Dubai Charts Course for New Green Economy Frontiers
Dubai will host the 11th World Green Economy Summit on 1 and 2 October 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, underlining its ambition to accelerate global climate action and sustainable innovation. This flagship event, convened by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and the World Green Economy Organisation, will gather industry leaders, policymakers and technical experts around the theme 'Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy'.
Priority areas will span technology and innovation, clean and renewable energy, policy and regulation, finance, climate equity, adaptation and resilience, and youth engagement. Organisers expect over 3,300 participants from more than 30 countries and around 80 speakers, signalling the summit's growing global reach. The seven thematic pillars reflect a strategic focus on data-driven solutions, nature-based resilience and equitable transition measures.
ADVERTISEMENT
Patronage from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, further highlights the summit's stature. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice‑Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of DEWA, emphasises that WGES seeks to 'mobilise climate efforts, leading dialogue and fostering global co‑operation' to drive equitable, low‑carbon development.
The agenda will foreground cutting‑edge AI, IoT and energy storage innovations that enable smarter emissions monitoring and grid management. With a focus on clean energy, sessions will explore scaling up green hydrogen, nuclear power for continuous clean output, and securing ethical supply chains for critical minerals. Regulatory and policy debates will examine the tension between energy security, investment appetite, and evolving carbon market frameworks in key economies including the EU and US.
Climate finance will form a cornerstone of the summit, with attention on mobilising private capital, trust in voluntary carbon markets and instruments tailored for emerging economies. The summit seeks to make financial flows more credible and inclusive. In parallel, sessions on climate equity will scrutinise the unequal impacts of environmental degradation and the potential of AI‑led farming and water management to bolster resilience in vulnerable communities.
Adaptation and resilience themes will address loss and damage finance, nature‑based solutions and early warning systems, while ensuring the needs of marginalised groups are not overlooked. Youth engagement also features prominently, reflecting growing interest in empowering tomorrow's changemakers.
Organisers anticipate that robust public–private partnerships will emerge, with real‑world projects showcased alongside high‑level panels. WGES offers a matchmaking platform intended to link developing nations with investors, climate funds and UN bodies. The event also aligns with the UAE's broader climate agenda, including COP preparations and the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
Dubai's selection as host — complete with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and strong institutional backing — underscores its determination to lead on green economy diplomacy. The city is positioning itself as a nexus for international green policy, innovation and business collaboration.
WGES began in 2014 and has become a key platform for translating dialogue into action. The 2025 edition seeks to reinforce this legacy, delivering concrete solutions and partnerships to advance global decarbonisation, aligned with net‑zero ambitions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
14 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Empower to build new 47,000 RT district cooling plant at Dubai Science Park
Image: Getty Images District cooling services provider Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has signed a contract to design a new district cooling plant at Dubai Science Park, the region's first free zone dedicated to the science sector, hosts hundreds of companies and over 3,000 specialised professionals. It serves as an innovation hub for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational corporations engaged in scientific research and development. According to Empower, the new plant will integrate its award-winning technologies, including thermal energy storage (TES) systems to reduce peak load on the grid and treated sewage effluent (TSE) systems to cut freshwater use in operations. Artificial intelligence applications and other advanced solutions will also be deployed to maximise efficiency and sustainability. Empower currently commands more than 80 per cent of Dubai's district cooling market. The new project forms part of its wider expansion plan to meet the city's growing demand for sustainable cooling solutions. Read: 'Empower is advancing its ambitious expansion plans by building new plants equipped with the latest technologies, under a strategic framework that places sustainability at the core of its operations and emphasises innovation and continuous development. This approach is guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at reducing electricity and water consumption and positioning Dubai as a global hub for the green economy and the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by 2050,' said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower. Bin Shafar added that the project highlights Empower's ongoing commitment to sustainable growth. With its 47,000 RT capacity, the new plant will deliver reliable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly cooling to Dubai Science Park's residential, commercial, and research facilities. 'Empower currently operates 88 district cooling plants across Dubai. This new facility is a significant addition to our capacity and a strategic step that expands the reach of efficient cooling services. It also highlights our vital role in supporting Dubai's environmental and developmental objectives, while solidifying our position as the world's largest district cooling services provider,' he concluded.
