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• Under the patronage of UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADSW 2025 featured 13 heads of state and over 140 ministers and government officials from around the globe

• Held under the theme ‘The Nexus of Next. Supercharging Sustainable Progress,’ ADSW 2025 connected over 50,000 attendees, from over 170 countries, to explore pathways for a sustainable and prosperous future for all

• Masdar, host of ADSW, announced landmark renewable energy projects, strengthening the company’s global positioning and demonstrating the UAE’s clean energy leadership

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025 concluded with a renewed global commitment to accelerate sustainable development and deliver a new era of prosperity for all.

Global leaders, including 13 heads of state and over 140 ministers and government officials, as well as over 3,500 business and civil society leaders, convened to advance dialogue on supercharging socioeconomic and environmental progress and unlocking a potential $10 trillion economic transformation opportunity. Taking place from January 12 to 18, ADSW 2025, hosted by Masdar, connected over 50,000 attendees from over 170 countries, to explore pathways for a sustainable future.

Held under the theme ‘The Nexus of Next. Supercharging Sustainable Progress,’ ADSW provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration, focusing on leveraging the convergence of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), energy innovation, and human expertise to drive inclusive, impactful progress. Policymakers, business and civil society leaders, and innovators engaged in a series of events and discussions designed to foster multi-stakeholder collaboration and drive widescale systematic change.

The Opening Ceremony, held on January 14, was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, along with the heads of state and government representing Albania, Azerbaijan, Finland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Uganda and Uzbekistan. The event concluded with the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, which recognized the innovative solutions of 11 pioneering organizations and high schools from around the world. His Highness awarded the winners across the six categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools, for their remarkable achievements, encouraging continued innovation in every corner of the globe.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said:

ADSW 2025 began with the 15th annual Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which took place on January 12 and 13, and was attended by 1,500 delegates, representing 140 countries from IRENA’s global membership. The Global Climate Finance Centre (GCFC), in collaboration with Masdar, hosted its Annual Meeting on 13 January, connecting over 300 professionals and facilitating vital discussions on advancing climate finance

The ADSW Summit, the anchor event of ADSW 2025, featured 34 dedicated sessions over two days, with more than 70 speakers and heads of state including H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, H.E. Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, H.E. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, H.E. Wavel Ramkalawan, President of Seychelles, H.E. Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, H.E. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, H.E. Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, H.E. Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland, H.E. Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Key topics included the global energy systems transformation, the impact of AI and other emerging technologies on universal sustainable development, and the reshaping of global investment patterns through the digital-climate nexus.

The Green Hydrogen Summit, held on January 16 under the theme ‘Accelerating Green Hydrogen: Charting the Course for Industry Scale-Up,’ brought together over 40 industry leaders sharing their insights and driving the adoption of green hydrogen across various sectors. The Summit featured dialogue on unlocking investment potential, sustainable financial models, harmonizing global standards, and identifying concrete steps to accelerate the global uptake of green hydrogen.

Under the theme ‘Igniting a Global Sustainable Economy’, the Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Annual Forum, brought together over 100 international experts from government, industry, nonprofits, academia, and intergovernmental organizations, to explore the transformative role of women entrepreneurs in advancing the global sustainability agenda.

Under the theme ‘Generation Now - Building the Future’, Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S), Masdar’s global initiative to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders, delivered a packed program focused on youth innovation, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in sustainability, community involvement and international representation. The three-day program featured 45 sessions with over 100 speakers and moderators, including three heads of state, and explored how young people can use AI and other emerging technologies to develop climate solutions.

Held under the theme ‘Voices of Resilience: Delivering Inclusive Climate Action’, the Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum brought together an inspiring lineup of speakers to discuss the vital role that indigenous, marginalized and youth communities can play in advancing sustainable development and the power of philanthropy to drive meaningful change. The Zayed Sustainability Prize also hosted Investor Connect, a high-impact networking platform where Prize finalists and winners pitched their solutions to an audience of investors, buyers and other key industry stakeholders. By connecting entrepreneurs with financiers, Investor Connect drives the scaling of innovations that generate a lasting, measurable impact and contribute to a sustainable future.

