‘From Success To Scale’: 12th World Green Economy Summit Opens in Dubai
The 12th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) has commenced in Dubai, under the theme ‘From Success to Scale: Showcasing the Green Economy’, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, inaugurated the summit, emphasizing international cooperation to advance a competitive, sustainable green economy. Held at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 21-22, World Green Economy Summit 2026 brings together government leaders, policymakers, experts, investors and international organizations to accelerate clean energy investment, climate action and sustainable development.
World Green Economy Summit spotlights green solutions, investment
This year’s World Green Economy Summit focuses on expanding proven green technologies, sustainable business models and investments through international partnerships. Discussions address decarbonization, resource efficiency, infrastructure resilience and ways to lower the cost of the green transition.
The summit also highlights collaboration among governments, private companies, financial institutions and research organizations to accelerate sustainable innovation, technology deployment and knowledge transfer.
The first-day agenda covers circular economy business models, innovation to reduce transition costs, net-zero energy solutions, energy storage in the Middle East and the global expansion of Dubai’s utility infrastructure model. Sessions also examine sustainable energy for data centers and artificial intelligence, and the business case for sustainability-led growth.
The second-day program will explore green-sector investment opportunities, clean energy access, climate investment returns and green finance across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Other topics include reverse osmosis, clean water solutions, blended finance, climate resilience and technology-driven food production amid rising temperatures. World Green Economy Summit 2026 will also announce the next cycle of the Emirates Energy Award.
“The World Green Economy Summit brings together leaders, policymakers and experts to unite efforts, share expertise and accelerate innovative solutions that turn climate challenges into opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement. The Summit also expands international cooperation and mobilizes efforts and investments to support the green transition, enhance economic competitiveness and lay the foundations for sustainable development that balances economic prosperity with the protection of natural resources, ensuring a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Al Tayer highlights clean energy investment
In his opening speech, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD & CEO of DEWA and Chairman of WGEO, said: “The UAE has continued to consolidate its global standing in sustainability and climate action while strengthening its leadership in building a sustainable green economy that stands as a global model for development and future prosperity. This year’s World Green Economy Summit theme embodies our ambition to move from the pioneering phase to the phase of global empowerment. Over the course of World Green Economy Summit 2026, we will hold discussions across Energy Technology & Infrastructure; Business Strategy & Transition; Water & Food Security; Finance and other topics.”
Al Tayer said that global clean energy investment is projected to reach $2.2 trillion in 2026, while the global green economy’s market value surpassed $10 trillion by mid-2026, according to the London Stock Exchange Group. Dubai has achieved 25.8 percent clean energy production capacity, surpassing its original 2030 target. It aims to reach 36 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, with planned investments of $13.62 billion (AED50 billion) by 2030, combines clean energy generation with research, energy storage, green hydrogen and artificial intelligence applications.
Al Tayer also highlighted DEWA International’s expansion into global markets and the World Green Economy Organisation’s Global Green Economy Alliance, which brings together 96 countries to advance sustainable development.
Sheikha Dr. Shamma calls for resource conservation
At World Green Economy Summit 2026, Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan stressed the need to recognize the true value of water and food resources, warning that the perception of abundance encourages waste.
She called for economic policies and consumption systems that prioritize conservation and sustainability. She also urged governments and communities to assess sustainability efforts by their impact on behavior, policies and equitable resource access for future generations.
UAE links green transition to economic growth
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the UAE’s green transition is driving economic growth, innovation and job creation. The UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative could contribute approximately 3 percent to GDP, while the Green Agenda 2030 targets GDP growth of 4 percent to 5 percent through clean technology and sustainable industries.
The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aims to triple renewable energy’s contribution by 2030, supported by investments of $40.87 billion to $54.50 billion (AED150 billion to AED200 billion).
Key projects include the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and a round-the-clock renewable energy project by Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).
UAE calls for stronger partnerships on water security
Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, at World Green Economy Summit 2026, called for stronger partnerships and investment to advance water security ahead of the UN Water Conference in December. He said the green economy should be measured by its impact on prosperity, resilience and opportunities for people and the planet.