Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai, inaugurated the 49th edition of Middle East Energy 2025 today, marking an important milestone in the exhibition's 49-year history.

The event, which runs until April 9, is organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and is expected to attract 40,000 international energy experts, including more than 500 key buyers from around the world.

In his opening remarks, Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) status as a global model in transitioning towards a green economy and increasing reliance on renewable and clean energy sources.

He highlighted that this transformation is largely guided by the visionary leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The UAE is positioning itself as a pivotal destination for hosting major international events, particularly in sustainability and energy sectors, reflecting its commitment to supporting global efforts for a sustainable future.

The exhibition serves as a leading platform that brings together top experts and companies, showcasing innovations and technologies that will shape the future of the energy sector.

Sheikh Ahmed further noted that the continuation of the event in Dubai for the ninth consecutive year illustrates international confidence in the emirate as a strategic center for conferences and exhibitions, enhancing its role in leading the global dialogue on energy security and sustainability.

During the event, Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai, along with officials from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

They toured the exhibition, visiting various pavilions, and listened to representatives from global companies discussing their latest solutions and innovations in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

In his address on behalf of Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei, Saeed Al Tayer reiterated the UAE's commitment to accelerating the energy sector transformation in alignment with the leadership's directives.

This transformation aims to strike a balance between sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, and energy security.

Al Tayer emphasized that transitioning to clean energy represents a strategic global priority, especially in light of international efforts aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century.

The UAE aims to produce 20 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030 through major projects implemented in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including those by the Masdar Company and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the largest of its kind globally at a single site and managed by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.

Key elements of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aim to triple the production capacity of renewable energy by 2030 and achieve a 45% improvement in energy consumption efficiency by 2050. Furthermore, the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050 targets supporting low-carbon industries while aspiring to produce 15 million metric tons of hydrogen annually by 2050.

Al Tayer noted that the UAE's commitment extends beyond local initiatives, with over $50 billion invested in renewable energy projects across more than 70 countries, alongside plans for further investments in the current decade.