After seven months into my role as Event Director for one of the world’s most influential renewable and sustainability events, I’ve learned that here in the Middle East (after 14 years working in the region), the drivers are unique and complex. Water scarcity, rapid urbanisation, energy diversification and climate resilience, but alongside these challenges, the region is showing extraordinary ambition and leadership in shaping a clean energy future.
Across the Middle East, governments are committing to aggressive net-zero targets and renewable strategies that are transforming the energy landscape. The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative aims not only to reduce emissions but to build innovation ecosystems in clean tech and sustainable cities. Its Energy Strategy 2050 aims for 50% clean energy by 2050, with a shorter-term goal of 30% by 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and flagship projects are pioneering green hydrogen, carbon capture and circular economy models, positioning the Kingdom as a hub for sustainable industry in the near future.
Other regional players like Oman, Egypt, Bahrain and Jordan are rapidly scaling solar and wind capacity, embracing green ammonia, and deploying digital infrastructure to future-proof their grids.
At #WFES2026, we recognise these developments aren’t happening in isolation. The region is deeply connected to the global energy transition, both as a major energy producer and an emerging clean energy powerhouse. This dual identity makes the Middle East crucial in global sustainability efforts.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly transformative role in this shift. From optimising energy consumption to accelerating predictive maintenance of renewable assets, AI is helping drive smarter, more efficient and more resilient energy systems and decisions. As an event, we’re adapting rapidly, integrating AI-focused sessions, showcasing cutting-edge digital solutions and facilitating cross-sector dialogues on the practical applications of AI in clean energy, sustainability and what this means from a security perspective.
In short, #WFES2026 is no longer just an exhibition, despite the hundreds of international exhibiting brands and over 50,000 attendees. It’s an evolving international platform which amplifies regional voices and showcases innovation. It’s a channel to project the bold ambitions stemming from national strategies, while connecting them with global expertise. It’s a space to listen and challenge assumptions. It’s a bridge between where we want to be and the tangible ways we can get there.
This year, our focus is clear. To illuminate how regional net-zero strategies and digital innovation come together, shaping not only the Middle East’s sustainable future but also contributing critical insights that accelerate the worldwide energy transition.