The discussions centred on exploring new avenues for collaboration in clean energy generation, distribution and sustainability, with Al Tayer highlighting the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technologies and international partnerships to address evolving challenges in the global energy landscape.

Al Tayer also noted that the meeting underscores DEWA’s unwavering commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions and building strategic international alliances. He added that collaborations with industry leaders like Shanghai Electric help DEWA to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable future and advance the goals of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.

The partnership between DEWA and Shanghai Electric builds upon a history of successful collaboration. A consortium led by Shanghai Electric – as the main contractor – built the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This is the world’s largest single-site concentrated solar power (CSP) project using the independent power producer model. With an investment of AED15.78 billion, the 950MW fourth phase combines CSP and photovoltaic solar technologies.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, inaugurated the summit, which brought together world leaders, ministers, senior officials, and experts from around the globe.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of WGEO, stressed that WGES has become a pioneering international platform supporting the green economy and strengthening the UAE’s global role in climate action and sustainable development. He noted that the summit provides a space for dialogue on policies and strategies, the exchange of expertise, and the development of innovative solutions that balance economic growth with environmental protection, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

Al Tayer highlighted that this year’s edition was also an opportunity to showcase the UAE’s successful model in achieving harmony between economic progress and sustainability, while sharing key experiences in renewable energy and green technology that reinforce the nation’s leadership in advancing the global green economy.

Practical steps to accelerate the green transition

HE Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The World Green Economy Summit 2025 reflects the UAE’s commitment to translating the outcomes of COP28 into practical steps that support the transition toward a sustainable green economy. It is also a leading global platform for dialogue and partnership-building, where the UAE continues to drive investment in clean energy, reduce emissions, and pioneer innovative solutions that safeguard both economic growth and the environment.”

He underlined that the UAE has established itself as a global model in climate action with landmark strategies such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, complemented by strategic clean energy investments.

A global platform for innovation

HE Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “The World Green Economy Summit embodies the UAE’s forward-looking vision to scale the latest advances in technology across industries along a unified pathway of sustainable growth. Guided by wise leadership, WGES highlights our determination to harness renewable and low-carbon energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable manufacturing as enablers of smart industrial development.”

He added that WGES strengthens the UAE’s position as a catalyst for international cooperation and innovation, accelerating progress toward a low-carbon economy and laying the foundations for sustainable and competitive industries.

Driving global collaboration

HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasised that the UAE remains committed to fostering climate resilience and accelerating the energy transition. He noted that WGES provides a crucial meeting point for leaders and innovators to collaborate, share insights, and forge pathways that bolster growth while safeguarding the planet for future generations.

A firm commitment to sustainability

HE Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The World Green Economy Summit affirms the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable future, where the green economy represents both an environmental necessity and a significant economic opportunity. Through strategic investment in sustainable projects, we can create new industries, generate employment, and demonstrate how sustainability and economic growth advance in tandem.”

She added that frameworks such as the Net Zero 2050 Initiative and the Circular Economy Policy illustrate the UAE’s commitment to long-term sustainable development, underscoring the importance of public-private cooperation in accelerating the transition to a green economy.

Global engagement

WGES 2025 featured a range of high-level sessions, including a ministerial dialogue on ‘Delivering Climate Ambition by 2030 and Beyond – United Action for Green Transition’ with participation from ministers, ambassadors, and delegates from the 91 member countries of the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE).

The summit also hosted a key session titled ‘Advancing the Tangier Declaration: A Road Map for Carbon Neutral Cities in Africa’, which addressed integrating decarbonisation into urban development plans, mobilising climate finance, and developing bankable projects in key sectors. In addition, dozens of expert-led sessions and seminars explored diverse aspects of sustainability, innovation, and green transition.

The winners will be honoured at the 11^th edition of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. WGES, set for 1-2 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will convene a large number of officials, experts and decision-makers in the clean and renewable energy sector from around the world. The summit has been organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Water and Electricity Authority and the World Green Economy Organization.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award embodies the vision of our wise leadership and their commitment to driving the transition towards a green economy and accelerating the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources. The growing participation in the award reaffirms Dubai’s position as a global hub for recognising and attracting innovative and sustainable projects. Moreover, the geographical diversity of participants highlights the award’s pivotal role in convening experts and specialists under one platform, thereby contributing to the advancement of energy and sustainability solutions regionally and globally.”

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award creates new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Previous cycles have demonstrated that it not only recognises outstanding initiatives but also contributes to shaping future directions by encouraging innovative ideas that provide practical solutions to energy and climate challenges.”

Empowering the green transition

The award aims to provide a creative environment that fosters innovation, promotes the adoption of clean technologies and supports the development of effective partnerships between individuals, institutions and specialised organisations. It also opens new horizons for collaboration across multiple fields, including green buildings, sustainable transport, solar energy technologies, digital solutions for consumption management and community initiatives that enhance environmental awareness.

The objectives of the award are aligned with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to provide 100% of the emirate’s energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050. They also reflect global efforts to accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

A global platform for energy innovation

The fifth cycle of the award attracted submissions from 24 countries. The UAE led with 63 projects, followed by Turkey with 37, Egypt with 31, Jordan with 27, Saudi Arabia with 19 and Morocco with 17. The 2025 cycle also witnessed strong participation from Kuwait, Palestine, Algeria, Qatar, Oman, and Yemen, alongside European entries from France, the UK, Germany, Finland, Sweden and Estonia. In addition, remarkable projects were submitted from South Korea, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the US.

A track record of achievements

In its previous cycles, the award has showcased innovative projects in areas such as solar energy applications, energy storage technologies, smart building systems and digital solutions for monitoring and managing consumption. It has also highlighted youth and community-driven initiatives that underscore the importance of awareness and education in fostering sustainability.

Towards a more sustainable future

The distinction and success of the award reflect Dubai’s pioneering role as a model in sustainability and clean energy. With each new cycle, it strengthens its position as an interactive platform for shaping the future of sustainable energy. By honouring pioneering projects and encouraging innovative solutions, the award contributes to accelerating the green transition across all levels and sectors. Amid today’s global climate challenges, the award continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the international clean energy agenda and reinforcing the UAE and Dubai’s leadership and commitment to sustainability efforts, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.