World Future Energy Summit 2026 opens in Abu Dhabi with focus on $54 billion investment pledge

The 18th edition of the World Future Energy Summit 2026 (WFES) opens tomorrow, 13 January 2026, at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. As the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the event is expected to draw over 50,000 attendees to discuss the business of the energy transition. According to a press release from the organisers of the World Future Energy Summit 2026, this year's edition is the largest to date, featuring 450 exhibiting companies and a renewed focus on how artificial intelligence and AI platforms for sustainable energy will drive sustainability at this leading AI in Energy Summit.

Hosted by Masdar, the summit arrives as the region accelerates its shift away from hydrocarbon reliance. The World Future Energy Summit 2026 serves as a critical platform for driving the energy transition in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the UAE's dedication, backed by a massive US$54 billion (Dhs 198 billion) renewable investment in the UAE for renewable projects by 2030.

Key Takeaways from World Future Energy Summit 2026

• Massive scale: WFES 2026 boasts 50,000+ attendees and 450 exhibitors from 150 countries gathering at ADNEC.
• Investment focus: UAE highlights its significant renewable investment in the UAE of US$54 billion (Dhs 198 billion).
• New tech: Launch of FUSE AI, a key AI platform for sustainable energy, exploring artificial intelligence in energy.
• Strategic partners: Hosted by Masdar with DEWA as Efficiency Partner, showcasing storage solutions.

Latest News from WFES Abu Dhabi

The World Future Energy Summit 2026 in Abu Dhabi runs from 13 January to 15 January, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and investors. The event features seven conference streams covering solar, eco-waste, water, smart cities, and climate and environment.

At the World Future Energy Summit 2026, this year sees the introduction of several new platforms designed to modernise the event's appeal. The most significant for the tech sector is FUSE AI, a dedicated zone showcasing AI platforms for sustainable energy and exploring how AI can optimise energy grids and improve resource management. This makes the World Future Energy Summit 2026 a pivotal AI in Energy Summit, aligning with the broader push for AI innovation in Abu Dhabi, where startups and established players are increasingly integrating machine learning into infrastructure.

Another addition is 'The Greenhouse', a startup hub connecting over 50 early-stage companies with potential investors. For the cultural angle, the summit has partnered with Greenpeace MENA to host a 'Greenpeace Cinema', screening the documentary Ocean with David Attenborough daily.

Why World Future Energy Summit 2026 Matters for Investment

For the business community, the World Future Energy Summit 2026 is less about the exhibition stands and more about the capital being deployed. The region is currently in an aggressive investment phase. The UAE has pledged its ambitious renewable investment of US$54 billion (Dhs 198 billion) in renewable investments by the end of the decade, driving sustainable development in the UAE. This is alongside the US$83 billion (Dhs 305 billion) mobilised for climate tech at COP28 and the US$30 billion (Dhs 110 billion) Alterra Fund.

The stakes are high across the GCC. Saudi Arabia has announced even larger figures, earmarking US$270 billion (Dhs 991 billion) for its renewable ambitions. This competitive investment landscape creates significant opportunities for contractors, technology providers, and consultants based in the UAE.

"We are building a connected ecosystem that helps ideas move faster from discussion to deployment," said Gareth Rapley, Portfolio Director - Energy and Marine at RX Global, speaking at the World Future Energy Summit 2026. "Our focus is on ensuring partnerships formed here translate into long-term collaboration."

Key Players at WFES 2026 in Abu Dhabi

Masdar continues its role as the host, reinforcing its position as the region's clean energy champion, further advancing its many Masdar energy solutions.

DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) joins as the Efficiency Partner. CEO HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer confirmed the utility provider will showcase its massive DEWA energy storage projects, including the 4th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Storage is becoming the critical bottleneck for renewables, and DEWA's focus on battery and pumped-storage hydroelectricity signals where the next wave of infrastructure spending will go.

RX Global organises the event, managing the logistics of bringing 400 speakers and thousands of delegates to the capital. While this is a B2B event, it sits alongside other major Q1 exhibitions like World of Coffee Dubai as a key driver for business tourism.

What's Next for UAE Energy Transition

The World Future Energy Summit 2026 runs for three days, but the deals signed here often dictate the pace of projects for the next year. Watch for announcements regarding green hydrogen and grid-scale storage, as these are the current priority areas for renewable projects UAE and advancing sustainable development in the UAE.

For startups attending the World Future Energy Summit 2026, the launch of FUSE AI and The Greenhouse suggests a shift in how the energy sector views innovation—moving from purely heavy engineering to software-defined solutions. Companies involved in data storage and AI processing may find new opportunities in the energy sector as it digitises.

For more information and registration details, you can visit the official World Future Energy Summit website.

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