The World Future Energy Summit took place from January 14-16 at the ADNEC Centre and featured 11 country pavilions and more than 450 exhibitors. The 2025 event saw record-breaking attendance, with significant increases in the participation of female and international speakers, as well as trade buyers. It also provided a dynamic platform for over 55 entrepreneurs and startups to showcase their cutting-edge technologies. Notably, the CLiX showcase highlighted female innovators from around the world who are leading the charge in combating climate change.

Masdar, in collaboration with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), announced the launch of the world’s first large-scale ‘round the clock’ gigascale project combining solar power and battery storage to dispatch renewable energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Delivering up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload power, the project will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS), making it the largest project of its kind in the world.

Masdar also announced its entry into the Philippines market, signing agreements to develop up to 1GW of clean energy projects, covering solar, wind and BESS solutions, in the Southeast Asian nation, strengthening its growing portfolio in the region.

ADSW 2025 concluded with The Festival at Masdar City, which engaged the public in celebrating sustainable solutions and inspiring action through various activities at Masdar Park. The festival attracted over 12,000 attendees over the course of three days.

Key partners for ADSW 2025 included the Department of Energy (DoE), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), World Wide Technology (WWT), Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), EMSTEEL, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Mubadala, Huawei, GE Vernova, HSBC, Agility, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), TotalEnergies, Fertiglobe, 1PointFive, bp, BEEAH, Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and Dii Desert Energy.

Reflecting ADSW’s commitment to driving sustainability, Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) provided this year’s event with Clean Energy Certificates covering the consumption of approximately 305 megawatts (MW) – the required amount to power the event from January 14-16 at ADNEC.

In a landmark step towards advancing sustainability, today at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages Company together with Emerge – a joint venture between UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF Group – inaugurated a 1.8 megawatt solar power plant at its production facility in Al Ain.

The project marks a significant milestone in Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages Company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and renewable energy adoption, aligning with the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and national sustainability ambitions.

The newly activated solar power plant is designed to deliver clean and renewable energy to the facility, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and significantly lowering overall carbon emissions. Utilizing cutting-edge technology such as bifacial panels, advanced inverters, and smart monitoring systems, the plant represents the future of energy solutions in the region.

The plant has the capacity to avoid approximately 1,566 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually – equivalent to meeting the electricity needs of more than 300 homes for an entire year. Additionally, the solar power plant will help reduce the consumption of oil by more than 3,600 barrels per year, underscoring its contribution to environmental conservation.

His Excellency Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, highlighted that sustainability serves as a fundamental pillar of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300 Billion. The strategy aims to strengthen the industrial sector while supporting climate neutrality by encouraging sustainable practices and industrial transformation through the adoption of advanced technologies, enablers, and incentives. These efforts are reflected under the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative, a strategic platform that drives local manufacturing and supports businesses in adopting innovative technologies that promote investment in sustainability.

His Excellency underscored that "Make it in the Emirates" is both an initiative and an annual event, serving as a key platform to showcase the UAE's global competitive advantages to industrial investors on an international level. By attracting manufacturers and investors to the UAE, the initiative boosts local production capabilities, enhances supply chain resilience, and promotes self-sufficiency, particularly in critical strategic sectors such as food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals.

His Excellency also emphasized the strategic partnership between Coca-Cola Al-Ahlia Beverages and Emerge to launch a 1.8 MW photovoltaic solar power plant. This project marks a significant milestone in incorporating renewable energy into manufacturing, aligning with the industrial decarbonization roadmap unveiled by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology during COP28.

Finally, His Excellency invited investors and manufacturers to participate in the fourth edition of the "Make it in the Emirates" Forum, which will be held at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi from May 19 to 22, 2025. This edition is expected to be the largest and most comprehensive yet, featuring over 20,000 participants, 5,000 "Made in UAE" products on display, and, for the first time, a dedicated pavilion showcasing Emirati handicrafts

“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices across our operations,” said Banu Karakullukcu, CEO of Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages Company. “The installation of solar panels at our Al Ain plant is a testament to our shift towards renewable energy. Partnering with Emerge allows us to bring this vision to life and support the UAE’s Green Agenda. This project sets a strong example, and we are eager to implement similar initiatives at our other plants in the region.”

