This assumes the past mirrors the present.  Solar panels for example could make Saudi Arabia a major energy power for a very long time frame.  Saudi Arabia benefits from a much lower population density and significantly higher GDP per person.<p>Long term one of the largest questions is how cheap desalination can get.  At ~100 gallons per cent both areas can effectively stop being deserts, but current prices of 3 gallons per cent act as a significant economic drain.<p>PS: In the US the average person directly uses ~90 gallons per day @ 3 gallons per cent that&#x27;s only ~100$ per year for desalination.  However, people use vastly more water indirectly, one pound of beef takes ~1,847 gallons.