This study aims to investigate the effects of human development and digitalization indicators on environmental quality, with an emphasis on financial development, in selected Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries over the period 2002 to 2021. The research method is applied, and data were collected through documentary (library) methods. For data analysis, quantile econometric models and panel data approaches were employed, and the Hausman test was used to choose between fixed and random effects. The dependent variable is the ecological footprint index (EFINDEX) as a comprehensive measure of environmental quality. Independent variables include digitalization (DIG), natural resources (NAT), political stability (WGINDEX), financial development (FININDEX), human development (HDI), and gross domestic product (GDP). The financial development and political stability indices were transformed into composite indicators using Principal Component Analysis (PCA).

Descriptive findings indicate significant heterogeneity among MENA countries. Unit root test results show that, except for the political stability index and the ecological footprint index which became stationary at the first difference I(1), all other variables are stationary at levels I(0). Furthermore, the results of the Chow (Limer) and Hausman tests confirm the appropriateness of the panel data method with fixed effects for model estimation.

Quantile regression results across various quantiles (10% to 90%) reveal that the Human Development Index (HDI) has a positive and significant effect on environmental quality in most quantiles, particularly above the 60th quantile. The natural resources variable (NAT) also exhibits a positive and significant effect in most quantiles. The political stability index (WGINDEX) shows a negative and significant impact on ecological footprint in the 40% to 80% quantiles. Digitalization (DIG) has a positive and significant effect at the 80% and 90% quantiles, indicating that in high-performing countries, digital development can contribute to improving environmental quality. The financial development index (FININDEX) demonstrates a negative and significant effect at the 90% quantile. Gross domestic product (GDP) also has a positive and significant effect at the 80% and 90% quantiles.

Overall, the findings suggest that digital and economic growth can help improve environmental conditions; however, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and political instability undermine environmental quality. Therefore, policymakers in MENA countries should adopt differentiated strategies—such as promoting clean technologies, strengthening environmental governance, and implementing green digital regulations—based on different development levels (low-income, middle-income, and high-income). Regional cooperation and the establishment of joint environmental funds are also essential for achieving sustainable development.