With the completion of phase one, the solar power project meets 18% of Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages Company production plant’s total energy needs with solar power. This year, phase two will add an additional 5%, bringing the total solar contribution to 23%. As part of the partnership with Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages Company, Emerge will operate and maintain the solar energy project for the next 25 years.

“At Emerge, we are committed to supporting organizations to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable on the road to realizing the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. This solar plant is a great example of how innovative clean energy solutions can drive both environmental and business outcomes – in this case, helping Coca Cola Al Ahlia Beverages Company meet their sustainability goals while reducing electricity costs,” stated Michel Ali Saab, General Manager of Emerge.

Renewable energy solutions like the solar power project demonstrate how the UAE is empowering organizations to reduce emissions and align industrial growth with environmental preservation.

Through collaborations like this, Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages Company aims to inspire broader action, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the UAE.

• Two companies, Larsen & Toubro and POWERCHINA selected as preferred Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors for the project, which will be built in Abu Dhabi

• Masdar selects Jinko Solar and JA Solar as preferred suppliers for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and CATL as preferred supplier for the battery energy storage system (BESS) for the combined solar and BESS project – largest in the world

• Masdar, in collaboration with EWEC, is developing the world’s first ‘round the clock’ gigascale combined solar and BESS project, capable of delivering 1GW of continuous clean energy

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader, announced today preferred suppliers and contractors to support the development of the world’s first large-scale ‘round the clock’ gigascale project, which will combine solar photovoltaic (PV) power and battery storage to deliver uninterrupted renewable energy.

JA Solar and Jinko Solar, two of the world's largest PV module suppliers, and CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer and a leading battery energy storage system (BESS) supplier, are preferred suppliers for the project, Masdar announced today at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). Larsen & Toubro and POWERCHINA have been selected as preferred Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors for the project, which will be built in Abu Dhabi.

Letters of Award for the EPC contractors were signed today in a special ceremony at the Masdar Pavilion at ADSW, with Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer, Masdar, signing both. Yu Feng, President of HDEC International, signed for POWERCHINA, with Gao Fei, Vice President of POWERCHINA MENA Headquarter, witnessing. The Letter of Award for Larsen & Toubro was signed by A. Ravindran, Senior Vice President & Head - Renewables IC, with T. Madhavadas, Whole Time Director & Sr. Executive Vice President (Utilities), witnessing.

Masdar, in collaboration with EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company), announced at ADSW that it is developing the gigascale project, capable of delivering up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload power 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The project will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS, making it the largest solar and BESS project in the world.

Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer, Masdar, said:

Jinko Solar and JA Solar are preferred suppliers for PV modules amounting to 2.6GW capacity each, with both companies utilizing the latest TopCon technology with optimized parameters for maximum efficiency and production for 30 years.

CATL, as preferred supplier for the BESS, would supply its leading TENER technology for the total capacity of 19GWh, which features all-round safety, a long service life, and a high level of integration, ensuring the reliable, stable operation and high efficiency of the entire project lifetime.

 

The solar PV and BESS facility will provide unparalleled stability and efficiency by overcoming the intermittency of renewable energy. The 19GWh battery storage facility will enable seamless integration of solar power into the grid. This initiative also supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and the facility will play a transformative role in energy systems, ensuring the UAE continues to lead by example in delivering towards the historic UAE Consensus agreed at COP28.

Since its establishment in 2006, Masdar has been a key enabler of the UAE’s vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action. The company has developed and partnered in projects in over 40 countries, with a mandate to increase its renewable energy portfolio capacity to 100GW by 2030 and to become a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year.

• UAE’s clean energy leader signs implementation agreement with the Department of Energy and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Board of Investments of the Republic of the Philippines to develop up to 1GW of renewable energy projects by 2030

• Signing ceremony witnessed by HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, and Raphael P. M. Lotilla, Secretary of Energy of the Philippines, on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025

• Projects will support Philippines National Renewable Energy Program target of 35% renewable energy in power generation by 2030

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader, has announced its entry into the Philippines market, signing agreements with the government of the Philippines to develop 1 gigawatt (GW) of clean energy projects to strengthen its growing portfolio in Southeast Asia.

The Implementation Agreement with the Department of Energy and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Board of Investments of the Republic of the Philippines covers the development of solar, wind and battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a total capacity of up to 1GW by 2030.

