Abu Dhabi's flagship sustainability event to be held online in 2021

The event will be held from January 18 to 21 next year

Last year’s ADSW attracted 45,000 people from 170 countries around the world. Silvia Razgova / The National

Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainability week will be held online next year as a precautionary measure amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The annual Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which is hosted by renewables developer Masdar, will be held from January 18 to 21, 2021.

“Holding ADSW in a virtual format in 2021 will allow us to continue to drive the sustainability agenda forward in the line with the vision of the UAE, ensuring that the world’s attention remains focused on the actions required to achieve a healthier, safer and more sustainable future for all,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and chairman of Masdar.

Next year’s agenda will focus on the steps required to drive the Sustainable Development Goals and will address the challenges of energy transition during the pandemic. Last year’s ADSW attracted 45,000 people from 170 countries around the world, and featured 500 high-level international speakers.

It is the second major industry event to be held online in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference, the emirate's flagship oil and gas industry event, will also be held virtually this year.

The annual trade show attracts the world’s leading chief executives, government leaders and policymakers and is one of the largest energy events in the world.

Globally, coronavirus infections have topped 27.7 million, with 902,537 fatalities, according to Worldometers, which tracks the pandemic.

The pandemic, which has disrupted global trade, supply chains and the travel industry, has also affected other large gatherings across various industries.

Last month, Bahrain cancelled its biennial air show due to travel restrictions, while Saudi Arabia, also citing travel difficulties, postponed its annual investment summit Future Investment Initiative to next year.

But many high-level meetings and events have shifted to a virtual format.

The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have held their annual spring meetings – typically conducted in mid-April – online this year.

Opec has also conducted most of its ministerial meetings online.