More than 130 international speakers will participate. (Image source: WUC 2025)

The 4th World Utilities Congress will take place from 27–29 May 2025 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

The congress will convene the world’s foremost utility and energy leaders under the theme Innovating for a New Age of Utilities.

The strategic conference at this year’s World Utilities Congress will serve as a key platform for high-level dialogue and international cooperation, addressing the rise in global energy demand and the need for more diversified utility systems.

With electricity demand expected to grow by 3.4% annually until 2026, and the rising importance of the energy-water nexus, utility leaders are being called upon to design systems that are smarter, cleaner, more resilient, and equitable.

With a strong emphasis on transformation, the event is designed to fast-track the shift to a digitally enabled and collaborative global utilities ecosystem.

More than 130 international speakers will participate in over 30 sessions alongside ministers, policymakers, CEOs, and senior decision-makers to define the path toward a low-carbon, tech-driven, and water-secure future.

2025 programe

This edition will spotlight digital transformation, artificial intelligence, smart grid flexibility, and sustainable financing. Global energy leaders will examine critical issues, from deploying AI while managing its energy consumption to unlocking the US$1.5 trillion needed annually for renewable energy via new investment models and enhancing flexibility in an increasingly solar and wind-powered world.

Christopher Hudson, president of dmg events, said, “As utilities evolve to meet rising demand and climate objectives, the World Utilities Congress offers a focused environment for global leaders to assess priorities, share insights, and align on the actions needed to deliver tangible progress. This year’s strategic conference brings a stronger emphasis on practical outcomes, with ministers, CEOs, and technology pioneers gathering to strengthen partnerships and help shape a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future.”

Looking ahead to her global leadership panel on transforming water scarcity into opportunities, Hebah Abbas, chairwoman of the sustainability committee at the Kuwait Water Association, said, “The World Utilities Congress is a unifying force for collaboration, ushering in a new era of regenerative practices and systems innovation. This event gathers visionary leaders and forward-thinkers, where digital, circular, and decentralised solutions converge to redefine energy, water, and utilities. To tackle the systemic challenges in water management, we must forge effective multi-stakeholder partnerships that drive meaningful progress.

“By designing water infrastructure beyond traditional pipes and pumps, we create climate-resilient, inclusive systems that adapt to future shocks. This holistic approach is essential for turning obstacles into opportunities and securing a sustainable future in water management and utilities.”

The 2025 programme will also reexamine water’s crucial role in climate adaptation, the promise of AI in operational optimisation, and how capital reallocation and financial innovation can accelerate investment in grid and clean water infrastructure.

Through these themes, the strategic conference continues to guide the global utilities sector through uncertainty toward a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and interconnected.

As momentum builds around the world’s climate goals, Abu Dhabi will once again take centre stage as a hub for strategic thinking, collaboration, and actionable innovation.

The agreement tackles long-standing land-related issues

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), Al Dahra Agriculture Trading, and Fujairah Municipality have entered into a cooperation agreement to drive sustainable development across the Emirate of Fujairah.

The three-way partnership leverages the combined institutional strengths of each party to support key infrastructure, enhance community services, and foster long-term environmental and economic resilience.

The agreement tackles long-standing land-related issues while laying the groundwork for future infrastructure projects. EtihadWE has been instrumental in facilitating the implementation process, helping to prioritise key developments and ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential utility services to residents.

This joint initiative enhances integrated planning between the entities and aligns with national objectives, particularly in the areas of water conservation, food security, and the expansion of green employment opportunities.

It also opens the door for continued collaboration on strategic sustainability efforts in the future.

Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, said, “This agreement reflects our continued commitment to enabling infrastructure and sustainability in Fujairah. The new land lease allows us to move forward with key projects that modernise utility services in the emirate—enhancing resilience and meeting future demand. By working closely with Al Dahra and Fujairah Municipality, we are fostering a collaborative model that delivers tangible impact for the community.”

Arnoud van den Berg, Group CEO of Al Dahra, stated, “This agreement signifies our commitment to working together to create a more sustainable future.”

H.E Mohamed Al Afkham, Director General of Fujairah Municipality, said, “We welcome this collaboration and are confident in the positive outcomes it will bring to Fujairah’s development.”

Bin Ghalita was welcomed by Faris Saeed, CEO of Tadweer. (Image source: Tadweer)

His Excellency Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, recently visited Tadweer, one of Dubai’s flagship waste management facilities.

The visit reflects the emirate’s continued efforts to promote the circular economy, support environmental sustainability, and reduce dependence on landfills.

Accompanied by a senior delegation from Dubai Municipality, Bin Ghalita was welcomed by Faris Saeed, CEO of Tadweer, alongside other key executives.

During the visit, the delegation toured the facility’s key operational areas, which have been serving the city for two decades and now form a vital part of Dubai’s integrated waste management infrastructure. His Excellency was briefed on the facility’s processes, advanced technologies for waste collection, sorting, and recycling, and innovative methods for converting waste into valuable resources.

