Gathering the clean energy Industry, the 15th Dii Desert Energy Leadership Summit, under the patronage of UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, provides a unique platform for the industry’s most innovative, forward-thinking and top-level leaders to accelerate action and engage in bold discussions on the key enablers of the energy transition.
6-7 November 2025 | The W Dubai - The Palm, Dubai, UAE | As the energy transformation in MENA enters exponential growth, much remains to be done to further accelerate. Under the theme of ‘Energy Transformation in MENA: Vision. Implementation. Jobs’, this year’s summit emphasizes the challenges of implementation and highlights the importance of market-driven mechanisms in advancing toward low-cost and climate-neutral energy solutions.
In its 15th edition, across two full days, the Summit program explores what should drive clean energy systems and markets. It delves into the evolving business case for climate-neutral energy, examining the right mix of carrots and sticks needed to shape viable markets – from public sector push to market pull, and the critical role of price signals.
On day two, the Summit will welcome H.E. Eng. Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates to deliver the opening keynote on 7th November. The session titled ‘Powering Progress - UAE's Strategy for Global Energy Leadership Through Innovation, Partnerships, and Infrastructure Development’ will focus on cross-border regional cooperation for energy security, where his participation will highlight the UAE’s vision and implementation strategies.
Register for the Summit | Find out more about the Summit | See the full agenda
Providing a platform for visionary pioneers in the renewables and low emissions ecosystem, the Dii Leadership Summit keynote addresses provide attendees with the opportunity to hear exclusive insights on lighthouse project development and common objectives to make our economies climate neutral.
On an interactive format, the fireside chats delve into specific projects and latest technology innovations. CEOs will share their vision for the EU-MENA low carbon market, focusing on the Southern routes and MENA’s strategic role as the Renewable Hub for East Asia and Europe
Bringing together industry experts and stakeholders, the Summit program covers holistically the energy transition spectrum.
Moderator: Dan Feldman, Global Head of Energy, King & Spalding
Speakers: Abdulaziz Al Shidhani, Managing Director, Hydrom; Ebubekir Koyuncu, CEO, Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases (BHIG) and CEO, Air Products Qudra (APQ); Tarik Mouffadal, CEO, Masen; Gauri Singh, Deputy Director- General, IRENA; Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East, EDF Group and EDF Power Solutions; Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Chief Green Hydrogen Office, Masdar
Moderator: Frank Wouters, Chair, MENA Hydrogen Alliance
Speakers: Pascal Baylocq, CEO, Geostock; Ahmed Ali Al-Ebrahim, Chief Executive Officer, GCC Interconnection Authority; Sebastian Budischin, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Origination, Hydrogen and Clean Energy Business, Securing Energy for Europe (SEFE); Christian Matthies, Executive Director Middle East & Turkey, Linde Gas Middle East LLC
Moderator: Alicia Eastman, Managing Director, APC Investors
Speakers: Dr. Andreas Widl, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, SAMSON; Olaf Berlien, President & CEO, INNIO Group; Charlie Sanchez, President - Infrastructure Advisory, Black & Veatch; Andrea Lovato, Chief Development Officer, Datavolt
Chairperson & Moderator: Alex Sarac, Partner, Addleshaw Goddard
Speakers: Abdullah Al Abri, Vice President – Sustainability, SOHAR Port and Freezone; Ankit Jain, Chief Investment Officer, Nextgen Infra; Samir Rachidi, Director General, IRESEN; Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO, Abu Dhabi Maritime, Chief Sustainability Officer, AD Ports Group; Kenny Kitamura, Chief Representative for the Middle East, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
Chairperson & Moderator: Siddharth Malik, Managing Partner, Green Investors AG
Speakers: Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Managing Director, Sustainable Infrastructure, EBRD; Trang Huynh, Vice President Structured Finance Middle East, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation; Sami Neffati, Managing Partner, Investcorp and Aberdeen Standard Infrastructure Partners; Andrei Klevchuk, Director of Project Finance, AMEA Power
See the full list of keynote sessions here.
New Dii Desert Energy’s Studies will be unveiled: Data Centers: ‘The New Super Offtakers of Clean Energy’ with Innio Jenbacher and ‘Unlocking The Hydrogen Economy: How Common User Infrastructure Drives Project Bankability’ with Addleshaw Goddard and ILF Consulting Engineers
Dii Desert Energy conducts in-depth studies on a range of emerging energy transition topics, distinguished by their inclusion of bilateral expert interviews with partners. Providing firsthand insights directly from the market, studies are then analyzed by Dii’s experienced and independent research team. This approach combines academic rigor with the perspectives of top management and practical industry experiences, ensuring that the findings are comprehensive and actionable.
Through the two days, Interactive Roundtables, focused on topics along the emission-free energy value chain, will be held including:
See the full list of roundtables here.
The conference is complemented by unique networking opportunities across the two days, including the Drinks & Dinner Reception at the AKIRA Back, hosted by Siemens Energy.
The 15th Dii Desert Energy Leadership Summit is proudly supported by companies at the highest level of the renewable energies industry:
Platinum Sponsors - ACWA Power, State Grid Corporation of China, Enowa-Neom, Smartenergy, thyssenkrupp
Gold Sponsors - Air Products Qudra, Al Gihaz Holding, AMEA Power, E.on, Envision Energy, Innio, King & Spalding, Nareva, Nextgen Infra, SEFE
Dinner Host - Siemens Energy
Silver Sponsor - Midal Solar
Supporting Partners - Global Wind Energy Council, Clean Energy Business Council, Cleanteach Business Club, GH2 India, Global Renewables Alliance, Hydrogen Economist, Hydrogen Europe, LDES Council, IRESEN, MED-GEM, New Energy, UNIDO, ZETA Global
Since 2010 the Annual Summits have paved the way for climate neutral, lowest cost and secure energy from the MENA Deserts.
The annual Summit gathers industry leaders along the emission-free value chain, led by the ‘doers of projects’, from key developers, utilities and investors. This makes the Dii Summit a unique high-level meeting in the market with the common objective of kicking-off the creation of a market for zero emission energy.
Contact
For more information on the Summit, Contact:
Sarah Murray, Marketing Specialist, Dii Desert Energy, sarah@Dii-desertenergy.org
To get involved in the Summit, Contact:
Sophia De Francesco, Director of Events, Dii Desert Energy, sophia@dii-desertenergy.org
For speaking opportunities and more information on Dii Desert Energy and its partners, Contact:
Valeria Aruffo, Director of External Relations, Dii Desert Energy, valeria@dii-desertenergy.org