The signing ceremony of both agreements was witnessed by HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar and Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Secretary of Energy of the Republic of the Philippines. The Implementation Agreement was signed by Undersecretary Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Republic of the Philippines Department of Energy, and Masdar’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, with the MoU exchanged between the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates, Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, and Masdar’s CEO.

The agreement, which will support the Philippines Energy Transition Program to achieve 35 percent renewable energy in power generation by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040, operationalizes the MoU on Energy Transition Cooperation signed in November 2024 between the Philippines and the UAE during the working visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the country, which identified renewable energy as an area of collaboration.

HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, said:

Raphael P. M. Lotilla, Secretary of Energy at the Philippines Department of Energy, commented:

Secretary Lotilla further emphasized that the landmark partnership underscores the Philippines’ commitment to a clean energy future. By integrating renewable energy into the country’s energy mix on an unprecedented scale, the Administration of President Marcos Jr. is enhancing energy security while laying a strong foundation for sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship. With Masdar’s support, the Philippines is setting a new benchmark for energy transition in the region.

Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary at the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry, and Board of Investments Managing Head, commented:

Masdar Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, said:

The agreement marks Masdar’s entry into the renewables sector in the Philippines. Southeast Asia is a key investment destination for Masdar. The company has developed the region’s largest floating solar facility in Indonesia – the 145MW Cirata Floating Solar PV plant – which is generating enough electricity to power 50,000 homes. In February 2023, it entered the geothermal energy sector through a strategic investment in Pertamina Geothermal Energy. Masdar also signed a landmark agreement with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in 2023 for the development of 10GW of clean energy projects across the country.

Since its establishment in 2006, Masdar has been a key enabler of the UAE’s vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action. The company has developed and partnered in projects in over 40 countries, with a mandate to increase its renewable energy portfolio capacity to 100GW by 2030 and to become a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year. It has set a target of 1 million tonnes per annum of green hydrogen or equivalent derivatives in the UAE and globally within a decade.

• Masdar’s operational, under construction and advanced pipeline capacity grew from 20GW to 51GW between 2022 and end of 2024.

• Landmark deals in Spain, Greece and the United States also helped double Masdar’s portfolio capacity.

• Masdar deployed close to $8 billion in equity in 2024, in addition to raising over $4.5 billion of project financing across nine countries.

• The UAE clean energy leader successfully developed seven major projects worldwide and inaugurated the largest wind farm in Central Asia.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, the UAE’s clean energy leader – has announced that it has significantly increased its overall renewable energy capacity by 150 percent to 51GW by the end of 2024, up from 20GW in 2022. This achievement establishes Masdar as a global clean energy leader and well on track to achieving its ambitious target of 100GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Masdar’s operational, under construction and advanced pipeline capacity grew from 20GW to 51GW between 2022 and the end of 2024. It comes as Masdar’s portfolio of operational, under construction and committed capacity also rose in just 12 months from 16.5GW to 32.6GW by end of 2024.

In 2024 alone, Masdar deployed close to $8 billion in equity investments and secured more than $4.5 billion of project financing across nine countries, enabling the development of projects totaling over 6.5GW of new capacity. These accomplishments reflect Masdar’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio while driving the global energy transformation.

Masdar’s growth was advanced by landmark acquisitions in Greece, Spain and the United States, strengthening the company’s presence in Europe and North America, as well as breaking ground on seven major projects worldwide. These included two BESS projects in the UK, two solar projects in Azerbaijan with a combined capacity of 760MW, and the 1.5GW Al Ajban Solar Project in the UAE.

Masdar also announced the financial close of six projects, including the 1.1GW Al Henakiyah Solar Power Plant and multi-utility AMAALA sustainable project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as 760MW solar projects Bilasuvar and Neftchala in Azerbaijan.

Additionally, Masdar signed a Power Purchase Agreement in December 2024 for the 2GW Sadawi project in Saudi Arabia, and inaugurated the 500MW Zarafshan Wind Farm in Uzbekistan, now the largest operation in Central Asia.

The company successfully issued its second green bond, raising $1 billion, with a 4.6x oversubscription underscoring strong investor confidence in Masdar’s vision and performance. It came after Fitch upgraded Masdar’s credit rating to AA- from A+, demonstrating the confidence in the health of the company’s finances.

