Dubai, UAE, 24 November 2025: HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), chaired the 91st meeting of the council, which was held virtually in the presence of HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the council.

The meeting was also attended by HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the council, and board members HE Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; HE Abdulla bin Kalban, Managing Director of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA); HE Hussain Sultan Lootah, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Juan-Pablo Freile, General Manager of Dubai Petroleum and Dubai Supply Authority (DUSUP); and Muna Alosaimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The council reviewed Dubai’s strategic objectives and discussed several key initiatives that support sustainability in the emirate and future plans to achieve net zero. Two main pillars were highlighted: Dubai Municipality’s Circle Dubai initiative to strengthen waste-reduction practices, and the latest developments of the RTA’s ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’ strategy.

“In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we continue to implement pioneering initiatives and projects that reinforce Dubai’s position in clean energy, sustainability and energy efficiency. This supports the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to provide 100% of the emirate’s energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050. The Circle Dubai initiative is a cornerstone in transforming Dubai’s waste management system into a circular economy model, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance waste collection, sorting and recycling processes. Meanwhile, updates to the RTA’s ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’ strategy also demonstrate strong progress in transforming Dubai’s mass transit into a zero-emission fleet by expanding the use of electric and hydrogen vehicles and strengthening supporting infrastructure. This directly contributes to reducing the transport sector’s carbon footprint and achieving our ambitious 2050 goals,” said Al Tayer.

Al Muhairbi said: “Through its approved strategies and established implementation mechanisms, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy is committed to evaluating performance to ensure tangible results that support Dubai’s long-term vision and strengthen its leading position across all fields of sustainable development and the green economy.”

The council emphasised that ongoing programmes to reduce waste and increase recycling, together with initiatives to cut carbon emissions from the land transport sector, will remain priorities for future review.

The winners will be honoured at the 11^th edition of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES), held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. WGES, set for 1-2 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, will convene a large number of officials, experts and decision-makers in the clean and renewable energy sector from around the world. The summit has been organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Water and Electricity Authority and the World Green Economy Organization.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award embodies the vision of our wise leadership and their commitment to driving the transition towards a green economy and accelerating the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources. The growing participation in the award reaffirms Dubai’s position as a global hub for recognising and attracting innovative and sustainable projects. Moreover, the geographical diversity of participants highlights the award’s pivotal role in convening experts and specialists under one platform, thereby contributing to the advancement of energy and sustainability solutions regionally and globally.”

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award creates new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Previous cycles have demonstrated that it not only recognises outstanding initiatives but also contributes to shaping future directions by encouraging innovative ideas that provide practical solutions to energy and climate challenges.”

Empowering the green transition

The award aims to provide a creative environment that fosters innovation, promotes the adoption of clean technologies and supports the development of effective partnerships between individuals, institutions and specialised organisations. It also opens new horizons for collaboration across multiple fields, including green buildings, sustainable transport, solar energy technologies, digital solutions for consumption management and community initiatives that enhance environmental awareness.

The objectives of the award are aligned with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to provide 100% of the emirate’s energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050. They also reflect global efforts to accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

A global platform for energy innovation

The fifth cycle of the award attracted submissions from 24 countries. The UAE led with 63 projects, followed by Turkey with 37, Egypt with 31, Jordan with 27, Saudi Arabia with 19 and Morocco with 17. The 2025 cycle also witnessed strong participation from Kuwait, Palestine, Algeria, Qatar, Oman, and Yemen, alongside European entries from France, the UK, Germany, Finland, Sweden and Estonia. In addition, remarkable projects were submitted from South Korea, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and the US.

A track record of achievements

In its previous cycles, the award has showcased innovative projects in areas such as solar energy applications, energy storage technologies, smart building systems and digital solutions for monitoring and managing consumption. It has also highlighted youth and community-driven initiatives that underscore the importance of awareness and education in fostering sustainability.

Towards a more sustainable future

The distinction and success of the award reflect Dubai’s pioneering role as a model in sustainability and clean energy. With each new cycle, it strengthens its position as an interactive platform for shaping the future of sustainable energy. By honouring pioneering projects and encouraging innovative solutions, the award contributes to accelerating the green transition across all levels and sectors.

Amid today’s global climate challenges, the award continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the international clean energy agenda and reinforcing the UAE and Dubai’s leadership and commitment to sustainability efforts, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Dubai, UAE, 24 September 2025: HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), chaired the 90th meeting of the council, which was held virtually in the presence of HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the council.

The meeting was also attended by HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the council, and board members HE Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality; HE Abdulla bin Kalban, Managing Director of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA); HE Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Juan-Pablo Freile, General Manager of Dubai Petroleum and Dubai Supply Authority (DUSUP); and Muna Alosaimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The meeting focused on Dubai’s strategic objectives in monitoring and reducing carbon emissions, supporting the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. The DSCE approved the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 2024. It also approved the winners of the 2025 Emirates Energy Award, which honours the region’s best practices and innovative projects in energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability.

“In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to consolidate Dubai’s global leadership in clean energy, sustainability and energy efficiency, we continue to implement pioneering projects that enhance Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and investment in the energy sector. Our goal is to support the sustainability road map and achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the emirate’s energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050. We attach great importance to adopting best practices and advanced technologies that increase the efficiency of resource use and support Dubai’s sustainable development in line with the UAE’s national initiatives and federal strategies,” said Al Tayer.

Al Muhairbi said: “The council has approved two important regulatory frameworks for trading petroleum products in Dubai: the Safety Policy in Petroleum Products Trade Policy, which aims to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and environmental protection, and the Regulatory Framework for Petroleum Products Trade, which provides comprehensive governance mechanisms to enhance transparency, efficiency and compliance in the sector.”