Arabian Post
15 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Acwa Power Secures $1.9 Billion Capital Boost
Greenlogue/AP SNB Capital has successfully facilitated the completion of a significant SAR7.1 billion capital increase for Acwa Power, a leading Saudi developer, investor, and operator of power generation and desalination plants. The deal, executed through a rights issue on the Saudi Exchange, marks one of the largest transactions of its kind in the region. The transaction involved the issuance of 33.93 million new shares, priced at SAR210 per share, equating to a 4.63% increase in the company's share capital. SNB Capital, a prominent regional financial institution, played multiple roles, acting as the lead manager, joint financial advisor, and lead underwriter for the deal. ADVERTISEMENT The offering drew substantial interest from investors, with the initial subscription phase seeing an impressive coverage rate exceeding 96%. The rump offering was significantly oversubscribed, garnering five times the demand at an average share price of SAR221.54. This response highlights the market's confidence in Acwa Power's growth trajectory and its strategic position in the power and water sector. Zaid Ghoul, the Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at SNB Capital, expressed pride in supporting Acwa Power through such a landmark transaction. 'This milestone reflects the deep trust our clients place in us to advise on key strategic initiatives,' he said. Acwa Power, which has established itself as a leading player in renewable energy, aims to use the proceeds from the capital increase to fund new projects and further strengthen its position in the global energy market. With a focus on sustainable energy and innovative water solutions, the company is well-positioned to meet growing demand in both sectors, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. The rights issue not only reflects Acwa Power's strong market position but also signals confidence in the broader Saudi economic vision, which places a significant emphasis on renewable energy and sustainability. Saudi Arabia, as part of its Vision 2030, has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for clean energy initiatives, with several large-scale projects underway across the country. Acwa Power's portfolio includes projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, one of the largest single-site solar parks in the world, and the Shuaibah Independent Water and Power Project in Saudi Arabia, one of the largest desalination plants in the region. The company is also expanding its reach into emerging markets, seeking to bring innovative power and water solutions to countries facing infrastructure and resource challenges. The completion of this capital increase strengthens Acwa Power's ability to invest in these growing markets and build upon its reputation as a leader in the energy sector. The company has also gained substantial backing from both institutional and retail investors, further solidifying its credibility and presence in the capital markets. For SNB Capital, this deal further cements its role as a key financial advisor and underwriter in the region's energy sector. Its ability to attract strong investor interest and manage such a large transaction reflects the growing demand for high-value deals in the Middle East's booming infrastructure and renewable energy markets.
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Emiratis living in Hatta to get retail spaces in Sustainable Waterfalls project free of charge for a year
Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta has launched 14 new investment and commercial opportunities at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project. These opportunities, offered through Dubai Municipality, aim to empower local citizens, creating job opportunities, and supporting sustainable economic and social development in the region. All retail spaces at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls will be allocated to Emiratis residing in Hatta, free of charge, for a one-year period — providing a springboard for small businesses and productive families to grow within one of the UAE's most scenic and culturally rich destinations. The initiative supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Hatta Development Master Plan, and the objectives of the Supreme Committee for the Development of Hatta by creating investment opportunities for citizens. It also supports both the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aim to position Dubai among the world's top three cities for tourism, while fostering inclusive economic development and environmental sustainability. Spanning a total area of 750 square metres, the new investment opportunities include: four restaurants, four retail stores and six food and beverage kiosks. The spaces will offer a variety of experiences including Emirati, Arabic, Western, and traditional cuisine, as well as local cafes, equipment rentals, and souvenir and gift shops. These projects aim to stimulate tourism, support local culture, and promote economic self-sufficiency for Hatta residents. Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said, 'For the first time, investment and commercial opportunities are being introduced in the Hatta Dam area, specifically at the Sustainable Waterfalls. This marks a significant step in strengthening the local economy and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs. The initiative creates a supportive business environment that generates unique job opportunities for citizens, fosters new projects, and enables productive families and residents to expand their small businesses. These opportunities will drive Hatta's economic development and open the door for a new generation of entrepreneurs to grow their ventures.' Dubai Municipality invites all citizens residing in Hatta to submit applications at Selection will be based on clear eligibility criteria set by the evaluation committee. The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls is a major tourist attraction within the Hatta Dam area. It features cascading water from the upper dam of the Hatta Hydroelectric Plant flowing over a mosaic mural — the largest of its kind in the world — depicting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The mural spans 2,199 square metres and comprises over 1.2 million pieces of natural marble. WAM