His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar, said:

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said:

Since its establishment in 2006, Masdar has been a key enabler of the UAE’s vision as a global leader in sustainability and climate action. The company has developed and partnered in projects in over 40 countries, with a mandate to increase its renewable energy portfolio capacity to 100GW by 2030.

• Masdar City formalized the agreement with Masdar during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

• The Link is a key component of Masdar City’s ‘green-print’ for sustainable urban development, and its components comply with comprehensive sustainability criteria

• The development incorporates innovative design features to minimize its environmental footprint, and is being constructed to LEED Platinum, WELL Gold, 4 Pearl PBRS Estidama and LEED SmartPark Silver standards

Masdar City, a leading hub for innovation and sustainability in Abu Dhabi, is proud to announce that Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), the UAE’s clean energy leader, will establish its new global headquarters at The Link, an innovative, 30,000-square-meter development that seamlessly integrates living and working spaces with advanced technological infrastructure. The agreement underscores the continued synergy between the two entities and reinforces Masdar City's position as a leading hub for sustainable business and innovation.

The announcement was formalized through an agreement signed during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which brings together global leaders in Abu Dhabi to accelerate sustainable development and advance socioeconomic progress.

The Link is a key component of Masdar City’s ‘green-print’ for sustainable urban development, and its components comply with comprehensive sustainability criteria. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the mixed-use development comprises five commercial and residential buildings including the first net-zero energy shared working and living facilities under one roof in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director Sustainable Development of Masdar City, said:

Tareq Al Qubali, Executive Director, People and Corporate Services of Masdar, said:

Designed as a central node connecting various modes of transport and all areas of Masdar City, The Link fosters a unique community by integrating offices, residential areas, co-working spaces, a visitor center, and a multi-use hall to create a diverse and active community for all demographics. The development incorporates innovative design features to minimize its environmental footprint, and is being constructed to LEED Platinum, WELL Gold, 4 Pearl PBRS Estidama and LEED SmartPark Silver standards.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today attended the official opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). Taking place mainly at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), ADSW is an annual global platform focused on accelerating sustainability efforts and advancing socioeconomic progress in the UAE and worldwide.

The ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; along a number of sheikhs and senior officials.

Numerous heads of state also attended, including Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan; William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya; Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda; Bola Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand; Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia; and Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland; alongside other dignitaries and senior officials.

The UAE President welcomed world leaders and experts to ADSW as they convene to address sustainability challenges, expand dialogue, and intensify efforts to develop solutions to build a more sustainable future for coming generations.

His Highness emphasised that ADSW serves as a vital platform in bringing together global leaders, pioneers, and experts to address pressing sustainability challenges, develop strategic frameworks, and craft innovative solutions to ensure a prosperous future for all.

His Highness underscored that sustainability is a cornerstone of the nation’s strategies, as the UAE continues its unwavering efforts to harness resources and capabilities to drive global sustainable economic and social development.

Expanding on the UAE’s approach, His Highness highlighted that ADSW demonstrates the nation’s dedication to adopting and leveraging advanced technologies to transform energy systems and accelerate economic and social progress. By drawing on diverse expertise, skills, and resources, the UAE aims to support global energy ambitions, overcome challenges, and secure sustainable energy supplies that enhance energy security and foster stability and wellbeing for communities around the world.

The opening ceremony commenced with the UAE national anthem and featured a captivating film that underscored the critical importance of integrating advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, with the energy sector and human expertise to drive innovation and foster a sustainable future.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, delivered the opening address, extending a warm welcome to His Highness and heads of state and other distinguished guests. He praised the UAE leadership for their unwavering support in positioning ADSW as a premier global platform for advancing sustainable development.

He stated, "Guided by the vision and unwavering support of our leadership, the UAE has offered the world a practical model for a transformative journey from the present to the future. Our nation has excelled in seamlessly blending its rich heritage and traditions with a forward-thinking approach to adopting groundbreaking innovations. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, our nation’s Founding Father, exemplified this spirit by making the impossible not just possible, but inevitable, transforming arid sands into fertile lands and laying the foundations for the UAE’s rise as a global leader in the energy sector.

