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• Senior decision-makers gather to advance global dialogue on women’s leadership in sustainability, as WiSER hosts its Annual Forum during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026

• High-level participation from ministers, ambassadors and international leaders underscores the Forum’s role in shaping inclusive growth across policy, finance, innovation and governance

• WiSER marks milestone with the launch of its 10-Year Impact Report, showcasing a decade of empowering women to drive climate, policy and economic solutions

More than 120 influential figures gathered to advance dialogue on women’s leadership in sustainability and inclusive development at an annual forum held by WiSER, a global platform founded by Masdar and Zayed Sustainability Prize. The event took place on Wednesday, January 14, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026.

Held under the theme, “Inclusive Pathways for Transformative Growth,” the Forum featured a series of high-level roundtable discussions examining how women’s leadership can drive systemic change, with a focus on inclusive finance, policy and governance reform, scaling innovation, advancing skills for the future of work, redefining leadership norms, and strengthening inclusive foresight to build long-term resilience. It welcomed participation from across government and international institutions, including H.E. Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia.

Commenting on the importance of the Forum, H.E. Lucia Witbooi said: “Inclusion is the foundation of sustainable progress. When women are empowered to lead at the highest levels, institutions become more responsive, decision-making more balanced, and development more resilient. Global platforms like the WiSER Annual Forum play a vital role in ensuring that women’s voices help shape the policies and systems that define our collective future.”

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and WiSER Program Director, said:

During the Forum, WiSER launched its 10-Year Impact Report, marking a decade of advancing gender-inclusive leadership across the global sustainability agenda and setting out its vision for the decade ahead.

Since its launch in 2015, WiSER has grown into a globally recognized platform shaping the next generation of women sustainability leaders. Over the past decade, it has empowered more than 150 women through its flagship Pioneers program, delivered over 565 hours of structured one-to-one mentorship, and mobilized a global network of 35+ mentors and 85+ strategic partners

Beyond the numbers, WiSER’s impact is reflected in the lived outcomes of the women it supports. Drawn from more than 30 countries, WiSER Pioneers are translating ideas into action, launching clean energy enterprises, shaping climate and energy policy, advancing innovation, and driving solutions that strengthen communities on the ground. Alumni have gone on to influence decision-making in government and industry, contribute to global forums such as the Conference of the Parties (COP), and apply technical expertise in ways that improve access to energy, water, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Through its annual forums, summits, and policy dialogues across six continents, WiSER has convened over 4,000 influential voices from government, industry, academia, and civil society, building a powerful pipeline of inclusive leadership. Working with partners worldwide, WiSER channels insights from these collaborations into white papers, podcasts, and dialogues that shape policy, industry practice, and everyday decision-making.

The 10-year milestone also marks the launch of WiSER’s next phase, a renewed vision for the decade ahead. Looking toward 2035, WiSER will expand its global footprint, deepen alumni engagement, scale field-based programs such as WiSER Cares, and strengthen policy advocacy to accelerate women’s leadership in sustainability worldwide.

WiSER’s journey demonstrates that gender equity is not peripheral to sustainability, it is foundational to progress. As the platform enters its next decade, it calls on governments, businesses and civil society to partner in building a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.

To download the full report and learn more, visit: https://masdar.ae/-/media/corporate-revamp/downloads/wiser/celebrating-10-years-of-wiser-impact-report.pdf

• Under the patronage of UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ADSW 2026 featured 15 heads of state and over 400 ministers and government officials

• Held under the theme ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,’ ADSW 2026 attracted over 60,000 attendees to address sustainability challenges and deliver systems transformation

• 2026 edition strengthened ADSW’s position as world’s largest sustainability gathering, and highlighted the UAE’s clean energy leadership

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 concluded its largest edition with a renewed commitment to accelerate real-world solutions and drive sustainable progress.

Held under the theme ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,’ over the course of five action-packed days the world’s largest sustainability gathering challenged leaders across energy, finance, food, water and nature to rethink how these global systems connect, scale and reinforce each other.

Most ambitious ADSW ever

Fifteen heads of state and government and over 400 ministers and government officials, more than double last year’s number, convened with business and civil society leaders in Abu Dhabi from January 11-15 to advance dialogue on sustainability issues. ADSW 2026, hosted by Masdar, a global clean energy leader, attracted over 60,000 attendees during the week, 20 percent more than last year’s edition. The week featured more than 240 dedicated sessions, with over 800 speakers, addressing key trends including global energy systems transformation; food, nature and water security; and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.

