The global shift towards renewable energy is gaining momentum, and the recent achievement by ADNEC is a testament to this progress. The organization has successfully acquired the international renewable energy certificate, “I-REC,” making significant strides in sustainability. This milestone signifies ADNEC’s commitment to clean energy solutions, marking a major advancement in the region’s efforts toward environmental stewardship.
ADNEC Group, part of the Abu Dhabi Cities Company, has obtained its first international renewable energy certificate, “I-REC,” from the Emirates Water and Electricity Company, under the accreditation issued by the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, and in accordance with the standards set by the International Tracking Standards Foundation “I-TRACK,” thus achieving a qualitative milestone in sustainability.
This certificate proves that the ADNEC Abu Dhabi Center has fully relied on clean energy to meet its operational needs since November 2024, during which it hosted 166 events, including exhibitions, conferences, and meetings, all conducted using 100% renewable energy sources.
The certificate highlights that the ADNEC Abu Dhabi Center consumed over 13,700 megawatt-hours of electricity generated entirely from clean energy sources, resulting in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from energy generation to zero. This notable achievement was made possible through collaboration with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company throughout 2024, making the ADNEC Abu Dhabi Center the first and largest event venue in the Middle East and North Africa to operate entirely on clean energy.
Hamid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, stated that this achievement reflects the group’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and its eagerness to adopt innovative and clean solutions in the events sector. He expressed pride in the group’s role in supporting the UAE’s vision for a more sustainable future and affirmed the group’s ongoing efforts to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2045.
It is noteworthy that the international renewable energy certificate “I-REC” for ADNEC Group underwent a verification and auditing process by the International Tracking Standards Foundation, the leading global entity in clean energy programs and sustainability initiatives.
The evaluation process included the energy consumption of the ADNEC Abu Dhabi Center from November 2024 to April 30, 2025, during which the total electricity used was 13,703 megawatt-hours, generated entirely from renewable sources.
ADNEC Group, as a signatory of the “Net Zero Carbon Emissions” initiative, is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all its business operations and event management activities.
The group works closely with international partners, event organizers, and stakeholders to develop and implement best practices in sustainable event management, including enhancing resource efficiency, minimizing waste, and adopting innovative green technologies.
In line with the UAE’s national sustainability goals, ADNEC Group has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, advancing five years ahead of the national target set for 2050.
The group contributes to shaping a more sustainable future for the events sector in Abu Dhabi and the entire region by leading the way in sustainable event management and adopting a proactive approach to environmental responsibility.