"Today, the visionary leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inspires us to push boundaries and achieve new heights. Under His Highness’ guidance, we have reached remarkable milestones in renewable energy, including developing the world’s largest single-site solar power plant and a globally pioneering desalination facility. In wind energy, we have further cemented our leadership with wind farms designed to withstand harsh maritime conditions and operate efficiently at low wind speeds."

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber highlighted that the UAE has reached a transformative milestone in nuclear energy with all four units at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant becoming operational, setting a global benchmark for clean and reliable power generation. He also underscored the UAE’s pioneering achievements in AI, from establishing the world’s first postgraduate university dedicated to AI research to launching strategic investment platforms such as MGX.

On the UAE’s accomplishments in space exploration, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber remarked, "We sent a probe to Mars, but we won’t stop there. Soon, we will launch a mission to the asteroid belt with the 'MBR Explorer' and deploy the 'MBZ-Sat' satellite to study and map our planet."

Dr. Al Jaber emphasized that the directives of His Highness the UAE President have been the guiding force behind these achievements. He added that His Highness’ visionary call for collaboration and unity has fostered multilateral cooperation, transforming doubt into determination and fear into resolve. This collective spirit culminated in the delivery of the historic UAE Consensus at COP28, uniting the world in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Dr. Al Jaber referenced the launch of a record-breaking project in the UAE that will help overcome the issue of intermittency, one of the largest challenges for renewable energy. Masdar, in collaboration with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company, is developing the world’s first solar power facility capable of providing renewable energy at scale, around the clock, 24 hours a day.

The first major event on the global sustainability calendar, ADSW is taking place under the theme ‘The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress.’ Throughout the week, policymakers will join leaders from business and civil society to connect, debate, and explore pathways to fast-track the world’s transformation to a sustainable economy that enhances prosperity for all.

As part of an engaging program of high-profile sessions, forums, partner-led events, and high-level networking opportunities, ADSW will address the need for widescale systemic change, connecting energy, data, finance, trade, and natural ecosystems to drive exponential and sustainable growth while exploring innovative ideas and transforming them into actionable, impactful solutions.

The ADSW program began with the successful conclusion of the IRENA General Assembly on January 12-13, followed by the Global Climate Finance Forum on 13th January, setting the stage for high-level discussions. The ADSW Summit, taking place today and tomorrow, is driving critical dialogue on pressing global sustainability challenges.

Momentum will continue with the World Future Energy Summit and Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Forum running from 14-16 January, the Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy (WiSER) Forum on 15th January, and the Green Hydrogen Summit, Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum, and Investor Connect on 16th January. ADSW will culminate with the Masdar City Festival on 17-18 January, celebrating innovation and community engagement in sustainability.

In the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) today announced the launch of the world’s first large-scale ‘round the clock’ gigascale project, combining solar power and battery storage in Abu Dhabi.

The launch was announced by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, and His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ.

The launch marks a pivotal moment in the clean energy transformation, allowing renewable energy to be dispatched 24 hours a day, seven days a week, reaffirming the UAE’s position as a global pioneer in renewable energy deployment.

Delivering up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload power every day generated from renewable energy, it will be the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) in the world.

Located in Abu Dhabi, the project will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS, setting a global benchmark in clean energy innovation.

His Excellency Dr, Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, said,

This initiative demonstrates the remarkable scale and ambition of the UAE's energy transformation, delivering clean energy to power advancements in emerging technologies. The world-leading project reflects the vision and commitment of the UAE leadership in driving socioeconomic and environmental progress.

His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said,

Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said,

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said,

The solar PV and BESS facility will provide unparalleled stability and efficiency by overcoming the intermittency challenges of renewable energy. The 19GWh battery storage facility will enable seamless integration of solar power into the grid.

By integrating state-of-the-art renewable technologies with energy storage solutions, this landmark project exemplifies the UAE's commitment to scaling innovative clean energy solutions to meet evolving energy demands. This initiative also supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and the facility will play a transformative role in energy systems, ensuring the UAE continues to lead by example in delivering towards the historic UAE Consensus agreed at COP28.

• At opening of ADSW 2025, HE Dr. Al Jaber unveils world’s first renewable and battery storage facility to provide uninterrupted power, at scale, around the clock in Abu Dhabi. Unwavering support of UAE leadership enables breakthrough to “moonshot challenge” of intermittency.