ADSW 2026 introduced new features designed to deepen engagement, including new platforms, and AI-enabled engagement tools to capture insights and connect delegates, and showcased breakthrough clean technologies reshaping global resilience.

Delivering at scale

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

Opening Ceremony – corridor to future

The Opening Ceremony, held on January 13 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, along with: H.E. Faustin-Archange Touadéra, President of the Central African Republic; H.E. Michael Randrianirina, President of Madagascar; H.E. Daniel Chapo, President of Mozambique; H.E. Lucia Witbooi; Vice President of Namibia; H.E. Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria; H.E. Ferdinand Marcos, President of Philippines; H.E Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal; H.E. Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia; H.E. Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of Seychelles; H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa; H.E. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; H.E. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo; H.E. Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia; H.E. Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro; H.E. Jamshid Khodjayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

UAE leadership

Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, gave the opening address for ADSW 2026, highlighting the tectonic shift in the world’s economy, driven by AI; the UAE’s leadership in providing energy to power growth; and the country’s radical approach to partnership. Dr Al Jaber hailed a new era of human progress driven by computational power and digital capability, and underpinned by energy, and emphasized the role the UAE would play in that new era as the “corridor to the future.”

Inspiring the next generation

The event concluded with the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, which recognized innovative solutions developed by changemakers across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. A total of 11 awards were given out to pioneering organizations and high schools across the world, with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed personally presenting the winners with their awards.

Summits and Dialogues

The anchor event of ADSW 2026 was the ADSW Summit, which took place January 13-14, featuring over 100 speakers across more than 30 dedicated sessions, including keynote addresses, panel discussions and fireside chats, enabling energy, business, and technology leaders to identify impactful solutions and forge lasting partnerships. In the Leadership Segment, held on both days of the Summit, Heads of State and government addressed the most pressing challenges and opportunities in sustainable development.

The ADSW Dialogues program, held January 13-15, convened global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts, with partners including ADNOC, BlackRock, Global Climate Finance Centre, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Key Dialogues included the Next Leap, chaired by Dr Al Jaber, Larry Fink, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock, and Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairman and CEO of GIP, which brought together global leaders to align on bankable, scalable infrastructure solutions accelerating partnerships and investment across the Global South.

Hosted by Masdar, the Next Watt dialogue convened CEOs from the largest renewable energy developers, including Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, with key suppliers and offtakers to identify practical pathways to meet soaring electricity demand with clean, reliable power.

The Green Hydrogen Summit, held on January 15, provided a platform for key stakeholders to collaborate on accelerating the global hydrogen economy. The summit featured 28 industry leaders, addressing issues including securing demand, unlocking investment, global shipping and the state of the green hydrogen landscape.

The World Future Energy Summit, the largest event at ADSW, took place from January 13-15 at the ADNEC Centre, featuring 515 exhibiting brands and 16 country and innovation-led pavilions. Over the three days, attendees had the opportunity to join conferences led by 300-plus industry experts, explore nine exhibition halls showcasing breakthrough products and solutions and discover cutting-edge technologies through the Greenhouse startup zone, FUSE AI and the Green Hydrogen Innovation Hub.

New platforms

This year, ADSW introduced new platforms to provide greater scope to address key issues. The inaugural Global South Utilities Forum, which took place January 14, convened policymakers, developers, financiers, and off-takers from the Global South and the UAE to discuss advancing investment, innovation, and the delivery of sustainable power and water infrastructure across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. A ministerial dialogue focused on how governments are translating policy vision into bankable infrastructure, while later sessions addressed deploying technology at speed and scale, renewables, energy storage and off-grid systems, and the growing role of industrial off-takers beyond traditional utilities.

ADSW also featured the Blue Forum, convened through the partnership between Masdar and the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference in the UAE this December. Held on January 15, the event brought together leaders from government, multilateral organizations and development banks, business and civil society to unlock transformative opportunities for a water-secure future, driving technology, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Masdar: Celebrating 20 years of progress

Masdar, host of ADSW, celebrated 20 years of clean energy leadership by announcing its total renewable energy portfolio has reached 65 gigawatts (GW), up from 51GW at the start of 2025, two thirds of the way to its 2030 target of 100GW. Of the 65GW portfolio, 45GW is operational, under construction, or committed, with a further advanced pipeline of 20GW.

