Masdar Hosts World Future Energy Summit 2025

The Middle East is poised to emerge as a global hub for fuels, with the World Future Energy Summit returning to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from January 14-16, 2025. This summit, part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), will delve into three pivotal issues: the region’s role as a new global fuels hub, the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the energy sector, and pathways to a sustainable future.

Hosted by Masdar, the summit is recognized as the premier global event focused on future energy and sustainability. It will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss cutting-edge solutions shaping a resilient energy landscape. The agenda will focus on key trends and insights from the 2024 event, emphasizing the Middle East’s capacity for advancing clean energy and attracting sector investment through AI developments.

The summit aims to align with the UAE’s goal of increasing the clean energy share in its overall energy mix from 27.83% to 32% by 2030. Achieving this ambition is supported by a projected US$75.63 billion investment in 116 renewable energy projects, spanning solar, wind, carbon capture, and energy storage. The UAE has doubled its renewable energy capacity from 2019 to 2022, working towards commitments made at COP28, including a significant 70% increase in installed renewable energy capacity in 2023, reaching 6.1 GW.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to clean energy goals and its growing prominence as a sustainability leader. “As a founding host of the World Future Energy Summit, we are excited to collaborate with global partners to tackle pressing climate challenges,” he stated.

Leen AlSebai, General Manager of RX Middle East, noted that the summit is more than an industry event; it is a vital platform for innovation and collaboration at a critical moment for energy transition. The 2025 edition will leverage key insights from 2024 to propel the industry forward, with a focus on the Middle East’s future in fuels and carbon-neutral economic growth.

The summit will highlight successful regional initiatives, showcasing significant projects like the 1.8 GW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, Dubai’s waste-to-energy project, and the Al Ajban photovoltaic projects. With over US$45 billion invested in completed renewable and clean energy projects, the UAE is solidifying its position as a leader in the green hydrogen market.

Faisal Rashid, Senior Director of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, will participate in a panel discussing energy efficiency and sustainability. He views the summit as an opportunity to promote energy efficiency practices and share knowledge with industry professionals.

AI will be a central theme across all seven conference streams, exploring its role in optimizing energy use, forecasting demand, and enhancing production efficiency. Discussions will address integrating AI into energy infrastructure while maintaining sustainability.

The World Future Energy Summit 2025 will attract over 400 global companies and 350 speakers, facilitating investment, innovation, and knowledge exchange. The event will feature exhibition tracks on solar energy, EcoWASTE, water, clean energy, smart cities, and climate and environment. It will also explore strategies for a low-carbon transition and address topics such as sustainable cities, waste management, green finance, and women in energy.

David Cullerier, Head of Business Development at ENGIE, noted that energy transition is a present reality reshaping business and government operations. The summit will highlight practical steps to accelerate this transition and align strategies with the global sustainability push.

The 2025 edition will also explore the Middle East’s role in establishing a clean energy trade network, with leading UAE companies like ACWA Power paving the way. By leveraging past learnings and the potential of AI, the summit will build a blueprint for a sustainable future, fostering impactful solutions and partnerships in response to growing climate change and energy security demands.