• Masdar and EWEC partner on largest of its kind megaproject combining 5.2GW of Solar PV with 19GW hours of battery storage to produce 1GW of continuous baseload renewable energy.

• Calls for all stakeholders, industries and governments to unite around a single path to unlock growth, drive sustainable economic progress and unleash unprecedented economic opportunity.

• Global megatrends of AI and growth of emerging markets driving power demand from 9,000GW to over 15,000GW by 2035 and could reach 35,000GW by 2050.

• Dr. Al Jaber declares world is at “nexus of next”- a watershed moment that holds the opportunity to supercharge socioeconomic progress driven by megatrends

• Despite gains in renewable energy adoption, surge in global energy demand requires a diversity of energy options.

• Policies and regulations that prematurely reduce energy options are self-defeating. Energy and sustainability are not opposing forces, they are essential partners, Dr. Al Jaber says.

• Abu Dhabi’s XRG will help respond to emerging energy needs across the entire value chain, including gas, chemicals, low carbon fuels and energy infrastructure.

At the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 and the awards ceremony of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Masdar Chairman, called for a new approach to unlock growth, drive sustainable economic progress and unleash unprecedented economic opportunity. At the first major international event of 2025, he noted that the world stands at a pivotal moment for progress driven by the global megatrends of emerging market growth, exponential rise of Artificial Intelligence and transformation of energy systems. Together these trends will require a diversity of energy sources to supercharge sustainable progress.

H.E. Dr. Al Jaber was speaking in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Addressing an assembled audience which included 13 heads of state and over 140 ministers and government officials, he highlighted the UAE’s energy leadership - with world firsts and landmark achievements in solar, wind, nuclear, and AI, thanks to the far-sighted guidance of His Highness, the President of the UAE, and the legacy of the UAE’s founding father Shiekh Zayed Al Nahyan.

World stands at a pivotal moment

“As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. We are standing at the edge of two worlds, the world as we know it, and the world as it could be. This is a moment that I like to call ‘the nexus of next,’” HE Dr. Al Jaber said.

He emphasized that the world was poised at an inflection point driven by three powerful forces: the growth of emerging markets, the fundamental transformation of our energy systems, and the exponential growth of AI; with the potential to not just accelerate progress, but to “put progress into overdrive”.

UAE advancing leadership in energy, space and international diplomacy

HE Dr. Al Jaber said the UAE embodies “the nexus of next” as a nation uniquely positioned at the intersection of tradition and transformation, made possible under the legacy of the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed. Turning to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Dr Al Jaber continued,

“This legacy of leadership continues to this day. Your Highness, you are constantly inspiring us to break new ground. Under your guidance, we have set records in solar. From the biggest single site power plant to a world-leading desalination plant. We have set the pace in wind, creating wind farms that can operate in rough seas and at low speeds. We have set the bar in nuclear, with all four units of the Barakah plant fully operational. We have set benchmarks in Artificial Intelligence, from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the first ever home-grown university entirely dedicated to AI, to strategic investment vehicles like MGX. We have set foot in space, sent a probe to Mars and we are not stopping there. We will soon send a mission to the asteroid belt with the MBR Explorer, and we will map our planet with our own satellite, MBZ-SAT.

“And it was your call for unity that nurtured multilateralism, allowed determination to conquer doubt and brought the world together to deliver the historic UAE consensus at COP28,” HE Dr. Al Jaber added.

Overcoming the barrier of renewable energy intermittency

HE Dr. Sultan noted that intermittency has been for decades one of the biggest barrier facing renewable energy, the ability to source constant power 24 hours a day, but thanks to a record-breaking UAE project, that barrier had been overcome.

“For decades, the biggest barrier facing renewable energy has been intermittency. It has been the moonshot challenge of our time. How can we power a world that never sleeps with energy sources that do? How can we transform renewable resources into reliable power? Today, we have an answer. Excellencies, colleagues and friends, I am pleased to announce the launch of the world’s first renewable energy facility capable of providing renewable energy, at scale, around the clock.