Masdar also made a series of announcements throughout the week, strengthening its presence in key markets including Uzbekistan, Oman and Sharjah, and expanding its footprint in Africa, with the signing of its first power purchase agreement in Angola.

Youth and Women empowerment

Held January 13-15, the Youth 4 Sustainability Forum and Youth Hub, brought together more than 3,500 young people from around the world, connecting them with 95 speakers from government, industry, and academia with initiatives such as Youth Connect and Talent Connect. The 2026 cohorts for the Y4S Future Sustainability Leaders and Sustainability Ambassadors programs were announced during the event while the last day also featured the final stages of the Out-of-Labs competition. The challenge brought together teams to showcase AI-enabled solutions addressing real-world challenges spanning technology and sustainability.

Held under the theme, “Inclusive Pathways for Transformative Growth,” the annual WiSER Forum took place on January 14, bringing together over 120 influential figures to advance dialogue on women’s leadership in sustainability and inclusive development. The forum focused on inclusive finance, policy and governance reform, scaling innovation, advancing skills for the future of work, redefining leadership norms, and strengthening inclusive foresight to build long-term resilience.

Partner events

ADSW 2026 kicked off with the 16th annual International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly, which took place January 11-12, and was attended by over 1,500 delegates, including ministers, government officials, CEOs and partners from across the world. Decision-makers and leaders discussed key issues related to energy transformation, inclusive development, and long-term resilience in both developing and developed countries, amongst other topics.

The Global Climate Finance Centre Annual Meeting was held January 15, in collaboration with Masdar, connecting over 280 professionals with more than 20 speakers, and facilitating dialogue on advancing finance for climate action.

Key ADSW 2026 partners included the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Global South Utilities, ADNOC, World Wide Technology (WWT), Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), EMSTEEL, Aldar, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), TotalEnergies, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

For more information, please visit http://www.adsw.ae

• CareCircle, developer of an AI-powered assistant that streamlines nursing workflows with real-time documentation, wins Y4S Out-of-Labs competition

• Youth-led innovation takes center stage at ADSW as Out-of-Labs showcases breakthrough solutions that address real-world challenges

• Teams developed AI-enabled solutions across Agriculture, Energy, Water, Fintech, and Health

Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S), Masdar’s global initiative to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders, has announced the winners of its Out-of-Labs pitch competition at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026.

This year’s winning team was CareCircle, who developed an AI-powered assistant that streamlines nursing workflows with real-time documentation, task management, and automated shift reports.

Al Fali, who created a smart irrigation system to optimize water use through real-time monitoring, leak detection, and irrigation control, came second, with AgriLink, developer of a digital trust and financing platform for smallholder farmers to access credit through verifiable community-backed data, placing third.

Out-of-Labs, Y4S’s innovation platform, is designed to bring young innovators, university researchers, and startups together to showcase AI-enabled solutions addressing real-world challenges spanning technology and sustainability. The program’s scope includes ideation and validation, prototyping and design, and business model development, ending with a project showcase and live pitch at the Y4S Forum and Hub at ADSW.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar, commented:

The other finalists were:

• AS42: A sustainable data center cooling solution using PCM–algae technology to significantly reduce energy use and emissions.

• ⁠HSG: A water-efficient hydroponic system with gravity simulation to support sustainable farming in arid environments and space research.

• ⁠Makina AI: A predictive maintenance platform that translates complex machine data into actionable insights to reduce downtime in manufacturing.

• ⁠⁠ReteIntel: An AI-driven smart building platform that optimizes HVAC performance, predicts maintenance, and improves energy efficiency.

Hosted by Masdar and supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy as Principal Partner, the Y4S Forum is designed to inspire, empower, and prepare young people to lead with purpose and innovation, with a program that positions the next generation at the heart of sustainable growth.

Youth 4 Sustainability is a long-term leadership and talent platform. Since its inception in 2018, Y4S has engaged 46,800+ young people. More than 880 members have graduated from over 30 nationalities, including 120 graduates in 2025 alone.

To learn more about Youth 4 Sustainability visit www.Y4S.ae.

