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UAE – April 7, 2025, Dubai Today marked the official start of the 49th edition of Middle East Energy (MEE), which brought together global energy executives, innovators, and policymakers for three days of high-level discussion and cooperation aimed at influencing the energy sector’s future at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), gave a stirring introductory speech to kick off the event, highlighting the UAE’s trailblazing position in the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
Under the inspiring direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Al Tayer described the UAE’s unwavering dedication to the clean energy transition. The UAE is on track to reach 20 GW of green energy by 2030, with 5.6 GW of nuclear power and 6 GW of renewable energy already online.
He also highlighted significant achievements of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which intends to significantly reduce carbon emissions and increase the proportion of clean energy to 30% of the country’s energy mix by the end of the decade.
Among the flagship initiatives is the National Hydrogen Strategy, positioning the UAE as a global frontrunner in low-carbon hydrogen. The strategy targets the production of 1.4 million metric tons of mixed blue, green, and pink hydrogen by 2031, with ambitions to scale up to 15 million metric tons by 2050.
“Innovation and partnerships are the cornerstone of our shared energy future,” Al Tayer remarked, emphasizing collaboration as essential to accelerating progress.
Global Energy Leaders Share Vision
The opening day also featured a series of addresses by international dignitaries, highlighting global efforts toward clean energy transition.
He Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum and Energy of The Gambia, shared his country’s achievements, including the completion of its first 225 kV transmission line, a new national control center, and a 23 MW solar project equipped with an 8 MW battery system. The Gambia is illuminating 645 of 1,900 towns and moving on with plans for a 250 MW solar power expansion, with the goal of providing universal access to electricity by 2026.
The significance of public-private cooperation in energy innovation was emphasised by Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, the vice chair of the UN Working Party on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and president of the World Association of PPP Units and Professionals. He promoted dynamic partnership models that prioritise the public good, reward innovation, and encourage long-term flexibility.
The significance of public-private cooperation in energy innovation was emphasised by Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, the vice chair of the UN Working Party on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and president of the World Association of PPP Units and Professionals. He promoted dynamic partnership models that prioritise the public good, reward innovation, and encourage long-term flexibility.
The Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Mohamed Ouhmed, spoke on behalf of Morocco and emphasised the significance of UAE-Morocco energy relations. He described Morocco’s initiatives to increase electric transportation and treble investment in renewables, highlighting the country’s need for scalable PPP frameworks to meet these objectives.
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), closed the session by spotlighting IRENA’s Innovation Week 2025 and its New Generation Renewable Energy Accelerator Programme. He reaffirmed IRENA’s mission to support young entrepreneurs and innovators in driving clean energy solutions to meet global climate objectives.
Middle East Energy 2025 continues through April 9, promising a packed agenda of panels, exhibitions, and thought leadership around the next era of sustainable power.
