World Future Energy Summit expected to draw tens of thousands in Abu Dhabi

One of the world’s largest clean energy events opens on Monday in Abu Dhabi, bringing together governments, businesses and families in an effort to promote environmentally sustainable practices.

Organisers are hoping that this year's World Future Energy Summit will be "bigger than ever".

The summit, which kicks off its 10th annual edition on Monday, is one of the world's largest clean energy events. It is expected to draw tens of thousands of people through its doors.

The show will bring together governments, businesses and families in an effort to promote environmentally sustainable practices.

At the opening ceremony on Monday a new set of winners of the Zayed Future Energy Prize will be revealed. The prize is a monetary award given to “pioneers from around the world who meet the challenge of climate change, energy access and water security”.

The show’s presidential keynote speakers will include heads of state of Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Paraguay and Sri Lanka.

Large corporations as well as small and medium-sized businesses will hold discussions and promote their companies, with deals being announced throughout the event.

Mohammed Al Ramahi, the chief executive of the Abu Dhabi clean energy company Masdar, said that, for the first time, Saudi Arabia and India will have pavilions featuring several technologies and businesses.

“So you have the two biggest potential markets in the region well represented here, and it is going to be bigger than ever,” he said. Side shows will include the International Water Summit and EcoWaste.

And closing out the week on Friday and Saturday will be a fun festival for families, with live entertainment, food, shopping and activities that include a craft corner making art from recycled materials, an educational gaming area geared around sustainability and an innovation factory.

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