Dii Desert Energy unveils MENA Energy Outlook 2026i: Middle East North Africa finally enters the “exponential phase of growth” adding 15 GW of solar PV and wind capacity in just one year; the UAE continues to set global benchmarks, most notably with the start of construction by Masdar in partnership with EWEC of a 5.2 GW solar park coupled with 19 GWh of battery storage to deliver 1GW baseload renewable power; Saudi Arabia breaks global cost records with lowest prices for solar, wind and BESS.

Dii Desert Energy, a leading energy transition think tank in the MENA region since 2009, is delighted to present its flagship annual report ‘MENA Energy Outlook 2026 - Renewables, Hydrogen and Energy Storage Insights 2030’. The key findings of the report were launched at the World Future Energy Summit during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, hosted by Masdar.

Building on the success of the inaugural MENA Energy Outlook 2025 released last year, this 2026 edition serves as a critical update, showing faster growth than even optimistic models. The peer-reviewed report provides a comprehensive status across all relevant energy transformation technologies and countries in MENA. At the same time, a forward-looking picture with different scenarios of the energy transformation in MENA by 2030 has been modelled, leveraging insights from the decade-and-a-half-long Dii Renewable Projects Database, the MENA H2 tracker and the Energy Storage Projects database.

H.E. Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said:

He added:

Cornelius Matthes, CEO of Dii Desert Energy, said:

The report identifies a definitive breakthrough: the MENA region has officially entered an exponential phase of deployment. While it took five years for the region’s installed renewable capacity to grow from roughly 14 GW in 2020 to 30 GW in 2024, the market has surged in 2025, adding nearly 15 GW of new capacity in just 12 months.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of global clean energy leader, Masdar, said:

Dii Desert Energy's unique insights and close connection to the latest developments in projects and markets make this report an invaluable resource for understanding the current landscape and future trajectory of renewable energy, hydrogen and energy storage in the MENA region.

Key findings from the report include:

• Entering the exponential phase: The region has added nearly 15 GW of capacity in 2025 alone, a massive leap compared to the growth recorded between 2020 (14 GW) and 2024 (30 GW).

• Projects pipeline surge: The total pipeline of projects has reached 202 GW, surpassing the 'Balanced Transition' scenario (165 GW) forecasted in the previous edition. This represents a significant acceleration, with the identified pipeline growing by 54% from the 131 GW recorded just one year ago.

• UAE & Masdar leadership: the UAE solidifies its position as a renewable energy powerhouse, ranking second in the region with 7.5 GW of operational capacity. This leadership is underpinned by bold new ambitions to reach 22 GW by 2031 and world-record execution: Masdar, in partnership with EWEC, is developing a 5.2 GW solar park integrated with 19 GWh of battery storage, the largest and most technologically advanced system of its kind and a world-first breakthrough for delivering clean around-the- clock power at giga-scale.

• KSA delivers record low prices: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leader in the region, tripling its installed RE capacity and achieving global record low levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) for both technologies: 1.09 USDcent/kWh for solar PV (dipping below 1 EURcent/kWh) and 1.33 USDcent/kWh for wind. This cost leadership now extends to energy storage with capital costs in the range USD 73–75 per kWh.

• Hydrogen: Development continues at a more realistic pace, but execution is visible. The flagship NEOM Green Hydrogen project is now 80% complete. Furthermore, the newly announced Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub (developed with Germany's EnBW) reinforces the strong energy connection between the MENA region and Europe.

• Iraq emerges: Iraq is transforming into a gigawatt-scale market, with a target of 12 GW by 2030 and a massive pipeline as well as projects already under construction

• Central Asia catching up: Late starters like Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are showing dynamic growth. These nations are becoming strategic hubs, with plans to connect central Asia through the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, which already has a direct link to the European Union.

You can download the full report at www.dii-desertenergy.org/publications.

• Blue Forum kick starts year of discussions on global water action in preparation for the 2026 UN Water Conference in December

• Global ministerial-level delegation, including President of Seychelles, and high-level business leaders, convene at the Forum held at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

• Major report on Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability unveiled, featuring input from 120+ global Heads of State, Ministers, and C-level experts

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, a global clean energy leader, and the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), a global non-profit organization connecting governments, multilateral institutions, and business leaders, successfully concluded the Blue Forum today, marked by significant international partnerships aimed at fostering cross-border collaboration in sustainability.