“In partnership with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company, Masdar is combining 5.2GW of solar capacity with 19GW hours of storage to produce 1 GW of uninterrupted clean power. This will, for the first time ever, transform renewable energy into baseload energy,” HE Dr. Sultan added.

Calls for a diversity of energy options to meet the world’s future energy demands

He highlighted the power surge being created by the three global megatrends, and particularly the growth in AI, creating unprecedented demands on power production.

“Before AI took off, power demand was already on track to grow from 9,000 to over 15,000GW by 2035. But with apps like ChatGPT growing by half a billion visits every month and using ten times as much energy as a google search, demand by 2050 could reach as high as 35,000 GW. We are talking about a 250 percent increase. I am sure you would all agree that no single source of energy can meet this demand.”

HE Dr. Al Jaber outlined the need for a diversity of energy options to ensure energy security and energy access for billions. In this regard he noted the newest addition to Abu Dhabi’s diversified energy portfolio, XRG. XRG is an energy investment company that will help respond to emerging energy needs across the entire value chain, including gas, chemicals, low carbon fuels and diverse energy infrastructure to ensure all energy- electrons and molecules- can get to the end user.

“In a world where a billion people still lack access to energy, we need to have a diversity of energy options. And allow me to be clear, policies and regulations that prematurely reduce those options are just self-defeating. Simply put, we need an and-and approach.

Highlighting the Zayed Sustainability Prize that puts people at the heart of progress

HE Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the importance of placing people at the heart of progress for the benefit of lives and livelihoods as embodied by the Zayed Sustainability Prize.

“The nexus of next means putting people at the heart of progress. It means uniting to address global challenges. And it means recognizing that no discovery is worth making unless it helps humanity and improves lives. That is what the Zayed Sustainability Prize is all about. Thanks to the Prize, every day, somewhere in the world, a village drinks clean water for the first time. A child is able to study under solar-powered light. A farmer harvests crops from land that was once barren. This continues the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, who believed that the future we are creating is not just about generating power — it's about empowering people.”

Setting a new path which unlocks growth, driving prosperity and unprecedented economic opportunity

In closing, Dr Sultan appealed for unity in charting a new path and new narrative that unites energy access and sustainability, calling for a new approach and new ways of thinking.

“For too long we have been trapped in a false choice between energy access and sustainability. This 'either-or' thinking is paralyzing progress. It is time to change the narrative. The truth is, energy and sustainability are not opposing forces. They are essential partners. The choice is not between two paths - it's about creating a new path, together. A path that unlocks growth, drives prosperity and unleashes unprecedented economic opportunity. A path that delivers the nexus of next.”

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Hub will participate in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025 from 14-16 January at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Y4S, Masdar’s global initiative to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders, will deliver a packed programme at ADSW 2025 focused on youth innovation, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in sustainability, community involvement and international representation. The programme will explore how young people can use artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies to develop climate solutions.

Hosted by Masdar, the Y4S Hub will be held under the theme of Generation Now - Building the Future, and will explore technology, sustainability and youth entrepreneurship by empowering youth to engage with government officials, industry leaders, investors, experts and their peers.

The Y4S Hub offers a dynamic programme centred around five key pillars: Unlocking Potential, Driving Progress; Innovating for the Energy Transformation; Empowering Entrepreneurs for a Resilient World; Cultivating STEM Skills for a Sustainable Future; and Fostering Global Collaboration and Cultural Exchange.

Mohamed Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said:

The Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Hub will host the Annual Y4S Forum, which includes dynamic interactive sessions, engaging debates, insightful panels and inspiring keynotes featuring leading experts, entrepreneurs and innovators. It will also host Out-of-Labs, an innovation marketplace showcasing cutting-edge climate technologies and net-zero solutions developed by startups and student projects including Y4S participants; as well as Youth Connect, a series of hands-on workshops covering climate literacy and engaging youth climate negotiation simulations; and Innovate 4 Climate (I4C) Pitch Day, where young innovators will pitch their innovative solutions for water scarcity.

Since 2018, Y4S has hosted four editions of the Y4S Hub during ADSW, welcoming more than 3,000 global youth from around the world and featuring over 200 speakers, including more than 40 heads of state and 65 industry partners. Y4S has also been active in international events, including providing delegates for COP28 in the UAE, which was the first COP to appoint an official Youth Climate Champion.