Latest news with #UICCA
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New Energy Investor Summit Middle East 2025 unites global leaders to accelerate green investments
This landmark event aims to bridge the gap between capital and renewable energy projects, spotlighting the UAE's pivotal role in the global energy transition and positioning Abu Dhabi as the Capital of Green Capital. Abu Dhabi, The New Energy Investor Summit Middle East 2025 convened at ADGM bringing together global policymakers, project developers, investors, and sustainability pioneers to catalyse investment in green energy and decarbonisation initiatives across the Middle East and beyond. This landmark event aims to bridge the gap between capital and concrete climate action, spotlighting the UAE's pivotal role in the global energy transition. The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in high-level discussions, fostering partnerships and exploring investment opportunities in renewable energy, hydrogen, and sustainable infrastructure. The event attracted regional and global leaders in climate finance and energy transition at ADGM, positioning Abu Dhabi as the Capital of Green Capital. The summit, themed 'Bridging the Gap Between Capital and Projects', opened with a keynoteaddress by Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President & CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA). During the inaugural keynote, Her Highness stated: 'A substantial gap exists between the amount of finance needed to achieve our ambitious net zero goals, and where we stand today. Platforms like the New Energy Investor Summit are vital to unlocking capital, driving innovation, and strengthening collaboration. Similarly, initiatives like the UICCA's UAE Carbon Alliance, Policy Hack series, and its Launchpad programme, are all part of a broader effort to build a robust, inclusive climate ecosystem. By aligning public and private efforts, we can accelerate investment in clean technologies and advance carbon markets to support climate action – while growing the green economy.' Session 1: High-Level Dialogue on Global Policy, Regulation and Investment The first session explored national and regional frameworks that support decarbonisation and investment. The topics included the alignment of energy policies with international climate agreements and regulatory incentives to accelerate renewable energy adoption. Participants examined the role of financial regulators, as well as how national infrastructure planning can align with long-term decarbonization goals and efforts towards energy transition. Keynotes were delivered by H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority, and Horst H. Mahmoudi, Executive Chairman of Smartenergy, with expert insights from Dipak Sakaria (UAE Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure), Petra Schwager (UNIDO), Cornelius Matthes (Dii Desert Energy), Wael Almazeedi (Avance), and Hector Perea (XRG). H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, CEO of ADGM Registration Authority, said: 'The New Energy Investor Summit reinforces ADGM's position as a global leader in climate innovation and further solidifies Abu Dhabi's role as the home of Green Capital. As the world faces an urgent demand for climate action, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the need to connect investment with innovation, has never been more critical. Today, we are building the bridges that will link capital with climate solutions, align ambition with tangible action, and unite policymakers, investors, and innovators'. Horst H. Mahmoudi, Executive Chairman of Smartenergy, said: 'Our venture into the UAE is a strategic decision to place Smartenergy at the nexus of the world's emerging new energy hubs. Under its visionary leadership, the UAE is spearheading the worldwide push towards clean and renewable energy. We are committed to supporting these initiatives by catalysing green molecule markets. The New Energy Investor Summit is helping us to create a bridge between continents to capitalise on the emerging opportunities offered by the current renewable energy market.' Session 2: Transcontinental Synergies MEA-Europe This session explored strategic cooperation between the Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Europe in building integrated green value chains and achieving shared climate targets. Topics include transcontinental hydrogen corridors, harmonizing certification standards for green molecules, and the role of intergovernmental agreements in unlocking cross-border trade and investment. Speakers addressed joint R&D initiatives, infrastructure co-development, and the importance of political and international alignment to create