The World Future Energy Summit 2025 will continue to build the blueprint for a sustainable future. (Image source: WFES)

The Middle East’s role as a new global fuels hub, the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in energy industry transformation, and potential pathways to a sustainable and resilient future are a trio of critical issues to be explored when the World Future Energy Summit returns to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 14-16 January as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 (ADSW)

Hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s World Future Energy Summit – now globally recognised as the world’s premier business event focused on future energy and sustainability – will bring together pioneering energy sector minds, policy and decision-makers, and industry innovators to demonstrate, discuss and debate cutting-edge solutions and trends shaping a sustainable and resilient energy future.

The summit will explore broader regional trends, bringing together the global players who can help the UAE achieve its goal of increasing the proportion of clean energy in the country’s overall mix from its current level of 27.83% to 32% by 2030.

“Masdar’s pioneering and innovative track record as the UAE’s clean energy powerhouse provides demonstrable evidence of the UAE’s ambitious clean energy goals and the region’s growing prominence as a sustainability leader,” remarked Masdar CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi. “As a founding host and longstanding supporter of the World Future Energy Summit, we look forward to working with global partners, leaders and innovators to enable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing climate challenges.”

“The World Future Energy Summit is not just another industry event—it’s the heart of innovation and collaboration for building a sustainable energy future at a critical juncture,” added Leen AlSebai, general manager of RX Middle East and head of the World Future Energy Summit. “Energy demands and landscapes are constantly evolving, and our 2025 edition will draw on key trends and learnings from 2024 to continue propelling the industry forward. As we chart a sustainable future, we’ll place special focus on the Middle East’s role in the future of fuels and a carbon-neutral approach to economic growth.”

Summit host, Masdar will emphasise the need for cross-sector collaboration to achieve global energy transition goals in support of the tripling of global renewable capacity set out in the UAE Consensus. The 2025 edition will spotlight how countries across the region and internationally are capitalising on emerging clean energy opportunities. It will feature exclusive sessions exploring the evolving strategies of regional and international energy companies as they lead the charge towards decarbonisation, spurred by commitments made at COP28 in the UAE.

Bridging global and regional clean energy agendas

The summit’s agenda will reflect the UAE’s ambitious clean energy goals and the region’s growing prominence as a sustainability leader. Dedicated conference streams will discuss landmark UAE projects and their contributions toward the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. The event will also highlight the Emirates’ rising stature in the global green hydrogen market, with recent reports ranking it first in hydrogen market readiness in the Middle East.

Faisal Rashid, senior director, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, will take part in a panel discussion on ‘Energy Efficiency: Balancing cost, incentives, and sustainability’, and sees the summit as a key enabler in promoting the UAE’s clean energy strategies. "My main objective is to leverage this international platform to promote energy efficiency and sustainability practices, share our expertise in energy strategy activation, and exchange knowledge with other professionals in the field,” said Rashid. “Participating in this event highlights our commitment to advancing the UAE's clean energy strategy and Net Zero targets. By collaborating with industry leaders and sharing best practices, we can strengthen our position as a key global hub for sustainable energy solutions, driving economic growth while promoting a healthier environment and a better quality of life for future generations."

The conference will also focus on AI and its role in transforming energy ecosystems, given the technology’s potential to optimise energy use, forecast demand, and enhance production efficiency as global consumption levels grow. In-depth discussions will probe how AI can be integrated into energy infrastructure without compromising sustainability efforts.

Elsewhere, participants will have access to six exhibition tracks covering solar energy, EcoWASTE, water, clean energy, smart cities, and climate & environment, while spotlighting regional leaders like Masdar.

Seven conference streams will support the exhibition, providing in-depth discussions on topics such as Pathways to 1.5°C, Water and Food Security, Sustainable Cities, Waste Management, and Green Finance. A dedicated focus on women in energy through initiatives like CLIX will also be under in the spotlight, as well as a deep dive into innovation and the role of entrepreneurs in tackling some of the most critical challenges of our time. The 2025 edition of the World Future Energy Summit will also explore the role of the Middle East in creating a new trade network for clean energy, with key initiatives across the region, featuring UAE-based companies such as ACWA Power, leading the way.

With more than 400 global companies and 350 industry speakers expected to take part, the World Future Energy Summit 2025 will serve as a nexus for investment, innovation and knowledge exchange across industries and is not one to be missed.

Visit the website to learn more by clicking here and register for the conference by clicking here

The event opened on 26 November. (Image source: Big 5 Global)

The 45th Big 5 Global officially began at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together government officials, industry pioneers, and decision-makers to spotlight the MEASA region's construction sector, underscored by US$9 trillion worth of ongoing and upcoming projects.

The opening day of Big 5 Global offered a packed agenda of strategic summits, including LiveableCitiesX, Future FM, and GeoWorld, alongside key events like the Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit and the IFMA Global | Middle East Summit.

On the exhibition floor, some prominent companies secured major deals and forged partnerships

The event also celebrated international cooperation through country pavilions such as Turkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Italy and others.

“The successful opening of the 45th edition of Big 5 Global has been remarkable, as we witnessed an inspiring day of thought-provoking discussions, where leaders from across the industry came together to share insights and ideas for the future of construction. It was also a day of tremendous business activity, with companies signing new partnerships and deals, showcasing the continued growth and importance of Big 5 Global as a hub for collaboration, innovation and opportunity within the urban development and construction sector,” said Josine Heijmans, senior vice president, dmg events.

