Arabia explores closed-loop material flows. Whereas, the UAE focuses on infrastructure development with unique technological advancements in the near future. Despite common challenges such as traditional linear models and economic obstacles, the benefits of transitioning to circular economies in the GCC region are substantial. These include social, environmental and economic advantages, emphasizing sustainable growth, resource efficiency and enhanced environmental protection.

This paper contributes original insights into the adoption of circular economy models in the GCC region, providing a clear and succinct case for its value. The research underscores this transition’s economic, environmental and social benefits. It emphasizes the significance of sustainable resource management and economic opportunities while acknowledging challenges such as implementation obstacles and potential business impacts. The study invites reflection on future research steps, fostering a balanced and fair analysis of the value of the results. It positions the adoption of circular economy models as a crucial step toward achieving economic diversification, and environmental sustainability and attracting green investments in the GCC region.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented mental health repercussions in the lives of every individual including university students. Therefore, study on students’ psychological state and its associated factors during the pandemic are of importance. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned issue.

An online survey was done on a total of 207 university students of Pakistan to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, concerns or fears amidst COVID-19 and mental distress. Validated tools; Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)-Depression were used to assess stress, anxiety and depression, respectively.

Around 14% of the university students were experiencing severe stress and anxiety, while 8.2% had severe depression. The authors found that stress among university students was related to psychiatric illness or symptoms (OR = 5.1: 1.1, 22.9) and unpredictability due to the pandemic (OR = 3.7: 1.2, 11.2). The significant determinants of anxiety were psychiatric illness/symptoms (OR = 6.6: 3.4, 12.9), implementation of public health measures (OR = 3.7: 1.1, 11.6), employed mothers (OR = 2.4: 1.1, 5.0) and lack of support from university administration (OR = 2.2: 1.0, 5.0). While the factors associated with depression included psychiatric illness or symptoms (OR = 8.4: 3.3, 21.5), unpredictability due to pandemic (OR = 6.8: 2.2, 20.7), impaired social support system (OR = 3.7: 1.3, 10.4) and studying without a scholarship (OR = 2.1: 1.0, 4.4).

These findings call for an urgent need to develop appropriate interventions and educational programs that could address the psychological needs of students.

The study directs the role of university and faculty in dealing the mental health needs of the student in COVID-19 pandemic time.

Educational programs are important that could address the psychological needs of students in COVID-19 pandemic.

University students reported mental distress during COVID-19 pandemic which shows that younger people are at risk of COVID-19 repercussions. Moreover, several stressors (i.e. impaired social support system and lack of support from universities) were revealed that could be mitigated by implementing appropriate strategies.