Under the theme “Resilience for a Sustainable Future”
H.E. Al Dahak: Economic diversification and emissions reduction reinforce one another, laying the foundation for lasting prosperity for generations to come
Al Omian: Resilience is essential to sustaining growth and prosperity amid rapid change
More than 3,000 participants from government, business, investment, academia and expert communities
Energy security, institutional resilience, investment, infrastructure and future leadership lead day one discussions
Sustainable investment, future industries, renewable energy and natural capital on the day two agenda
Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 2026: H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, opened the fourth edition of the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Summit, which kicked off today at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi under the theme “Resilience for a Sustainable Future” and the patronage of the Ministry. The summit brings together more than 3,000 participants, including leaders from government, business, investment and academia, as well as experts from the region and around the world.
Over two days, the summit is examining the key challenges and opportunities linked to strengthening economic and institutional resilience, energy security, sustainable investment and infrastructure development, as well as the role of innovation and future leaders in building economies and societies that are better able to adapt to global change.
From Policy to Implementation: Strengthening Resilience:
In her opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak said: “Resilience begins with how we design our policies, build our infrastructure, and forge partnerships, ensuring our food, water, and energy systems can adapt to change and sustain our communities. In the UAE, this vision is anchored in the enduring legacy of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who championed resource conservation. We are carrying forward his legacy through science, innovation, and strategic investment to strengthen food security, secure water resilience, accelerate the clean energy transition, and drive towards Net Zero by 2050. We firmly believe that economic diversification and emissions reduction reinforce one another, laying the foundation for lasting prosperity for generations to come”
Her Excellency added: “This summit provides an opportunity to turn shared priorities into practical partnerships among governments, businesses, investors and academic institutions, and to make resource conservation and resilience central to investment decisions and growth plans. Our conversation with students today reflects the importance of engaging young people in shaping their future and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to deliver sustainable solutions. It is our responsibility to build systems that endure and prepare future generations to improve them. Our impact will be measured by what we protect today, and by what we empower our children to protect and build upon tomorrow.”
Young People as Partners in Shaping the Future:
Her Excellency opened the summit with a leadership conversation featuring a group of students from UAE schools, addressing the key issues and challenges facing younger generations and the role of youth in shaping the future.
During the conversation, the students raised questions on climate change, food and water security, artificial intelligence, technological transformation and the responsibilities of leadership, as well as how decisions made today can build a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, said: “Resilience has become a cornerstone of sustainable growth and prosperity amid the rapid transformations taking place around the world. From Abu Dhabi, the summit provides a platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange among leaders from government, business, investment and academia, strengthening collaboration, building capabilities and developing practical solutions that enhance the readiness of economies and institutions for the future while creating sustainable value for generations to come.”
Broad Participation from Sustainability Leaders:
The summit brings together leading policymakers, business leaders, investors, academics and experts from the region and around the world to discuss ways to strengthen resilience, develop practical solutions that support sustainable growth, and explore cross-sector collaboration to address economic, environmental and technological challenges.
Notable participants include H.E. Mohammed Saeed Sultan Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; H.E. Abdulla Abdulalee Abdulla Al Humaidan, Director General, Zayed Authority for People of Determination; H.E. Prof. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology; H.E. Dr. Nawal Alhosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); and H.E. Hiba Obaid Alshehhi, Assistant Undersecretary, Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Participants also include Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime; Khalid Al Shemaili, CEO of Emirates Mobility; and Dr. Ahmed Shalaby, President and CEO of Tatweer Misr, alongside a number of senior officials, decision-makers and speakers from the region and beyond.
Energy Security, Investment and Infrastructure at the Forefront:
Day one sessions address a range of issues related to strengthening resilience across vital sectors, led by energy security, institutional resilience, investment and infrastructure development, as well as the role of future leaders in navigating rapid transformation.
Discussions focus on the importance of developing long-term strategies that enhance the ability of institutions and economies to adapt to challenges, and on expanding public-private collaboration to support innovation and develop sustainable solutions.
Day one also featured the recognition of executives named on the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders 2026 list. The honourees were recognised for advancing sustainability practices within their organisations and for leading initiatives that strengthen environmental responsibility across the business sector.
The summit continues tomorrow, 20 October, with sessions on sustainable investment, future industries, renewable energy and natural capital, focusing on the opportunities that economic and technological transformation creates for more sustainable growth models.
By bringing together leaders from government, the private sector, investment and academia, the summit aims to promote knowledge exchange and widen opportunities for collaboration, helping turn visions and strategies into practical initiatives and solutions that support a more resilient and sustainable future.
The summit is organised by Forbes Middle East in partnership with Hosting Partner ADNEC Group; Associate Partner EMSTEEL Group; Strategic Partner AD Ports Group; Event Partners EFS Facilities Services Group, The University of Manchester – Dubai and Jamjoom Pharma; Sustainable Mobility Partner Emirates Mobility; and Knowledge Partner Khalifa University.
About Forbes Middle East:
Forbes Middle East is published under license from the global Forbes brand as a dedicated edition for the Arab world, with a mission to advance business journalism across the region. Through its digital platforms and social media channels, Forbes Middle East delivers breaking news and in-depth coverage on wealth, business, investment, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and luxury lifestyle.
Its monthly magazine, published in both English and Arabic, features exclusive interviews with some of the Middle East’s most influential and innovative leaders. Digital editions are also available to readers across the region and around the world through its website.
Forbes Middle East has established the Forbes editorial presence across the Arab world through its independent research and proprietary methodologies, which underpin its widely recognised rankings and lists. Its content reaches business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, executives, and a broad audience of ambitious professionals and changemakers.
