Battery tech takes centre stage at Middle East Energy 2025

The 49th edition of Middle East Energy (MEE), a key platform shaping the energy sector in the Middle East and Africa, is set to expand its industry insights by more than doubling its conference tracks, increasing from three to six for 2025.

Organised by Informa Markets, MEE 2025 will take place from 7-9 April at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), bringing together over 150 energy leaders and experts from across the region and beyond to explore innovative solutions and transformative sector advancements.

Newly introduced tracks include the Global Innovation Forum, Africa Business Leaders Forum, IEEE Technical Seminar sessions, and The Battery Show Conference. These will run alongside the well-established MEE Leadership Summit, and the Intersolar and ees Middle East Conference.

"Middle East Energy has always been a catalyst for progress, and our 2025 edition will raise the bar with an unmatched depth of insights and knowledge-sharing opportunities," said Mark Ring, group director, energy events at Informa Markets. "With six dedicated conference tracks and the addition of pivotal new forums, we are offering a comprehensive agenda that will empower stakeholders to navigate the rapidly evolving energy landscape."

Expanding forums to drive economic growth

The newly launched Global Innovation Forum will connect investors, corporate mentors, and energy innovators, providing a platform for emerging technologies, investor networking, and scale-up showcases. The forum will bring together private equity firms, venture capitalists, angel investors, family offices, corporations, and startups focused on energy solutions. Discussions will highlight the critical investments needed to support innovation and accelerate the growth of emerging energy ventures.

Catalina Valentino, group CEO of London-based ELIXR, which is developing ecosystem technologies to tackle urban challenges such as data and energy, will address the forum. She commented, "Our technology is designed to unlock real-time insights which are used to enhance energy performance and urban resilience, ensuring smarter, more sustainable cities for the future like how we are unlocking £1bn of development value in Bolton through data-driven regeneration."

The Africa Business Leaders Forum will bring together regional and global stakeholders to explore investment strategies, financial innovations, and collaborative energy projects between Africa and the Middle East. Discussions will focus on mobilising capital and accelerating energy development across the continent.

The IEEE Technical Sessions will provide a high-level knowledge-sharing environment for industry professionals and academics to discuss power grids, energy storage, and cybersecurity. “We are excited to bring together thought leaders from around the world to facilitate a dynamic exchange between academia and industry, where cutting-edge research meets real-world applications, driving impactful progress in the power and energy sector," said Dr. Yasmin Halawani, chair of IEEE CASS/SSCS/PELS - UAE Section and assistant professor at the College of Engineering and IT, University of Dubai. "Through conferences, workshops, and training sessions, IEEE fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration across different fields and supports the professional development of individuals in both academia and industry. It provides a platform for keeping both communities updated on the latest trends and technologies."

Spotlight on MENA’s EV and battery market

With the launch of The Battery Show & Conference, MEE 2025 will focus on one of the fastest-growing energy sectors—electric mobility and battery storage. The conference will explore emerging technologies, supply chain developments, and investment opportunities in the EV and battery industries.

"Electrification and battery technologies are reshaping the automotive and energy sectors globally. The Battery Show Middle East will provide an unparalleled opportunity for experts and businesses to stay ahead of the curve," said Ken Hoffman, senior advisor to McKinsey—Battery Raw Materials.

Middle East Energy will feature an extensive lineup of speakers, including policymakers, corporate executives, and technical innovators. The agenda will include keynote panels, in-depth technical sessions, and interactive discussions addressing the most pressing energy challenges.

Held under the patronage of the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Middle East Energy 2025 will host more than 1,600 exhibitors from over 90 countries, 17 international pavilions, and is expected to attract over 40,000 energy professionals.