predictable, long-term frameworks for decarbonization. Keynotes were presented by H.E. Lucie Berger, EU Ambassador to the UAE; H.E. Arthur Mattli, Swiss Ambassador to the UAE and Bahrain; and Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe. Panelists included Capt. Saif Al Mheiri (AD Ports Group), David Smith (Marubeni), and Dimitrios Dimitriou (EMSTEEL Group), Siddharth Malik, CEO (Jindal Renewables) and Anas Aljuaidi, (Mannesmann Energy) who discussed cross-border collaboration and investment in clean hydrogen, infrastructure, and climate technology. Session 3: Supply and Demand – Scaling up Green Molecule Production The third session addressed the industrial-scale production of green molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF). As green hydrogen emerges as a pivotal solution in the global race to decarbonize, and given the increased demand for energy, this session explored the financial, technological, and geopolitical dimensions of scaling up hydrogen ecosystems. Keynotes were presented by Andreas Michael Feil, First Secretary, German Embassy UAE, Dr. Alejandro Rios Galvan (SAF Consultant), Andrès Isaza (Smartenergy). The panel featured Dr. Sami Kamel (Dutco Cleantech), Raghu Viswanathan (Smartenergy), Alexandros Kosmas, (Airbus), Pedro Amaral Jorge, (APREN) and Alexis Rostand (Eiffel Investment Group). Session 4: Bridging the Gap – Financing Mega-scale Green Molecule Projects This session delved into the critical financial frameworks and instruments needed to bring mega-scale hydrogen and green molecule projects from vision to reality. Speakers addressed the bankability of large-scale infrastructure investments, evolving risk-sharing mechanisms, and innovative financing models including blended finance, sovereign guarantees, and green bonds. The discussion highlighted how multilateral institutions, export credit agencies, and private capital can align to unlock billions in green infrastructure. With global demand for low-carbon fuels accelerating, the session explored how transparent regulatory environments and long-term offtake agreements can de-risk investments and catalyze global capital flows into the MENA region. A keynote was presented by Nabil Ayoun, Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA). The panel featured Mohamed Hesham, (2PointZero), Gido Van Graas, (FAB), Maheur Mourali (the Arab Energy Fund), Karim Mourad, (ADIA) and Sami Neffati (Investcorp). A Platform for Action The summit underscored the UAE's leadership in advancing sustainable finance and innovation. It provided a vital forum for aligning policy, capital, and technology to accelerate the region's energy transition. With participation from global investors, government officials, and climate experts, the event fostered actionable dialogue on green project development, financing mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships. Panel discussions explored investment opportunities in green hydrogen, cross-border collaboration between the Middle East and Europe, and the role of private investment, technological progress and public-private partnerships in accelerating the energy transition. About the New Energy Investor Summit Middle East Organized by leading industry bodies and supported by regional authorities, the summit serves as a catalyst for sustainable investment in the Middle East. By bringing together key players in the energy sector, the event aims to facilitate the deployment of clean technologies and promote economic diversification and energy transition, aligned with environmental goals. Hosted by ADGM and Smartenergy, the New Energy Investor Summit Middle East serves as a premier platform for connecting capital with climate-positive projects. It aims to mobilise investment in renewable energy, clean technology, and decarbonisation strategies, supporting the UAE's vision for a sustainable, net-zero economy. The New Energy Investor Summit Middle East will be held annually. Next year's edition is scheduled for 15 April 2026. Smartenergy Founded in 2011 and located in Wollerau, Switzerland, Smartenergy focuses on investments in renewable energy and related ventures. We identify, develop and deliver green energy assets. We are a driving force in the ongoing transition of industry towards green energy, focused on the deployment of solar, wind, green hydrogen and Power-to-Liquid projects. We are committed to the potential of hydrogen and its derivatives such as eSAF for decarbonization where electrification is not possible. Beyond our headquarters team in Wollerau, we rely on our own local subsidiaries in all our focus markets. Local knowledge and proximity to industry stakeholders allow us to identify and secure opportunities at an early stage.
