At The Mining Show 2025 held in Dubai from November 17-18, global leaders and industry innovators converged to chart the future of mining at a time of unprecedented energy transition and technological upheaval.
In a keynote that set the tone for the event, H.E. Saif Ghubash Almarri, representing the UAE, painted a compelling picture of a world in flux and positioned the nation at the forefront of strategic change.
Almarri articulated the sweeping transformations at play, noting, “Today, the world is undergoing a profound transformation. This has become the backbone of both energy transition and digital transit—without electricity, there is no mobility, no AI, and no resilient digital economy.” Drawing on International Energy Agency data, he projected that demand for key minerals will “increase up to 500% by 2050,” signifying not mere “small adjustments” but seismic shifts in supply chains and geopolitical relations.
To meet these challenges, Almarri highlighted the UAE’s robust, multi-pronged approach. Major initiatives such as the National 3D Geological Model and the Energy and Infrastructure National Digital Platform have been launched to strengthen supply chain resilience, expedite exploration, and boost efficiency.
He emphasised that the UAE is not just adapting, but actively shaping the industry’s evolution, citing expanded investments in aluminum, copper, nickel, and lithium, and a firm commitment to low-carbon extraction and digital traceability. “The future will belong to those who prepare with clarity, ambition and action. The UAE’s message is clear: we are prepared. We are confident,” Almarri asserted.
Safety, innovation, and environmental stewardship were then championed by Abdul Rahman Al Mansoori, who underscored the dual challenges of rapid growth and unique regional conditions. He pointed to initiatives seeking to “reduce the amount of glass, one explosive and above the road,” making transport safer and harmonising skills and standards across the sector. Al Mansoori noted, “We see great opportunity in AI and automation. These tools can help prevent accidents and grow safety and increase productivity.”
From Saudi Arabia, Hassan M.H. Almarzouki detailed extraordinary growth in the Kingdom’s mining sector, with exploration spending soaring from $5 million in 2020 to US$280mn in 2024. He credited a strategic overhaul and new mining laws for this acceleration, and called on the global industry: “We are building a world class, sustainable mining industry that is open for business and drives partnership opportunity.”
As international stakeholders look toward a future defined by resilience, digitisation, and sustainability, The Mining Show 2025 illuminated both the scale of change and the spirit of collaboration needed to harness it.
The Mining Show 2025: the UAE leads mining’s future