Convened through the partnership between Masdar and the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), the event at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week brought together leaders from government, multilateral organizations and development banks, businesses of all sizes as well as influential voices from society in the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa to unlock transformative opportunities for a water-secure future, driving technology, resilience, and sustainable growth.

These included H.E. Patrick Herminie, President of Seychelles, with keynote addresses from H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and H.E. Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of APEC Secretariat.

As part of its broader convening role at the Forum, SIEF hosted the launch of the ‘ClimateTech In Focus: Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability’ report, with inputs from over 120 Heads of State, Ministerial and C-level experts globally. The report examines how AI transforms climate mitigation and adaptation in practice, and what it takes to translate technical capability into scalable sustainability.

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

William Wang, Chief Representative for Middle East and Africa at SIEF said:

The Forum highlighted the significance of the blue economy as a climate imperative and an economic frontier, spanning oceans, seas, rivers, and aquifers as climate change intensifies pressure on freshwater and marine systems. It convened global leaders to advance innovation across water management, desalination, blue carbon, sustainable shipping, coastal infrastructure, and ocean innovation, acting as a bridge between trade, investment, and sustainability agendas.

Throughout Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, SIEF maintained a strong and visible presence across multiple formats, hosting a number of other events during ADSW, including a Sustainable Fashion Show curated by Alice Ho with designers from the UAE, UK, Hungary, China and Lebanon, a Climate and Sustainability Photography Exhibition, a reception for the 10-year anniversary of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the SIEF Innovation Pavilion, which featured robotics and other high-tech demonstrations.

• 2026 Sustainability Ambassadors and Future Sustainability Leaders cohorts selected from more than 1,500 applications across both programs

• Year-on-year growth reflects rising demand for sustainability skills, coding and climate innovation, mentorship, and community impact opportunities

• More than 100 young people selected for programs, representing more than 20 nationalities, announced at the Y4S Forum, part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S), Masdar’s global initiative to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders, has announced it received record applications for its 2026 Sustainability Ambassadors and Future Sustainability Leaders (FSL) programs.

Announced at the Y4S Forum, part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with Abu Dhabi Department of Energy as Principal Partner, Y4S received almost 600 applications for the Sustainability Ambassadors program, more than double the amount from a year earlier, with 50 young people selected, representing 10 nationalities. Emirati youth comprised 76 percent of the group. Sustainability Ambassadors, all aged 15-18, take part in expert-led sessions that introduce core sustainability concepts, including renewable energy, the circular economy, sustainable agriculture and sustainability in finance, with Code 4 Climate equipping young people with digital and coding skills that enable them to create climate technology solutions that address real world challenges.

The Future Sustainability Leaders program provides young leaders aged 19-35 with access to high-level sustainability discussions and opportunities to engage with decision makers and industry experts through structured mentorship. The 2026 cycle received 988 applications, up 32 percent from a year earlier, with 54 participants selected, including 48 UAE residents.

Through mentorship, Future Sustainability Leaders receive guidance from industry professionals and thought leaders, strengthening their confidence and technical understanding, and ultimately improving their future career prospects. Reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration, Future Sustainability Leaders participate in volunteer initiatives and take part in the Beyond Borders Program, which provides opportunities for cross cultural learning, dialogue and global engagement.

“The record number of applications received for the Youth 4 Sustainability programs this year shows that young people are eager to play their part in driving the global energy transformation. The Y4S programs provide them with the skills, networks, and mindset they need to drive sustainable progress, helping them to turn passion into action, and intent into impact, shaping a more resilient future.” said Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand and Strategic Initiatives at Masdar.

The record growth across both programs underscores rising global demand for sustainability leadership. By combining technical learning, mentorship, and community impact, Y4S ensures young people are equipped to shape a more inclusive and resilient future.

The three-day Y4S Forum at ADSW 2026 is designed to inspire, empower, and prepare young people to lead with purpose and innovation, with a program that positions the next generation at the heart of sustainable growth.

The Department of Energy is responsible for the planning and direction of Abu Dhabi’s energy sector. Its role includes enacting policies and regulations and developing strategies to ensure an effective energy transition that underpins Abu Dhabi’s sustainable growth, all while protecting consumers and minimizing negative impact on the environment.