Al Etihad
09-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Led by Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa, UAE's UICCA reveals 10 climate-tech startups to participate in Launchpad's Circular Economy Cycle
9 May 2025 15:48 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) has unveiled the final cohort of ten pioneering climate-tech startups for its Circular Economy Cycle of the Launchpad programme, marking a significant milestone in advancing the UAE's circular economy and sustainability ambitions. This dynamic cohort brings together cutting-edge innovators including Alterba, CAULI, Circa Biotech, Desolenator BV, Excess Materials Exchange, Food With Benefits, Novasensa, Terrax, The Waste Lab, and Yellow Octopus. Their solutions span waste valorisation, AI-driven reusable packaging, circular water solutions, and next-generation recycling technologies, all tailored to accelerate the UAE's transition to a net-zero and resource-efficient Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UICCA, said: 'The circular economy is a cornerstone of the UAE's sustainable economic agenda. By empowering these groundbreaking startups through the Launchpad programme, we are not only accelerating innovative climate solutions but also strengthening the UAE's position as a global leader in green growth. This cohort reflects the type of bold, scalable innovation needed to transform waste into opportunity, close resource loops, and catalyse systemic change. UICCA remains steadfast in its commitment to enabling these ventures to thrive, scale, and make measurable contributions to our Net Zero future.'The Circular Economy Cycle, launched in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Economy, commenced this month with a series of intensive capacity-building sessions. The programme features four workshops running from 6 May to 27 May, 2025, equipping startups with critical expertise on market entry, financial modelling, impact assessment, and capital attraction. Two fireside sessions will complement the workshops, providing insight into navigating the UAE's regulatory landscape and scaling circular economy ventures cycle will culminate in a Showcase Event on 17 June, 2025, where the cohort will pitch their solutions to an exclusive audience of investors, government stakeholders, and industry leaders, unlocking new opportunities for investment, collaboration, and scale-up. By advancing innovation, nurturing entrepreneurship, and forging impactful partnerships, UICCA continues to drive the UAE's green economy forward and empower climate-tech ventures to deliver lasting environmental and economic impact. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Hi Dubai
15-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE-Led Waste to Zero Initiative Unveils Global Roadmap to Decarbonise Waste Sector
The Waste to Zero initiative has released its first-ever Policy Hack Report, laying out a global roadmap to decarbonise the waste sector. Spearheaded by the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), the report consolidates expert insights and policy recommendations aimed at transforming waste management into a sustainable, circular, and low-carbon system. The report follows a dedicated Policy Hack event themed The Critical Imperative to Decarbonise the Waste Industry , where government leaders, private sector players, and sustainability experts gathered to address economic, technological, and policy barriers in the sector. Recommendations include introducing carbon pricing, incentivising grassroots recycling, and creating a centralised UAE waste database. These align with Waste to Zero's six strategic workstreams: data frameworks, financing, circularity solutions, legislative models, decarbonisation roadmaps, and behavioural engagement. H.H. Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UICCA, said the report reflects a collective effort to drive tangible action across finance, policy, and public engagement. 'This marks a significant step forward in the UAE's push for a circular and decarbonised waste sector,' she noted. Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO of Tadweer Group, added, 'From AI-driven waste tracking to financial incentives for recycling, the report outlines solutions that support sustainability and economic growth in line with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.' Backed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and with over 50 coalition members, Waste to Zero aims to align global waste decarbonisation efforts with the Paris Agreement. The initiative is set to maintain momentum through ongoing working group sessions, with further developments expected ahead of COP30 in Brazil later this year. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Expo City Dubai and UICCA team up to drive climate action
DUBAI – Expo City Dubai and UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) have signed a cooperation agreement that combines the expertise of both entities to identify, test and scale innovative sustainable urban development solutions, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting the growth of the UAE's climate tech sector. Under the agreement, UICCA will identify potential mature or near-market-ready innovations from its pool of initiatives, with selected projects gaining access to Expo City's Urban Lab – an advanced city-wide testbed where innovators can integrate their technologies into the city's existing infrastructure to observe how they interact with the real challenges and dynamics of urban life. Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UICCA, said: 'Nurturing new technology and forging closer partnerships between the public and private sectors is vital to the UAE's goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Through UICCA's Launchpad, we are accelerating the growth of green startups and SMEs by providing them with tailored mentorship, regulatory guidance and direct access to investors, ensuring they have the resources needed to scale their solutions in the UAE. By combining innovative ventures from the Launchpad with Expo City's state-of-the-art Urban Lab testbed and supportive business ecosystem, we will strengthen our ability to grow the green economy and support our nation's bold climate targets.' Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, said: 'Collaborating and innovating for a better future is at the heart of Expo City Dubai's purpose and supports the UAE's vision for sustainable social and economic growth. Our agreement with UICCA not only helps us find solutions that address real-world climate and urban development challenges, but also ensures they are supported, thoroughly evaluated and implemented, demonstrating how a human-centric approach to technological development can lead to meaningful, long-lasting change.' Dedicated to piloting new solutions that enhance the urban environment, improve quality of life and promote sustainability, Expo City's Urban Lab provides a safe, secure and regulatory-compliant sandbox environment for innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses. This environment can be customised to enable live testing of physical and digital solutions, using the city's 200,000 live data points from sensors, cameras, IoT and other sources to validate testing results, while innovators also have access to Expo City's existing datasets, which can be used to highlight challenges and facilitate commercialisation. Expo City will also support UICCA's Launchpad, organising virtual workshops, providing mentorship and helping participants bring their projects to the testing phase. The Launchpad connects climate-focused startups with major stakeholders and leaders across the private and public sectors, offering a dedicated pathway for their development. Strategically located next to Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) and Al Maktoum International Airport, Expo City's master plan cements its position as the centre of Dubai's future, providing a home for key sectors driving Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33) and – as one of five hubs on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan – offering a blueprint for sustainable urban development. The city already welcomes a diverse range of local and global organisations to its sustainability- and innovation-focused free zone, with a range of programmes and initiatives boosting its appeal as a hub for innovators. This includes the recent launch of the Changemakers Academy – an innovation and entrepreneurship incubator for young innovators that will incentivise creative problem-solving and unearth bold solutions to social and environmental challenges relevant to the UAE. About Expo City Dubai Expo City Dubai, the legacy city of Expo 2020 Dubai, is an innovation-driven, people-centric community rooted in the belief that collaboration can propel sustainable progress. Its prime location and world-class connectivity place it at the centre of Dubai's future – the lynchpin between Dubai Exhibition Centre, Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port and a key driver of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33) A world-class free zone, it is home to a thriving business community that supports cross-sector collaboration and provides a springboard for businesses of all sizes to scale and grow, enhancing Dubai's position as a global centre of trade and reinforcing the UAE's development and diversification ambitions Its residential communities redefine urban living, exemplifying best practice in innovative, environment-friendly design with a focus on wellbeing and happiness An incubator for innovation, it is a testbed for solutions and a platform for groundbreaking ideas that benefit both people and the planet Packed with educational, cultural and entertainment offerings, with more than 30 indoor and outdoor venues attracting globally significant events, it celebrates human creativity and ingenuity and inspires future generations Designed as a blueprint for sustainable urban living and one of five hubs on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, its roadmap to achieving net zero by 2050 and its broader decarbonisation targets raise the bar on responsible urban development About UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) is a pioneering organisation dedicated to accelerating climate action by growing the green economy. Through its unique convening power, UICCA connects people, insights, and technologies to transform complex sustainability challenges into actionable solutions. As a team of climate experts, UICCA delivers impact through three core pillars: Advisory, Accelerators, and Alliances. UICCA provides data-driven research, policy guidance, and capacity building to facilitate informed climate action decisions. Through its accelerator programmes, UICCA creates dedicated pathways for promising climate tech startups to scale in the UAE. The organisation drives collective action by forming subject-specific coalitions, including the UAE Carbon Alliance and SME Sustainability Alliance. UICCA focuses on priority themes including carbon solutions, circular economy, and climate adaptation. Its subsidiary, The Climate Tribe, amplifies environmental change through sustainable storytelling and community engagement.
Hi Dubai
03-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UICCA and UAE Ministry of Economy Collaborate to Propel Circular Economy Initiatives
The UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) and the UAE Ministry of Economy (MOEC) have joined forces to advance the circular economy through a strategic agreement signed at Investopia 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The partnership establishes a framework to foster innovation and entrepreneurship via the Circular Economy Cycle of the UICCA Launchpad Programme. The collaboration aims to drive sustainable economic growth by empowering climate-focused start-ups. Under the agreement, MOEC will promote the accelerator, engage investors, and enhance regulatory alignment to bolster market access for green technologies. Witnessed by Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, President and CEO of UICCA, and Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, the signing marks a significant step in supporting the UAE Circular Economy Policy 2031. Sheikha Shamma highlighted that the initiative will provide a dedicated platform for entrepreneurs to scale climate solutions, addressing resource depletion and climate change. Meanwhile, Bin Touq reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to adopting circular economy principles across key sectors, including manufacturing, food, infrastructure, and transportation. The Circular Economy Cycle of the UICCA Launchpad Programme will officially launch in May 2025, offering zero-equity, market-access support to early-stage ventures. Applications are now open to local, regional, and international start-ups, with the registration portal live from 27 February 2025. UICCA also unveiled findings from its inaugural policy brief on the financial challenges faced by climate-tech start-ups. The report calls for dedicated scale-up funds, streamlined regulations, and cross-border market integration to bridge the growth-stage funding gap in the UAE's climate-tech ecosystem. For applications and policy brief details, visit UICCA Launchpad and UICCA Resources. News Source: Emirates News Agency
