HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer highlights Dubai’s role in the global energy transition at Marsh Energy Industry Conference 2025

In his opening speech today at  the Energy Industry Conference (EIC), held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), reaffirmed Dubai's commitment to sustainability, guided by the vision of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai., who have charted a clear path and laid the foundations for a sustainable energy future.

Organised by Marsh under the theme “Accelerating Towards a Sustainable Energy Future,” at the Intercontinental hotel, Dubai Festival City, the event has brought together global policymakers, energy leaders, and innovators to explore pathways for achieving a clean energy future.

The opening ceremony was attended by HE Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh , Director General of the Government of Dubai's Department of Finance; HE Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality; HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; HE Abdulla bin Kalban, Managing Director of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA); HE Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Ali Al Jarwan, CEO of Dragon Oil; Qusai Al Shared, Chairman of Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau in Dubai .

Al Tayer emphasised the importance of the historic UAE Consensus reached at COP28, which called for a “transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade” to achieve net-zero by 2050.

“In Dubai, we have an integrated approach that incorporates climate resilience, energy security and the facilitation of a better energy transition. Sustainability is embedded in our DNA and we strive to achieve the goals of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 by increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix,” said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer said that in 2012, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the world’s largest solar park with capacity of 5000MW by 2030. Five phases are complete, with the sixth under construction and the seventh at the planning stage. We are proud that solar energy capacity rose to 3,060MW by the end of 2024, accounting for 17.8% of the energy mix. The 950MW fourth phase also features the world’s tallest solar tower, at over 263 metres, and the largest thermal storage capacity, according to Guinness World Records. DEWA is also building the first pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in the GCC, which will have 250MW of clean energy capacity and 1,500 MWh of energy storage. DEWA also commissioned the MENA region’s first industrial-scale green hydrogen production facility powered by solar energy, promoting innovation in energy storage and transport.

Al Tayer added that beyond electricity, Dubai’s green transformation spans the entire energy spectrum. The Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has emerged as a trailblazer, achieving milestones such as fueling the world’s first 100% sustainable aviation fuel-powered flight and launching the MENA region’s first green hydrogen refueling station at its revolutionary “Service Station of the Future” in Expo City Dubai. This station, the world’s first LEED Platinum-certified facility, integrates renewable energy and smart technologies. ENOC also partnered with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to supply biodiesel to the Abras ferry and potentially reduce over one million tonnes of CO2 in the next seven years.

On the upstream side, Dragon Oil installed a solar hybrid power system at its water injection platform that has significantly reduced its carbon footprint.  In addition to that, the company introduced vapour recovery from crude oil storage tanks in Turkmenistan, reducing CO2 emissions by about 25 thousand tonnes yearly.

“In Dubai, all our efforts are inspired by the Fourth Industrial revolution. AI has improved energy resource optimisation and cut costs. Targeted areas cover smart grids, predictive maintenance with special AI algorithms, cyber security, energy efficiency, renewable energy forecasting and carbon emission reduction. DEWA embarked on its AI journey in 2017, and integrated ChatGPT to enhance customer experiences through digital platforms, including our virtual employee, Rammas. This year, we started a comprehensive road map to integrate generative AI. The strategic framework leverages Microsoft Copilot to enhance efficiency, improve customer happiness and reinforce DEWA’s role as a pioneer in government innovation, “said Al Tayer.

DEWA’s commitment to green infrastructure is evident in its 10 LEED-certified buildings that promote carbon emission reduction and water and energy conservation. Al-Shera’a, DEWA’s new headquarters, will be the tallest, largest and smartest net positive governmental building in the world.

“As we look ahead, meeting the rising global demand for energy in a clean and sustainable manner is critical. We remain committed to fostering innovation and accelerating the global transition to a net-zero future. By diversifying energy sources, investing in renewables and advanced technology, and enhancing operational efficiency, we are contributing to creating a brighter, more sustainable future for us and generations to come. Let us work together to transform challenges into opportunities and drive progress toward a clean energy future for all,” concluded Al Tayer.