The ongoing discourse on the transition to a hydrogen-based economy and the lessons learned from visions such as the Desertec concept emphasise the necessity for a nuanced approach to the development of metrics to assess a country's hydrogen readiness. In addition to economic criteria such as investment incentives, factors including law and order, governance performance, geography, infrastructure, and renewable energy production potential significantly impact a location's attractiveness. To transparently evaluate sites using multiple criteria defined in the PESTEL framework, this article aims to analyse, quantify, and compare the development of a sustainable hydrogen economy in 18 Middle East and North African states. The index-based assessment integrates criteria across three dimensions, offering a comprehensive perspective on regional challenges and opportunities, striking for policymakers and investors. The results show that the highest-ranked countries belong to the Gulf Cooperation Council, followed by North African countries.