The World Future Energy Summit 2026 in Abu Dhabi highlights the UAE’s strategic shift from oil exporter to global clean energy leader, backed by multi-billion-dollar investments and flagship renewable projects.
Abu Dhabi positions the World Future Energy Summit at the center of the regional energy transition
The World Future Energy Summit 2026 confirms the United Arab Emirates as one of the most influential players in the global energy transition. Once identified primarily as major oil producers and exporters, the UAE are now leveraging political commitment and substantial capital to reshape their international identity.
Held in Abu Dhabi, the annual World Future Energy Summit is the leading clean energy exhibition in the Arab world. The event focuses on renewable energy, clean technologies, energy efficiency and artificial intelligence, now regarded as a key enabler of technological progress across the energy sector.
Rinnovabili at the World Future Energy Summit 2026
Rinnovabili is attending the World Future Energy Summit 2026 with its own stand, as the only Italian media outlet present, to report on the rapid changes taking place across the Gulf region.
The summit runs from January 13 to 16 alongside Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, bringing together more than 450 companies and approximately 50,000 participants from over 150 countries. The program features conferences and networking initiatives focused on renewable energy, AI, electric mobility, smart cities, sustainable finance and the circular economy.
The event also hosts high-level gatherings such as the EU Hydrogen Council Summit and partnerships with organizations including Greenpeace MENA and IRENA, aiming to translate climate ambitions into measurable outcomes.
“This year’s Summit has been deliberately designed to extend well beyond the three days of the event,” said Gareth Rapley, Portfolio Director, Energy and Marine at RX Global. “Through expanded conference programs, new engagement platforms and year-round business generation initiatives, we are building a connected ecosystem that helps ideas move more quickly from discussion to implementation. Our goal is to ensure that partnerships formed here translate into long-term collaborations, investment and measurable progress in the global energy transition.”
Gulf investments signal long-term commitment
The World Future Energy Summit takes place against the backdrop of major financial commitments across the Gulf.
The UAE have pledged USD 54 billion in renewable energy investments by 2030 and announced USD 83 billion in climate-related clean technology financing at COP28. Regionally, Saudi Arabia has allocated USD 270 billion to expand its renewable ambitions and nearly USD 200 billion for climate action through the Saudi Green Initiative.
These figures underline the strategic importance of energy diversification and decarbonization for Gulf economies seeking to balance economic growth with climate responsibility.
Covering the entire clean energy value chain, the exhibition showcases innovative technologies and scalable solutions across solar and renewable energy, hydrogen and clean fuels, water and wastewater technologies, circular economy and waste-to-energy, smart cities and electric mobility, green finance, as well as the rapidly expanding fields of digital energy, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
A 1 GW solar and storage megaproject in the desert
Among the UAE’s flagship initiatives is what is described as the world’s largest renewable energy project integrating solar power and battery storage. Developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company, the project is designed to deliver 1 GW of renewable energy around the clock at a competitive tariff.
The facility combines a 5.2 GW photovoltaic plant with a 19 GWh battery energy storage system. When operational, expected by 2027, the project aims to demonstrate the potential of renewables to provide large-scale baseload power, overcoming solar intermittency.
With a capital investment exceeding EUR 5 billion, the initiative is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs and new manufacturing facilities, while avoiding approximately 5.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Artificial intelligence and startups at the World Future Energy Summit
Innovation is a central theme of the World Future Energy Summit 2026. One of the key areas is FUSE AI, a dedicated pavilion exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming energy systems, infrastructure resilience and climate solutions. Applications showcased include grid optimization, predictive analytics, system efficiency and advanced resource management.
The 2026 edition also introduces The Greenhouse, a startup-focused platform connecting more than 50 early-stage companies with investors, policymakers and industrial partners. The initiative highlights emerging solutions in clean technology, climate tech, mobility and water, reinforcing the summit’s role as a catalyst for commercialization and cross-sector collaboration.
Complementing these innovation platforms, the new Greenpeace Cinema offers an immersive storytelling space designed to expand how sustainability challenges are communicated, pairing environmental narratives with policy discussions, technology presentations and investment dialogue.
