More than 1,600 energy suppliers from around the world have gathered for a three-day showcase of the latest innovations and technologies at Middle East Energy 2025, running until April 9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, this year marks the 49th edition of the region's leading energy summit.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, officially inaugurated the event on Monday, April 7, 2025. He emphasized the UAE's role as a global model in transitioning to a green economy, driven by the vision of its leadership. Sheikh Ahmed stated that the summit highlights the UAE’s position as a hub for energy innovation and sustainability.
More than 150 industry leaders are exploring transformative innovations, global energy dynamics, and how AI is helping shape a sustainable energy future. The event also features the inaugural Battery Show, focusing on green mobility.
Over 40,000 global energy professionals, including more than 500 key buyers, are expected to visit the Dubai World Trade Centre before April 9 to explore industry innovations from more than 90 countries. The exhibition spans 16 halls showcasing solutions across the entire energy value chain, from power generation to smart grid technologies.
During the opening tour, Sheikh Ahmed highlighted the significance of Middle East Energy 2025 in supporting the transition to sustainable energy and enhancing the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation in the energy sector. He remarked, “The continued organisation of Middle East Energy for a 49th consecutive year in Dubai reflects international confidence in the emirate as a strategic centre for conferences and exhibitions, and reinforces its role in leading the global dialogue on energy security and sustainability.”
A keynote speech from Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, outlined the UAE’s ambitious plans to make its grid one of the cleanest in the world by 2030 through renewable mega-projects in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Al Tayer’s address underscored the UAE’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
The event also featured an address from Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum and Energy for Gambia, who discussed the importance of international cooperation in addressing energy challenges. Following Juwara, Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, President of the World Association of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Units & Professionals, emphasized the urgent challenges of climate resilience, energy security, and aging infrastructure, contrasting these with the advanced state of technology.
Hayek highlighted the transformative potential of renewable energy, storage, digital technology, and smart, autonomous systems. He asserted that technology alone is insufficient, stating “PPPs create the space for technology use and innovation by focusing on what must be achieved rather than what and how it must be done.”
Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), outlined key priorities for the Middle East as it looks to accelerate its energy transition progress. He stated, “To stand any chance of remaining on track to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the world must significantly ramp up renewable capacity additions in the six remaining years to reach more than 11.2 TW of total power capacity by 2030.”
La Camera's comments reflect the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy sources globally, emphasizing that achieving this target requires a fundamental transformation of global energy infrastructure.
The inaugural edition of The Battery Show, which runs alongside Middle East Energy 2025, opened with a presentation on the power of government-industry partnerships to boost green mobility adoption. Dr. Keramat Fakhari, Managing Director for META, CIS & South Asia at HiTHIUM, provided an overview of advancements in the energy storage industry.
“We're witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in energy storage technology, targeting regions such as Africa and the Middle East,” said Dr. Fakhari. “From initial deployments of two- to four-hour storage, we’re now advancing towards eight-hour solutions and beyond, challenging us to adapt to the realities of climate change and grid integration.”
More than 40,000 global energy professionals are expected to visit the event, which features 16 halls filled with innovative solutions spanning the full energy value chain, from power generation and storage to clean mobility and smart grid technologies.
Mark Ring, Group Director of Energy Events at Informa Markets, the event organizers, expressed optimism about the discussions taking place, noting that they are critical for navigating how market dynamics, AI, and PPPs will help achieve the global energy market’s goals for a sustainable future. “With the addition of The Battery Show, the 49th edition of Middle East Energy is bringing the global industry together to discuss how we can holistically shape the future of energy,” he said.
Middle East Energy (MEE), held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, boasts a 49-year legacy as a leading global energy industry event. It caters to the entire product spectrum of the power industry, from critical and backup power to energy storage and management. The event continues to be an essential part of the Middle East's economic expansion, connecting businesses and introducing new products to the region to build infrastructure, real estate, and commerce.
As the world grapples with energy challenges and the urgent need for sustainability, the discussions and innovations showcased at Middle East Energy 2025 will play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy in the region and beyond.
