SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025, which will take place on January 12-18, was launched at the Hilton Yas Island on Thursday.
The premier event will unite global leaders working to accelerate sustainable development and exploit a $10 trillion economic transformation powered by advanced technologies like AI and clean energy.
Key highlights will include the IRENA Assembly, the World Future Energy Summit, the Green Hydrogen Summit, and the Zayed Sustainability Prize, along with the Youth 4 Sustainability initiative.
The annual even is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
During a press conference, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, expressed Masdar's pride in hosting the event since 2008 and stressed the growing importance of ADSW.
He noted that ADSW has become the world's largest sustainability gathering, attracting over 50,000 attendees, including 13 heads of state, 50 ministers, 200+ international CEOs and participants from 175 countries.
Dr. Saif Al Qubaisi, Director General of Regulatory Affairs at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, highlighted the department's role as the Principal Partner of ADSW and its commitment to the UAE's national priorities including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero 2050.
He acknowledged the department's leadership in driving Abu Dhabi's energy transition, particularly through the Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030, which aims to reduce electricity consumption by 22% and water consumption by 32%.
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), highlighted the importance of ADSW 2025 in driving global energy transition and sustainability.
He noted IRENA's partnership with the UAE and the event's role in tackling energy challenges, while discussing AI's potential to enhance energy systems and drive sustainable solutions globally.
Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director, Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar, and Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, explained the Prize's role in driving innovation and transformative solutions.
She said that the prize, which has positively impacted over 400 million lives, will celebrate 11 winners across 6 categories.
Leen Alsebai, General Manager of RX Middle East and Head of the World Future Energy Summit, said the Future Energy Summit is a key global platform for renewable energy, with a focus on groundbreaking solutions, supporting female entrepreneurs, and introducing AI and investment opportunities.
On the sidelines of the press conference, Dr. Faye Alhersh, Head of the UAE Green Hydrogen Business Development activities at Masdar, spoke to Aletihad about the Green Hydrogen Summit.
"This is the third edition of the summit, focusing on how we can accelerate green hydrogen deployment," she said.
"AI plays an important role in the renewable energy sector, specifically in the climate sector, and will help tackle some of the critical challenges we face today."
Dr. Alhersh stressed the importance of collaboration, saying: "ADSW depends largely on collaboration. It shows the UAE's unique ability to bring together policymakers, governments and business leaders to discuss and create impact through new and continued collaborations."
On accelerating the green energy transition, she said: "No single company or country can achieve this on their own. This is why forums like ADSW are so important. Masdar is committed to supporting the global community in tripling renewables."
Dr. Alhersh also spoke about Masdar's Youth 4 Sustainability initiative, saying, "We host more than 3,000 students at ADSW, offering them an opportunity to learn about renewable energy and engage with peers in the sector."
Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer at Masdar, spoke to Aletihad about Masdar's role at ADSW, saying: "We are very proud to host this event for 17 years. ADSW is the right platform for everyone interested in renewable energy - whether from the public or private sector, universities, or non-profits. Decisions, projects and partnerships are made here."
The renewable energy company leverages the annual platform to announce projects, establish new partnerships, and explore innovative technologies to achieve its business objectives.
On Masdar's goals for ADSW, Alobaidli said: "We look forward to meeting new partners and seeing commitments from financing institutions and the public sector to accelerate renewable energy and sustainable solutions.
"Masdar has tripled its capacity since Expo 2020, and we are ahead of schedule for 2030 goals. We are committed to supporting partners in reducing their carbon footprint."