Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026), hosted by Masdar, will begin next week in Abu Dhabi. The event will convene Heads of State, ministers, government officials, business leaders, investors and innovators. ADSW 2026 will focus on addressing critical sustainability challenges and outlining pathways for global progress.

Speaking at a press conference, Masdar Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi announced that ADSW 2026 is set to be the largest edition to date. He revealed that the event’s theme, “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” reflects the need to align current systems with future requirements, with energy transformation forming a central pillar of discussions. Masdar will also mark 20 years of renewable energy activities during ADSW 2026.

Moreover, ADSW 2026 aims to establish a new benchmark for collaboration and measurable impact. The event will challenge stakeholders across energy, finance, food, water and nature to rethink how systems connect, scale and reinforce one another to accelerate sustainable outcomes.

The press conference was attended by senior officials and partners, including Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Mohamed Saleh Alhadhrami from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of Global South Utilities; Dr Lamya Fawwaz of Masdar and the Zayed Sustainability Prize; and Leen Alsebai of RX Middle East.

La Camera said the global energy transition is entering a decisive decade, with electricity projected to account for more than half of final energy consumption by 2050. He noted that while renewable energy deployment continues to grow, progress remains uneven across regions. He added that ADSW 2026 provides an important platform to advance practical and scalable solutions, particularly for developing countries.

Ahmed Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, reported that future energy and water systems must focus on smarter and more efficient use of existing infrastructure. He highlighted artificial intelligence as a key enabler in improving reliability, affordability and sustainability, adding that ADSW 2026 reflects the need for integrated approaches across energy, water, technology and finance.

Ali Alshimmari announced the launch of the Global South Forum on January 14, as part of ADSW 2026. He said the forum will focus on implementation and investment in emerging markets by bringing governments, investors and operators together around active projects.

Leen Alsebai revealed that the 18th World Future Energy Summit, a core event of ADSW 2026, will expand its focus on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. She said the summit will connect innovation, expertise and investment to accelerate energy transformation and deliver scalable clean energy solutions.

ADSW 2026 will also introduce new platforms and AI-enabled digital systems to capture insights. In addition, the event will showcase new clean technologies across energy, water and digital solutions.

Key events at ADSW 2026 include:

• IRENA Assembly on January 11–12 and the ADSW Opening Ceremony on January 13
• World Future Energy Summit, ADSW Summit and related forums running from January 13–15
• The Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards and Green Hydrogen Summit on January 15

ADSW 2026 will run from January 11 to 15, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global meeting point for technology-enabled sustainability discussions.

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