Würth Group, a global leader in fastening and assembly materials, is unveiling its new division, Würth Construction Gulf, at the Big 5 event in Dubai from 26-29 November. 

This initiative aims to revolutionise the construction sector in the Middle East with innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions, aligned with Dubai’s 2040 vision for urban development.

Leading the announcement, Benjamin Würth, a fourth-generation member of the Würth family, emphasises the division’s focus on enhancing construction practices in the region. Würth Construction Gulf is introducing cutting-edge technologies, agile supply chain solutions, and eco-friendly products tailored to the Middle East's dynamic growth and infrastructure demands.

The division highlights its RELAST system, a state-of-the-art solution designed to extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure such as bridges, showcasing Würth’s dedication to sustainable and resilient construction practices. Würth Construction Gulf is also committed to partnering with regional developers and contractors to deliver bespoke solutions that meet project deadlines and budgets without compromising quality.

As a principal sponsor of the Big 5’s Global Leaders Summit, Würth Group is participating in key discussions on optimising supply chains and infrastructure in the Middle East. The company is sharing its global expertise to drive sustainable, efficient growth while leveraging advanced digital tools and automation.

At the Big 5, Würth’s live product demonstrations offer attendees a firsthand look at innovative solutions designed to tackle the challenges of the regional construction market.

Global urban and construction leaders join high-profile speaker line-up of Big 5 Global and LiveableCitiesX. (Image source: Big 5 Global)

As urbanisation accelerates globally, the need for innovative urban development and construction strategies has never been more urgent, with 80% of the world's population projected to live in cities by 2080, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia

From 26 to 29 November, Big 5 Global, along with co-located events LiveableCitiesX, GeoWorld and Future FM, will host five strategic summits, uniting 1,500 leaders from government and the private sector to shape the future of urban communities.

“As cities in the Global South face challenges like overcrowding and resource optimization, the Global North faces the complexities of aging populations and infrastructure, all which require immediate action. This calls for governments, national vision initiatives and the construction sector to work together and build liveable cities of tomorrow,” said Josine Heijmans, senior vice-president, dmg events. “Big 5 Global, together with LiveableCitiesX, has established itself as the epicentre of thought leadership, uniting visionaries, innovators and policymakers to shape the future of urban development and set the agenda for sustainable growth and resilient infrastructure.”

Regional leaders align with national visions

The urban construction and infrastructure sector across MEASA is booming, with US$6.75 trillion in projects underway. National visions like UAE Vision 2031 and Saudi Vision 2030 are key drivers, pushing forward urban development and economic diversification. Aligning with these goals, Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit and LiveableCitiesX Summit will bring together global leaders from both government and private sectors to lead strategic discussions on innovation, sustainability and the future of urban development.

“The United Arab Emirates stands at the forefront of sustainable global leadership across all sectors, one of them being construction,” said His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE minister of energy & infrastructure. “Our commitment extends beyond dialogue to tangible actions, exemplified by our commitment to adopting global innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of the society. At this year’s Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, I look forward to addressing the significance of public and private sector collaboration in building a future-ready and greener industry as well as promoting collective partnerships, technology and advanced sciences.”

Bringing expertise from Saudi Arabia, high-profile speakers from Red Sea Global, ROSHN, Osool Real Estate, Quality of Life Program Centre, General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information will also join the summits.

International speakers shape global conversations

For the first time in the MEASA region, some of the globally renowned speakers will participate in the summits, bringing perspectives and real-life city use cases that align with global urban development and construction trends.

His Excellency Robert Beugré Mambé, prime minister of Côte d'Ivoire, the largest economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, will be one such speaker delivering a keynote address at LiveableCitiesX Summit. Commenting on his participation, His Excellency said: “The future of our nations lies in building cities that are resilient and liveable, which demands a visionary approach that combines sustainable urban planning with robust infrastructure and deep-rooted community engagement. I am honoured to participate in the LiveableCitiesX Summit, where we will share insights and shape the blueprint for a sustainable and thriving urban future for generations to come.”

In the lead-up to Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, Fred Mills, founder and managing director of The B1M, emphasised the transformative role of construction in shaping the future of cities. He said: “From pioneering energy projects to transformative urban regeneration and vital infrastructure developments, construction is at the heart of progress. In my keynote address at Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, I will share some of the most inspiring examples of how construction is changing the world today and explore what we can do as an industry to enhance our impact, innovate and build our future projects.”

Guided by Saudi Vision 2030, Riyadh continues its journey to becoming one of the most liveable and vibrant cities in the world. The LiveableCitiesX Summit aligns with the municipality’s mission of creating sustainable, resilient cities that enhance quality of life.

"At Riyadh Municipality it is our aim to create vibrant, sustainable and resilient urban spaces, enhancing the quality of life for all residents and enabling the Saudi Vision 2030 agenda. LiveableCitiesX Summit aligns with our mission, as we place well-being, sustainability and livability at the heart of our city’s development," said Eng. Hussain Saud AlSudairy, Deputy Mayor at Riyadh Municipality.

Mohammed Alwabely, vice deputy mayor for iconic projects at Riyadh Region Municipality, remarked, "By leveraging innovative urban design, sustainable practices and community-cantered spaces, we at Riyadh Municipality aim to create an environment that aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, driving both economic growth and enhancing quality of life for all residents.”