To learn more about Youth 4 Sustainability visit www.Y4S.ae.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, opened Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, highlighting the tectonic shift in the world’s economy, driven by AI; the UAE’s leadership in providing energy to power growth; and the country’s radical approach to partnership.

Dr. Al Jaber was speaking in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and addressing an assembled audience that included heads of state, ministers and government officials.

At the first major international event of the year, Dr. Al Jaber hailed a new era of human progress powered by computational power and digital capability, all underpinned by energy.

“Artificial intelligence is rewiring every industry, reshaping every sector and resetting expectations for global growth,” Dr. Al Jaber said. “While the world is changing around us, one constant remains. And that is energy. Every algorithm, every data center, every breakthrough in advanced technology needs power to drive it. Simply put, there is no artificial intelligence without actual energy.”

Over the next 15 years, data centre power demand will increase sixfold, Dr. Al Jaber said. Energy demand will accelerate across all other sectors, with air travel doubling and 1.5 billion more people set to live in cities, driving increased need for cooling, heating, mobility, and industrial production.

“Meeting all this demand responsibly, reliably and affordably means coming to terms with reality,” Dr. Al Jaber said. “Over 70 percent of this energy will still come from hydrocarbons.” This should be seen not as a constraint, he told the assembled audience, but rather as a catalyst. “Sustainable progress is not about slowing down growth, it is about designing a better engine.”

The UAE has structured its economy to meet this new reality, Dr. Al Jaber said, being a nation where “that engine for growth is grounded in pragmatism, guided by farsighted leadership, powered by ambition and built for the long term. We are a nation that plans with patience, acts with prudence, and invests with discipline.”

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted a “foundational truth” in his address, that “the world still needs molecules to make electrons. That is why we have always invested in both and fused them into a single integrated system: from the carbon-efficient molecules of ADNOC to the clean gigawatts of Masdar; from the largest solar projects ever built, to the first solar plants that work around the clock; from nuclear energy to custom-tailored wind turbines that work at low speed.”

The UAE also applies technology “system-wide,” Dr. Al Jaber said. “AI is no longer a tool we add at the margins; it has become the operating system of our industrial strategy. We are embedding AI across our energy and industrial base to optimize every barrel, every megawatt, every production line.”

Dr. Al Jaber praised President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his vision in founding Masdar, the host of ADSW. “Exactly 20 years ago, Your Highness, you took a bold strategic decision to invest in renewables” he said, adding that Masdar has gone on to develop renewable energy projects in more than 40 countries globally and play a key role in driving renewable energy costs down more than 90 percent.

Dr. Al Jaber revealed that Masdar is now more than two thirds of the way to its target of 100 gigawatts (GW) portfolio capacity.

“Twenty years of Masdar is proof of what’s possible when visionary leadership sets a clear direction, does not waver and stays the course.”

Critically, the UAE is “an open platform for partnership,” practicing “radical collaboration,” Dr. Al Jaber said. “We are never distracted by the noise of the moment. We are always focused on the work of a generation. Our word is our currency. Our consistency is our strength. Our record is our credibility.”

Dr. Al Jaber called out directly to the “CEOs, technologists, investors and policymakers” in the audience, highlighting that the UAE offers “what serious investors value most: stability; steady leadership; long-term vision; policy clarity; advanced logistics; world class financial services; and smart capital.”

The UAE can provide access to energy and high-tech infrastructure “in abundance” and its “ease of doing business is backed by good governance and rule of law”.

“If you want to engineer the future, this is where that work is happening,” he declared. “The corridor to the future runs through here: where gigawatts of power meet terabytes of data, where energy meets intelligence, and where progress is not promised – it is delivered.”

The UAE has chosen to be “a nation of peaceful coexistence,” based on substance and action, Dr. Al Jaber said. “We move forward with confidence because we know who we are and what we seek to achieve. We believe the future is shaped through wisdom, hard work and sound stewardship. And we believe people are the ultimate purpose. In a world shaped by technology, it is our values that remain our North Star, guiding how we invest, how we build and how we partner.”

Dr. Al Jaber reflected on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president and Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates. “Sheikh Zayed defined progress by one standard alone: human dignity,” Dr. Al Jaber said. “He believed that leadership is measured not by wealth or power, but by the difference made in people’s lives.”

