World Future Energy Summit

Middle East initiatives in the Renewable Energy Sector

Key energy ministers and Arab political figures gather to discuss renewable energy at the World Future Energy Summit

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 10th January, 2009: It is now confirmed that the Egyptian Minister of Energy, HE Dr. Hassan Younes will be speaking at the Summit along with other key Arab figures. Dr. Hassan will be highlighting the new electricity law designed to encourage the development of renewable energy and to continue reforming the electricity sector.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Summit reflects Sheikh Khalifa’s commitment on addressing one of the world’s most pressing concerns: energy, the environment, and the sustainable use of vital natural resources.

A total of 3 Arab Energy Ministers and Arab Speakers are now expected to address top energy related issues including Abdulrahman Bin Hamad Al-Attiya, Secretary-General, GCC, Sultan Al Jaber, CEO, Masdar Group, Samer Adham, Managing Director, Global Water Sustainability Center, H.E. Karim Kawar, Former Jordanian Ambassador to the US, and Chairman of EDAMA initiative for sustainable Energy.

The Summit will also present an exhibition area with 358 participating companies, of which 114 or 32% are registered from the Middle East.

Renewable energy has become a key topic in the Arab World, with evidence that the World Future Energy Summit is being held in the United Arab Emirates, a country known for its rich oil reserves.

Hosting the World Future Energy Summit in the United Arab Emirates has attracted other neighbouring countries from the Middle East to start looking at environmentally attractive resources. The Middle East region has abundant natural resources that make it a very appealing location for renewable energy and governments and experts are looking at leveraging its natural resources in the same way it has done with oil and gas.
Ambassador Kawar will be presenting the EDAMA Initiative for sustainable energy in Jordan which aims at assisting Jordan in its quest for less dependence on fossil fuels, conservation and protection of the environment.

According to Lionel Fretz from Carbon Capital Markets, Abu Dhabi has announced plans to spearhead a $7 billion CDM market in the region, and have realized significant investment in wind, solar and biofuels around the world, both in projects and early stage cleantech investment. Through major programmes like the UAE's Masdar Initiative and Abu Dhabi's agreement to develop low carbon technologies with the UK, the Middle East region is beginning to increase focus on solutions for today's climate challenges.

Clear examples of Arab initiatives that support the development of renewable energy technologies include the MASDAR initiative, International Renewable Energy Agency, and the Mediterranean Solar plan all of which are playing a leading role in engaging the world’s best minds and organizations to realize a cleaner, more sustainable future.

The World Future Energy Summit has attracted various Middle Eastern based organizations which expressed their keen interest in supporting the Summit and its initiative by sponsoring the event, including Etihad, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Aldar, and CNBC Arabia.

ABOUT THE WORLD FUTURE ENERGY SUMMIT
The World Future Energy Summit held its inaugural event on 21-23 January 2008 in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The first summit in January brought together 11,272 attendees from 77 countries, 213 exhibitors from 23 countries, over 80 speakers and 423 international and regional media.
Hosted by Masdar, WFES 09 will be hosted in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is proudly supported by its principal sponsor, Credit Suisse and principal international media partner, TIME magazine.