As the global energy transition gathers pace, the World Future Energy Summit, taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 13–15 January as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week hosted by Masdar, is set to spotlight the growing role of green hydrogen in industrial decarbonisation.
The Summit will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and investors to examine how hydrogen can move from early-stage projects to large-scale deployment.
With the UK targeting 10GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030, the event provides a timely platform for dialogue between stakeholders from the UAE and the UK. Discussions will focus on how the UAE’s experience in renewable energy and large-scale carbon capture, utilisation and storage projects can support the scaling of the UK’s green hydrogen market, while opening the door to deeper strategic partnerships and cross-border investment.
Market analysts note that after an initial surge of enthusiasm, green hydrogen has entered a more realistic phase of development. This shift is reflected in increasingly confident signals from the UK Government. Sarah Jones, the UK’s Minister of State for Industry, recently said: “I am convinced hydrogen must be at the heart of our plans to grow the economy and to become net zero by 2050. Already, Government and industry are delivering real projects to kickstart the UK hydrogen economy.”
The UAE is well positioned to play a significant role in this next phase. Dr Carole Nakhle, CEO of Crystol Energy and Secretary General of the Arab Energy Club, who will speak at the Summit, said: “The UK and the UAE share a long-established strategic relationship that goes far beyond energy, but hydrogen is now a natural extension of that partnership as both countries pursue industrial decarbonisation and long-term growth. After the initial surge of enthusiasm, the hydrogen market has entered a more sober and disciplined phase, where scale, capital strength, technical expertise, and genuine long-term commitment will determine who succeeds.”
Momentum is also being driven by rising investment needs. UK Government projections indicate that a further £9bn (AED 44.6bn) of private sector funding will be required to meet 2030 targets, supported by recent public funding commitments aimed at accelerating hydrogen infrastructure development.
For the UAE, this represents an opportunity to strengthen its position as a long-term strategic partner. Domestically, multi-billion-dollar investments are already under way, while internationally, UAE-backed projects continue to expand. With complementary ambitions, shared expertise and growing demand for clean energy, the World Future Energy Summit will explore how closer UK–UAE collaboration on green hydrogen can support faster industrial decarbonisation and long-term economic growth.
WFES highlights UK-UAE green hydrogen collaboration
