Abu Dhabi unveils agenda for inaugural Water and Energy Week 2026

Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global leader in water and energy policy, as the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) unveiled the program for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Week 2026, scheduled for December 8-10 at ADNEC Abu Dhabi. This event coincides with the UAE's hosting of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, in partnership with Senegal.

The initiative, under the leadership of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to enhance global water security and promote sustainable energy resources.

The DoE announced the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Water and Energy Week during a media briefing, highlighting key themes for the event. The programme will focus on developing governance frameworks, enhancing financing and investment opportunities, and accelerating technology and innovation to create efficient and sustainable solutions. Key summits include the Legislation and Policy Summit, Financing and Investment Summit, and Technology and Innovation Summit, along with a series of strategic cooperation frameworks.

The event will bring together over 25,000 participants and international experts, including policymakers, investors, utilities, technology leaders, and international organizations. The inaugural edition will feature the launch of a dedicated platform to support innovation and develop practical solutions for water sector challenges. Additionally, the Youth for Water Programme, in collaboration with academic institutions, will empower young talent to create innovative and practical water management solutions.

The three-day agenda of the inaugural edition will focus on three daily themes: Financing Water Infrastructure, Technology and Innovation, and Governance and Policies. The first day will address the development of new investment mechanisms for water infrastructure, the second day will emphasize enhancing water supply chain efficiency and expanding water reuse, and the third day will concentrate on developing flexible and inclusive regulatory models.

The event will also see the high-level Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative Summit to discuss renewable-energy-powered desalination technologies and strengthen public-private sector partnerships.