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, which holds its Award Ceremony today, was established in the late Sheikh Zayed’s honor in 2008 to continue his legacy of promoting sustainability, inclusivity and global development. To date, the Prize has positively impacted the lives of more than 400 million people across the world, Dr. Al Jaber noted.

“This prize is not symbolic, it is practical, and it is deeply human,” he said. “The Prize has saved lives, and it has changed lives – permanently, for the better. That is the power of legacy multiplied through action.”

Dr. Al Jaber concluded with a direct call to the audience: “Bring your ambition, your ideas, your capital and your technology, and put them to work where progress is powered, opportunity is operationalized and partnerships are permanent. The future of sustainable human progress is waiting, and its address is Abu Dhabi.”

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week is an annual global platform that brings together leaders, policymakers, and experts to advance practical solutions for sustainable development in the UAE and around the world.

The opening ceremony was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs.

Also present were His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; along with a number of Sheikhs, ministers, senior officials, heads of state and government representatives, as well as sustainability experts, specialists, and guests from around the world.

During the ceremony, His Highness welcomed participants to Abu Dhabi and noted that Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week reflects the UAE’s role as a convening platform for dialogue and action, bringing together governments, businesses and investors to turn shared ambitions into practical outcomes.

He also highlighted the rapid growth of advanced technologies and the digital economy, emphasising the role of innovation, particularly artificial intelligence, in improving efficiency, strengthening resilience and supporting inclusive economic growth.

The opening ceremony commenced with the UAE national anthem and featured a film focused on the importance of achieving integration across systems and sectors to build a sustainable future.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, delivered the keynote address, welcoming Their Highnesses, heads of state, ministers and summit guests and expressing appreciation for the UAE leadership’s continued support for clean energy and sustainable development.

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the UAE’s pragmatic, results-driven approach to growth, noting that international cooperation and leadership in energy, industry and advanced technology remain central to the country’s long-term vision.

Held under the theme ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,’ Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 brings together stakeholders from the energy, finance, food, water, and environmental sectors to advance integrated solutions that strengthen resilience and accelerate impact across interconnected systems.

This year’s programme focuses on emerging priorities such as AI-enabled energy systems, climate finance, and innovations that support food and water security. By convening leaders and experts across these sectors, ADSW 2026 aims to establish a global model for deepening cross-sector collaboration and delivering tangible outcomes.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week runs until 15 January. The programme includes the IRENA Assembly (11-12 January), the ADSW Summit (13-14 January), and a series of fora and exhibitions taking place throughout the week, including the ADSW Dialogues, World Future Energy Summit, the Youth For Sustainability (Y4S) Forum (13-15 January), the annual WiSER Forum and Global South Utilities Forum (14 January), the Green Hydrogen Summit, the Zayed Sustainability Prize Investor Connect, the Blue Forum, and the Global Climate Finance Centre Annual Meeting (15 January).

• Masdar’s capacity reaches 65GW, two-thirds of the way to the company’s 100GW 2030 target

• US$45bn invested to date, with a further US$30-35bn to be deployed this decade

• Masdar will continue to pursue a technologically and geographically diversified strategy while prioritizing projects that offer strong, resilient financial returns

• 2025 delivered world-first round-the-clock renewables, major offshore wind milestones and expansion across Europe, Asia and the Middle East

• Speaking at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026, HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber pays tribute to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for the vision behind Masdar

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, a global clean energy leader, today announced that its renewable energy portfolio capacity has reached 65 gigawatts (GW), up from 51GW in 2025, marking two decades since the UAE made the strategic decision to invest early in clean energy.

Of the 65GW portfolio, 45GW is operational, under construction, or committed, with a further 20GW of advanced pipeline, placing Masdar two-thirds of the way to its 100GW by 2030 target.

A disciplined, diversified approach to expansion

To deliver the next phase of growth, Masdar will deploy an additional US$30-35 billion in equity and project finance by 2030, adding an average of 10GW of new capacity each year. This expansion will be funded through a disciplined mix of equity, green bonds and long-term project financing secured against high-quality assets.

As its portfolio scales, Masdar will maintain a geographically and technologically diversified footprint, with its equity investment split broadly across renewable technologies and weighted toward high-growth, investment-grade markets.

