Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that it will be the host sponsor of the 24th World Energy Congress (WEC) which will be held from 9–12 September 2019 in Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, with the theme ‘Energy for Prosperity’. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, will attend the conference and deliver a speech on the energy sector.
“We are delighted to take part in the 24th WEC which is the largest, longest-running and most influential energy event in the world. We are confident that the event will be a great success, thanks to the UAE’s premier position on the global energy map. It will be a great opportunity to strengthen global partnerships, explore investment opportunities and technical requirements to meet future global energy demands using both traditional and sustainable resources," said Al Tayer.
"The UAE attaches great importance to the development of the clean and renewable energy sector through its strategies, investments and its support for innovation in developing sustainable solutions for the future of humanity. Our wise leadership believes that our youth are the driving force for building a brighter future and the cornerstone of sustainable development. Our sponsorship of the Start Up Energy Transition (SET) initiative at the WEC is part of our strategy to support entrepreneurs in the clean and renewable energy sector to establish a world-class future for energy," added Al Tayer.
“At DEWA, we place innovation at the forefront of our priorities. This is part of our vision as a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation, which motivates us to support innovators to develop effective solutions to achieve sustainable development goals. We also support global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce global warming, by increasing our reliance on renewable and clean energy, improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions and our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). All of these outcomes will result in positive global changes, emanating from the UAE – the land of peace, happiness, and positivity, and of tolerance, benevolence, and generosity; so that we continue to remain global incubators for creativity and innovation,” concluded Al Tayer.
Since 1924, the WEC has been organised every three years by the World Energy Council in a major global city or capital. This is the first time the WEC will be hosted in an Arab city, and the UAE will also be the first OPEC member to host this global conference. The WEC has become the world’s largest event for global energy leaders to explore new energy futures, and shape the future of the global energy industry. High profile attendees include ministers, energy leaders, and prominent experts.
In October 2014, Abu Dhabi won the bid to host the WEC by receiving the most votes from WEC members, beating Russia’s St. Petersburg and Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro. The first WEC was held in London in 1924, and the 23rd edition was held in Istanbul, Turkey in 2016. WEC 2019 will be an opportunity to enhance global partnerships, and explore investment opportunities and technological requirements to meet the increasing demand for energy in the future using both traditional and sustainable sources.