The itinerary included a stop at Tadweer’s pilot biogas plant, which demonstrates how organic waste can be transformed into energy—a clear example of utilising local resources to support the UAE’s energy sustainability and security goals.

Bin Ghalita highlighted the critical role of circular economy frameworks and public-private collaboration in expanding sustainable practices. He praised Tadweer for its contributions to addressing environmental challenges and turning them into strategic opportunities for a more sustainable Dubai.

Dubai's strategy

Bin Ghalita said, “Dubai has established itself as a leader in adopting integrated waste management and circular economy practices through a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and resource conservation. This includes leveraging modern technologies, advanced systems, and innovation to enhance the efficiency of waste collection, sorting, and treatment in sustainable ways. Dubai Municipality remains committed to supporting and advancing environmental and technological solutions that align with national strategies, most notably, the Dubai Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2021–2041, which focuses on implementing global best practices and long-term infrastructure, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to position Dubai as a global hub for clean energy and the green economy.”

Faris Saeed, CEO of Tadweer and Chairman of SEE Holding, added, “Tadweer is a real-world embodiment of sustainability, diverting millions of tons of waste from landfills and providing a practical, scalable model for implementing the circular economy. Our vision is rooted in the belief that technology is not just a tool but a strategic partner in realising the UAE’s environmental transformation goals. With the continued support of Dubai Municipality, we are confident in our path toward a future defined by innovation, regeneration, and zero waste.”

Since its launch, Tadweer has handled over 5.2 million tons of municipal solid waste, easing the strain on landfill sites and converting substantial volumes into useful products. This includes the creation of more than 90,000 tons of premium organic compost for use in agriculture and green urban spaces.

In parallel, environmental education forms a core part of Tadweer’s strategy. The company has conducted more than 1,200 awareness campaigns, engaging over 30,000 students across the UAE to cultivate a culture of sustainability among future generations.

Ahmed Aqel, general manager, Johnson Controls. (Image source: Johnson Controls)

As the Middle East and Africa (MEA) advances toward a more sustainable future, air conditioning stands at a critical crossroads.

With soaring urbanisation rates, extreme climatic conditions, and year-round cooling demands, HVAC systems are not just amenities — they are lifelines.

But they are also among the largest consumers of electricity and contributors to carbon emissions.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), most air-conditioning units currently in use are typically two to three times less efficient than top-performing models.

This can have profound implications for national energy strategies and climate goals, particularly in a region where space cooling accounts for up to 70% of residential electricity consumption.

The challenge is not hypothetical. The MEA region is projected to experience some of the fastest growth in cooling demand globally, driven by demographic expansion, urban sprawl and rising temperatures.

If the HVAC sector continues on its current trajectory — relying heavily on outdated, energy-hungry units — it could impact even the most ambitious net-zero roadmaps.

To pivot toward sustainability, two parallel transformations are important: new technology adoption and behavioural change.

First, the deployment of high-efficiency air-conditioning systems needs to be accelerated.

These units, designed to deliver the same cooling output using significantly less energy, are not only viable but increasingly accessible.

Their adoption can drastically reduce power demand during peak periods, cut carbon emissions, and lessen the burden on national grids already under strain.

Second, awareness and capacity-building across the built environment sector must keep pace. Engineers, developers, and facilities managers need more than equipment — they need knowledge and expertise.

Using data for efficiency 

Optimising HVAC performance requires understanding system integration, smart controls, passive cooling strategies, and proper maintenance practices.

Without this, even the most advanced unit can miss out on its efficiency potential.

This is particularly urgent in MEA countries implementing green building regulations or upgrading infrastructure.

Too often, HVAC is treated as a compliance checkbox rather than a central pillar of sustainability planning.

Yet the data is clear: without significant improvements in cooling efficiency, countries will struggle to meet national targets under the Paris Agreement or regional net-zero pledges.

Beyond energy metrics, the implications of efficient HVAC stretch into public health, productivity, and resilience.

In education and healthcare facilities, for instance, reliable and energy-efficient cooling can improve learning outcomes and patient recovery.

In industry, it can enhance operational stability and reduce lifecycle costs. For vulnerable populations, it can be a matter of safety during heatwaves.

The path forward requires cross-sector collaboration. Policymakers, developers, suppliers, and training institutions all have roles to play in mainstreaming efficient HVAC solutions.

This means aligning incentives, mandating performance standards, and investing in professional training programs that raise the bar across the board.

Ultimately, cooling in the MEA region is not optional — but how we cool is a choice.

Choosing top-performing HVAC systems is not just a technical upgrade; it's a strategic imperative for any nation or business serious about sustainability.

If net-zero is the destination, high-efficiency cooling is one of the most important vehicles to get us there.

This piece was written by Ahmed Aqel, general manager, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, MEA