The World Future Energy Summit 2025 officially opened today at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), featuring three days of high-level debates and product innovation showcases. Hosted by Masdar as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the summit is the region’s foremost event promoting clean energy and sustainability.
A notable session focused on the transformative role of women in leadership and entrepreneurship in the decarbonisation of energy systems. Moderated by Isabel O’Brien, Editor of Privitas and Co-Founder of the Association of Women in Business Journalism, the session, part of the two-day Pathways to 1.5C Forum, highlighted the risks of overlooking women in the global effort toward a net-zero future. Beena Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder of CCU International, emphasized that 50% of the technologies required for carbon capture and net-zero goals have not yet been invented, presenting an opportunity for women to contribute significantly to the energy sector.
At the Pathways to 1.5C Forum, experts from Greenpeace and Emirates Nature-WWF called for increased urgency in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Nadia Rouchdy from Emirates Nature-WWF stressed the need for a whole-society approach to NDCs, while Greenpeace’s Ghiwa Nakat emphasized the necessity for rapid decarbonisation in response to global climate challenges.
During the Water Conference, Eng Ahmed Alkaabi, Undersecretary Assistant for the UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure, highlighted the UAE’s efforts in managing water, energy, and food resources to ensure long-term sustainability. He detailed the country’s policies on sustainable water supply, focusing on desalination, renewable energy, and wastewater reuse.
The eMobility stage at the summit featured discussions on the future of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving. With transport emissions making up nearly 50% of global emissions, panelists emphasized the need for innovation in battery technology and increased efficiency in EVs to drive adoption. Faisal Sultan of Lucid Motors showcased the company’s advancements in battery technology and efficiency.
Global CMX, an international energy and government relations firm, unveiled its expansion into the UAE and launched a $500 million fund dedicated to renewable energy and green data projects. This portfolio, focusing on energy storage, virtual power plants, and solar projects, is designed to leverage the recently signed UAE-Australia Free Trade Agreement to facilitate cross-border investments.
The World Future Energy Summit also hosted the first-ever IRENA Innovation Day in the Middle East, where experts discussed how digital technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and Digital Twins can accelerate the renewable energy transition. Francesco La Camera, Director General of IRENA, stressed the importance of ensuring that digital transformation does not widen the gap between developed and emerging economies but serves to bridge it.
The summit’s opening day, filled with industry-shaping discussions and showcases, set the tone for the week, with strong participation from global leaders, innovators, and sustainability experts. Key strategic partners of the summit include Masdar, Tadweer Group, Masdar City, Nextracker, DEWA, and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).