20 years of leadership: Positioned to capture the growth in energy demand

Through long-term partnerships, innovation, and US$45bn in investment, Masdar has helped drive down costs, increase efficiency, and overcome structural challenges such as intermittency, helping make renewables the cheapest and fastest way to deploy new electricity capacity globally.

Today, Masdar is one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewables worldwide, with platforms for growth in the world’s most commercially attractive, fast-growing energy markets. The company is well-positioned to capture the anticipated growth in energy demand, driven by electrification, economic growth, and the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence.

Redefining the role of renewable energy

Masdar’s growth in 2025 was marked by landmark projects and transactions that accelerated its global expansion and strengthened its diversified portfolio. In the UAE, Masdar and EWEC broke ground on the world’s first gigascale round-the-clock renewable energy project, combining a 5.2GW solar PV plant with a 19GWh battery energy storage system, to provide dispatchable clean power at scale.

In Europe, Masdar completed the 100 percent acquisition of TERNA ENERGY in Greece, strengthened its ongoing partnership with ENEL and Endesa in Spain, completing a €368 million solar PV acquisition, and reached financial close with Iberdrola on the €5.2 billion East Anglia THREE offshore wind project in the United Kingdom, one of the largest offshore wind financings of the past decade.

Masdar’s offshore wind footprint continued to grow with the full energization of the 476MW Baltic Eagle wind farm in Germany, marking the first operational milestone in its partnership with Iberdrola in the German offshore wind market.

Beyond Europe, Masdar entered high-growth markets in Southeast and Central Asia, signing agreements for 1GW of projects in the Philippines, a 200MW floating solar project in Malaysia, and Uzbekistan’s largest standalone battery energy storage system at Zarafshan.

In 2025, Masdar further strengthened its balance sheet in 2025 through the issuance of its third green bond, bringing the total issuance to around US$2.75 billion.

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 developed and invested in renewable energy projects in more than 40 countries globally, supporting energy security, economic diversification and sustainable growth worldwide.

• ADSW 2026 set to be the world’s largest sustainability event

• Global attention turns to Abu Dhabi, as Heads of State, ministers, business leaders, investors and innovators set to convene to address sustainability challenges and deliver system transformation

• Under the theme ‘The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go’, ADSW 2026 will drive collaboration across interconnected systems, including energy, finance, food, water and nature

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, hosted by Masdar, begins next week, convening Heads of State, ministers and government officials, alongside business leaders, investors, and innovators, to address the most critical sustainability challenges and deliver a roadmap for global progress.

Speaking at a press conference today, Masdar Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi emphasized that ADSW is now the world’s largest sustainability gathering, with the 2026 edition set to be the biggest and most ambitious to date.

Taking place next week, ADSW 2026 aims to set a new global benchmark for collaboration and measurable impact. The event will challenge leaders across energy, finance, food, water and nature to rethink how these systems connect, scale and reinforce one another.

Masdar’s CEO was joined by H.E Francesco La Camera, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Mohamed Saleh Alhadhrami, Energy & Water Efficiency Performance Director – Department of Energy Abu Dhabi – ADSW’s principal partner, Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO, Global South Utilities (GSU); Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director for Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and for the Zayed Sustainability Prize; and Leen Alsebai, General-Manager, RX Middle East and Head of the World Future Energy Summit.

Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), said:

His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Al Falasi, Executive Director of Energy Efficiency Sector, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said:

Ali Alshimmari, Managing Director and CEO of Global South Utilities, Headline Partner of ADSW, said:

Leen Alsebai, General-Manager, RX Middle East and Head of the World Future Energy Summit said:

Deepening Engagement

ADSW 2026 is introducing new features, including new platforms and AI-enabled digital systems to capture insights, and will feature breakthrough clean technologies, including never-before seen energy, water and digital solutions.

The ADSW 2026 agenda includes:

• IRENA Assembly, January 11-12

• ADSW Opening Ceremony, January 13

• 17th Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards, January 13

• ADSW Summit, January 13-14

• ADSW Dialogues, January 13-15

• World Future Energy Summit (WFES), January 13-15

• Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Forum and Hub, January 13-15

• WiSER Forum, January 14

• Global South Utilities Forum, January 14

• Blue Forum, January 15

• Global Climate Finance Centre Annual Meeting, January 15

• Green Hydrogen Summit, January 15

• Zayed Sustainability Prize Investor Connect, January 15

For more information, please visit: http://www.adsw.ae