• Region In Smart Development Growth Phase with Multi-Billion-Dollar Investment
  • UAE & Saudi Emerging as Innovation Benchmark with projected US$50 Billion Investment in Smart Cities
  • Sustainable Cities Conference to Spotlight Oman’s Hi-Tech Master Planning Approach

Abu Dhabi, UAE : The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is emerging at the forefront of sustainable city adoption, led by visionary initiatives, most notably in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. As the region’s urban populations rise—with 60 per cent projected to live in these urban areas by 2030 – countries in the MENA region are responding with transformative investments in smart, sustainable urban development.

The UAE is spearheading this drive with forward-thinking projects such as Masdar City, a hub for clean technologies and sustainable design, and Zayed International Airport, which integrates smart infrastructure to enhance efficiency. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s giga projects are redefining the urban landscape with smart, eco-friendly innovations.

Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar City, stated: "Masdar City has been pioneering sustainable urban development for over 15 years, embodying the UAE’s commitment to a net-zero future. Through several net-zero energy developments and innovative projects such as Masdar City Square and The Link, we showcase our dedication to innovation and sustainability. The Masdar City Free Zone provides a seamless environment for diverse business activities, while its high-impact industry clusters promote collaboration and innovation across key industries like AI, renewable energy, life sciences, Agri-tech, space technology, and smart mobility. We are proud to empower businesses and innovators to shape the future of sustainable cities, turning bold ideas into impactful solutions.”

These advancements will take centre stage at World Future Energy Summit 2025, hosted by Masdar to run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from January 14-16 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 (ADSW). The Summit will highlight the region’s progress in transformative urban development and the power of smart cities in its dedicated Sustainable Cities conference and exhibition.

The conference is held against a backdrop of unparalleled regionwide investment in smart cities. Research house Frost & Sullivan says the UAE and Saudi Arabia will invest a staggering US$50 billion in smart city projects by 2025 as the region looks for innovative solutions to better manage energy resources.

The UAE capital Abu Dhabi stands out as a regional beacon of innovation, characterised by its industry-leading Estidama Pearl Rating system and building design methodology, which is part of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. It is recognised among the Top 10 Smart Cities in the 2024 Smart City Index — the only Middle Eastern city on the list. In Dubai, the smart city agenda is advancing with the latest development, Dubai Walk, a visionary initiative to transform the city into a pedestrian-friendly destination with an integrated network of walkways aimed at increasing pedestrian mobility to 25 per cent by 2040.

Masdar City and key clean energy flagship projects such as Noor Abu Dhabi and the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant will be in the spotlight at the Sustainable Cities conference, which will closely examine ESG-driven urban development. The city targets an energy use intensity reduction equivalent to removing 807 gasoline-powered vehicles from the roads annually, annual water savings equivalent to filling 17 Olympic swimming pools, and 57 per cent of operational waste recycled.

Delegates will also gain insights into the headway being made in achieving the sustainability aspects of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. As a response to the Kingdom’s fast urbanisation, the country’s overarching strategy has laid out specific objectives to usher in smart cities. Seventeen cities, representing 72 per cent of the population, were selected to undertake smart urban projects with initiatives now under way in Riyadh, Yanbu industrial city, Makkah, Jeddah, Medina, Al-Ahsa, and the 26,500 square meter eco-friendly smart city NEOM which is envisioned to be devoid of cars and carbon emissions and powered by clean energy.

Oman and Qatar are also developing their own smart urban centres. Lusail City in Qatar will feature GSAS-rated buildings, green landscapes, waste collection, sewage treatment, and district cooling with smart services supported by a command-and-control centre while Oman is planning the Sultan Haitham City, a 14.8 square kilometre data-driven urban hub for 100,000 residents outside Muscat. The city aligns with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on sustainability with waste-to-energy plants, solar facilities, and shade-providing structures.

Leen AlSebai, General Manager of RX Middle East and Head of the World Future Energy Summit, commented: “The Sustainable Cities Conference will focus on progress being made while driving the innovation and partnerships necessary for future-ready urban environments. It will deep dive into the increasing adoption, throughout the region and beyond into the adoption of smart technologies for energy optimisation, waste management, and climate-resilient designs.”

The conference brings together government leaders, urban planners, technology innovators, sustainability experts, mobility pioneers, and private sector innovators to discuss the transformation of cities through smart, sustainable practices and technologies and the role of public-private sector partnerships in attaining goals.

Specialised panel discussions will focus on community resilience to protect against extreme events, the prioritisation of quality of life, and the use of AI for cognitive buildings in future communities. Speakers include: Dr Ioannis Spanos, Vice President of Sustainability, Expo City Dubai; Camilo Cerro, Professor of Architecture and Interior Design, American University of Sharjah; Dima Al Srouri, Urban Planning Expert, Office of The Chairman & Commissioner General of Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Committee for Urban Planning; Farah Naz, Director of ESG and Innovation, Aecom; Mario Saab, Head of Sustainability MENA, Cundall; Dr Jacinta Dsilva, Director of Research, Living Lab and International Partnerships, SEE Institute; Rami Zaatari, Sustainability and Public Policy Advisor – Scottish Local Governments, University of Glasgow; and Ismail Ozenc, Associate Vice President, Siemens Advanta Consulting.

Qasim Al Harasi, Head Section of Planning Greater Muscat, Oman’s Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning, will also share Muscat’s new high-tech approach to master planning.

Sustainable Cities is one of seven vertical conference streams at the World Future Energy Summit 2025 which, combined, will drill down into the entire energy eco-system and give visitors, delegates, and exhibitors in-depth insights into the latest developments impacting; Solar & Clean Energy, Water, EcoWASTE, Green Finance, eMobility and Pathways to 1.5C.

About World Future Energy Summit

The annual World Future Energy Summit is hosted by Masdar and part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. It serves as a global think tank, powered by innovation, pioneering minds, and groundbreaking insights. Bringing together government and business leaders, through its exhibitions and conferences, it showcases pioneering solutions and ground-breaking initiatives in Pathway to 1.5 C, Solar and Clean Energy, Water, EcoWASTE, Sustainable Cities, Green Finance, and eMobility.

As a global hub for business, innovation, and knowledge exchange, the World Future Energy Summit inspires the advancement and transfer of ideas, technologies, and investment across borders and between the public and private sectors worldwide. The exhibition and industry conferences help stimulate sustainable growth for all stakeholders. For more information, please visit www.worldfutureenergysummit.com

About RX (Reed Exhibitions)

RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face-to-face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. www.rxglobal.com 
About RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 33,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

RELX is the holding company and owner of RX, the organiser of The World Future Energy Summit.