Ras Al Khaimah: The RAK Energy Summit concluded today at the Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Center in Ras Al Khaimah, following two days of insightful dialogue involving high-profile decision-makers, speakers, and experts from the UAE, the region, and around the world. The event supported the global conversation on sustainability, renewable energy, and decarbonization.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Summit was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. It highlighted both local and international efforts and best practices in approaching the energy transition. On the second day, notable speakers included Eng. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, who provided insights into the federal government’s perspective on the UAE energy transition. Yousif Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), also shared his vision for developing the Northern Emirates’ grid.
Suhail Al Mazrouei emphasized the global priority of reaching net zero by mid-century and the importance of developing and adopting the latest sustainability practices and solutions to support the energy transition. He stated that the RAK Energy Summit has grown into a world-class platform for integrating sustainability in the energy sector, offering stakeholders opportunities to network, form partnerships, and develop sustainable energy solutions that bolster the UAE’s position as a global leader in energy transition.
Yousif Al Ali expressed pride in EtihadWE’s role as the lead partner for the Summit’s second edition, underlining their commitment to renewable and sustainable energy transition in the UAE and beyond. The Summit served as an exceptional platform to showcase pivotal projects like the high-efficiency Naqa’a RO Plant and the groundbreaking AMI Smart Meters project, which are central to achieving climate neutrality and enhancing energy efficiency across the GCC.
The Summit also featured a strong
international presence with presentations by Ahmed Ali Al-Ebrahim from Saudi Arabia, Lucas Boehlé from France, and Anne Dekeukelaere from Switzerland. Andrea Di Gregorio from Ras Al Khaimah Municipality announced significant upgrades to the emirate’s energy and sustainability strategy, broadening its focus to include decarbonization and environmental protection.
Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announced the winners of the 8th edition UAE Energy Management Awards for 2024, recognizing Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, ENOC Corporate Real Estate, and Al Futtaim Real Estate for their implementation of best practices in energy management.
A significant milestone was marked with the announcement of the National Industry Sustainability Initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The initiative includes the launch of the UAE Industry Registry Platform to support the implementation of Federal Ene
rgy Management Regulation in Industrial Facilities.
Moreover, the program included presentations from Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and RAKGAS, technology showcases from EDF Group and Schneider Electric, and panel discussions on future fuels and energy-intensive industries. The event concluded with a roundtable on sustainability in the hospitality sector.
Dharmesh Sawant from Hisense HVAC and Simon Huber from Innovia Films expressed their support for the Summit and commitment to sustainability initiatives, underscoring the importance of innovation and awareness in driving eco-friendly solutions.
The Summit was hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, supported by Etihad Water and Electricity as the Lead Partner, and collaborated with various UAE ministries and local government entities.