World Energy Congress in Abu Dhabi to attract thousands of visitors

Officials speak during the press conference of the upcoming World Energy Congress.

Energy output, supply and diversification from oil and gas to renewables and nuclear, transport and finance will be the main focus of discussion at the world biggest energy meeting to be held in the UAE capital next month.
More than 500 CEOs from across the world will among the 4,000 delegates to participate in the 24th World Energy Congress scheduled to take place from September 9-12 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The World Energy Congress, which will be hosted in the Middle East for the first time, is the world's largest and most influential energy event covering all aspects of the energy agenda. Set to welcome more than 66 ministers and more than 15,000 visitors from around the world, the prestigious congress presents a unique platform for exploring the state of the energy sector in Abu Dhabi, and showcasing the investment opportunities it presents.
An exhibition for energy products and services, taking place across a space of 35,000 square metres, will feature over 200 exhibitors, representing more than 150 countries. The congress will see more than 300 speakers among the thousands of global attendees during the four-day event.
"The World Energy Congress offers a unique platform for global energy leaders to explore new energy futures, critical innovation areas, and new strategies," Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry and Chairman of the UAE Organizing Committee of the congress, said at a press conference on Wednesday. "The congress has gone from strength to strength with every edition. The large attendance, the diversity of exhibitors and the comprehensive conference program for the 24th edition in Abu Dhabi signifies the importance of the congress."
Al Neyadi added: "The UAE has outlined ambitious plans in transforming the energy sector including two of the largest solar generation projects in the world and we are proud that Abu Dhabi is the first city in the Middle East to stage this prestigious event, which is another feather to our cap."
He noted that the congress will boast UAE's economy and will raise Abu Dhabi's profile as an important place for business and a destination for tourism. More than 80 sessions will be held during the congress, focusing on the entire energy spectrum including oil and gas, electricity, coal, nuclear power and renewable energy, as well as transport, energy efficiency, finance, investment, consultancy and other sectors that are affected by the energy sector. It will provide an opportunity for business leaders, decision-makers and other industry professionals to discuss the trending topics of the industry as well as taking action to deliver a sustainable future through panel discussions and sessions.
The tri-annual event is now considered the 'Davos of energy issues', with every congress enabling hundreds of global experts to convene, share and discuss the latest trends from around the world; it has also attracted distinguished speakers over the years. The four-day event will also feature more than 30 side events including workshops and roundtables that will be hosted by various organisations. One of the notable side events to take place is the Start Up Energy Transition - 100 (SET100), which will feature the top 100 international start-ups showcasing the most innovative products and services that will address climate change and improve energy efficiency.
Among other side events taking place is the World Economic Forum - Global Energy Transition, a workshop hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy and the World Energy Leaders' Summit.
- ismail@khaleejtimes.com