Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the 12th session of the Global Forum on the Green Economy kicked off in 2026. The event, organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the Global Organisation for the Green Economy, is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with the theme “From Achievement to Expansion: Spotlighting the Green Economy.”
In his opening address, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and President of the Global Organisation for the Green Economy, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to establishing its global position in sustainability and climate action. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the country aims to build a sustainable green economy that serves as a global model for future development. Global investments in the energy sector are projected to reach approximately USD 3.4 trillion by 2026, with about USD 2.2 trillion earmarked for clean energy, electricity networks, storage, and low-emission sectors, nearly double the investments directed towards oil, gas, and coal combined.
Al Tayer noted that this year’s summit theme reflects a global shift from simply proving the viability of a green economy to accelerating its adoption and expanding its scope. The aim is for the green economy to become a key driver of sustainable development and economic prosperity worldwide.
Global System
He further emphasised that the green economy has become an essential part of the global growth, investment, and energy ecosystem, asserting that the global market value of the green economy surpassed USD 10 trillion by mid-2026. This growth occurred despite challenges related to energy markets, supply chains, and economic fluctuations, making this sector the second fastest-growing area over the past decade, following technology.
Concerning clean energy contributions, data shows that the share of clean energy in the UAE’s electricity mix reached 32.4% in 2025. Dubai successfully exceeded its original 2030 targets by achieving a 25.8% contribution this year and is aiming to increase this to 36% by 2030, ultimately striving for 100% clean energy production by 2050.
Pioneering Experience
Dubai’s successful experiences in the fields of energy and water offer a practical model for expanding the green economy. The emirate has accumulated expertise by implementing major projects in clean energy, water, digital transformation, and innovation. As part of this initiative, Dubai launched “DEWA Global,” aimed at transferring its successful energy and water infrastructure model to global markets, while developing conventional and clean energy projects and forging partnerships with governments, developers, investors, and financial institutions for financing, implementation, operation, and knowledge transfer.
Moreover, the Global Organisation for the Green Economy is committed to enhancing international cooperation, building partnerships, and exchanging knowledge and expertise to support countries in their journey towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient green economy. The Global Green Economy Alliance, established by the organisation, comprises 96 countries, showcasing the extensive scope of international collaboration surrounding the green economy agenda.
Integrated Model
Al Tayer highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is set to attract investments of AED 50 billion by 2030. This facility is recognised as the largest single-site solar energy complex globally and serves as a comprehensive model integrating clean energy production, innovation, research, development, energy storage, green hydrogen, and artificial intelligence.
In conclusion, Al Tayer called for translating the summit’s outcomes into practical projects and scalable solutions that contribute to sustainable development and pave the way for a more prosperous future for generations to come.