وقد نفذ فريق التفتيش الميداني المشترك الدائم، المُشكّل بموجب قرار المجلس الأعلى للطاقة رقم (1) لسنة 2022، بالتعاون مع عدة جهات حكومية معنية، شملت القيادة العامة للدفاع المدني، بلدية دبي، هيئة الطرق والمواصلات، دائرة الاقتصاد والسياحة، وزارة الصناعة والتكنولوجيا المتقدمة وشركة بترول الإمارات الوطنية (اينوك)، هذه الحملات التفتيشية.

وقال معالي / سعيد محمد الطاير، نائب رئيس المجلس الأعلى للطاقة في دبي: “تمثل هذه الحملات التفتيشية جزءاً أساسياً من جهودنا المستمرة لترسيخ أعلى معايير السلامة والامتثال في مختلف الأنشطة الحيوية المرتبطة بالطاقة في إمارة دبي، انسجاماً مع توجيهات القيادة الرشيدة بضمان تداول آمن وشفاف للمواد البترولية. ويمثل تنظيم قطاع تداول مادة زيت الغاز (الديزل) جزءاً محورياً من جهودنا الشاملة، حيث نعمل بشكل تكاملي مع الجهات المعنية لمواجهة المخالفات التي تهدد السلامة أو تُضعف ثقة المستثمرين والمتعاملين، ونؤكد التزامنا بتوفير بيئة تشغيلية تتسم بالكفاءة والمسؤولية في آن معاً، دعماً لمسيرة التنمية المستدامة في دبي ودولة الإمارات.  ويحرص المجلس الأعلى للطاقة على تطبيق أعلى معايير الأمن والسلامة في مجال تداول مادة الديزل بجميع أنشطته من نقل وتخزين وتوزيع سواء كان من منشآت تجارة الديزل أو عبر صهاريج النقل والتوزيع”.

وأضاف معاليه: ” نشكر كافة الجهات الحكومية المشاركة في تنفيذ هذه الحملات، مشددًا على مواصلة العمل الرقابي الدقيق والتنسيق مع الجهات الحكومية المعنية ذات الاختصاص لضمان تطبيق أعلى المعايير في سبيل حماية الأفراد والمجتمع والمؤسسات على حد سواء وذلك من خلال التأكد من امتثال ممارسات التداول والتوزيع في قطاعات المواد البترولية لقرارات المجلس وضمان التطبيق الفعال للسياسات المتعلقة بتنظيم تداول المواد البترولية في دبي”.

وأوضح سعادة / أحمد بطي المحيربي، الأمين العام للمجلس الأعلى للطاقة ورئيس لجنة تنظيم تداول المواد البترولية في دبي أن ضمان الالتزام بالمواصفات والمعايير المعتمدة لزيت الغاز (الديزل) هو أحد أهم أولوياتنا وهذه الحملات التفتيشية تعكس التزامنا الثابت بتحقيق بيئة تجارية عادلة ومستدامة، وحماية حقوق المستهلكين والموردين الملتزمين بالقوانين.”

ومن جانبه لفت السيد/ برهان الهاشمي، نائب رئيس لجنة تنظيم تداول المواد البترولية في دبي إلى أن أبرز المخالفات المكتشفة تضمنت تخزين وتداول مادة الديزل في منشآت غيرمرخصة وغير مصرحة، بالإضافة إلى تداول المادة أو بيعها أو توزيعها في مواقع ووسائل نقل غير مرخصة وغير مطابقة للمواصفات الإماراتية. وأضاف أن هذه الممارسات قد تؤدي إلى تسريبات خطيرة في التربة والمياه الجوفية، وتهدد سلامة المستخدمين والبيئة. وتستهدف الحملات الحد من استخدام وسائل وأماكن تداول غير مرخصة أو غير مصرحة، ولن تتهاون اللجنة والجهات الحكومية ذات الاختصاص في اتخاذ الإجراءات القانونية بحق الجهات المخالفة.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy said: “These inspection campaigns form an essential part of our continuous efforts to entrench the highest standards of safety and compliance across all vital energy-related activities in the Emirate of Dubai. This aligns with the directives of our wise leadership to ensure secure and transparent trading of petroleum products. Regulating the gas oil (diesel) trading sector is a central pillar of our comprehensive efforts. We work integrally with relevant entities to confront violations that threaten safety or undermine investor and stakeholder confidence. We reaffirm our commitment to providing an operational environment characterized by both efficiency and responsibility, supporting the sustainable development journey of Dubai and the UAE.”

HE Al Tayer added: “The DSCE seeks to apply the highest standards of security and safety in all diesel trading activities, including transport, storage, and distribution, whether through diesel trading facilities or via transport and distribution tankers.  We thank all government entities participating in implementing these campaigns, stressing the continuation of rigorous oversight and coordination with relevant competent government authorities to ensure the application of the standards. This aims to protect individuals, society, and institutions alike by verifying compliance of trading and distribution practices in the petroleum products sectors with the Council’s decisions and ensuring the effective implementation of policies regulating petroleum product trading in Dubai.”

HE Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of DSCE and Chairman of Dubai Regulatory Committee for Petroleum Products, emphasised that ensuring compliance with the approved specifications and standards for gas oil (diesel) is one of our top priorities. These inspection campaigns reflect our steadfast commitment to achieving a fair and sustainable business environment and protecting the rights of consumers and law-abiding suppliers.

Burhan Al Hashemi, Vice Chairman of the Committee said: “The most prominent violations uncovered included the storage and trading of diesel in unlicensed and unauthorized facilities, as well as trading, selling, or distributing the product at locations and via transport means that are unlicensed and non-compliant with UAE specifications. He added that these practices could lead to hazardous seepage into soil and groundwater, threatening user safety and the environment. The campaigns aim to curb the use of unlicensed or unauthorized trading locations and means. The Committee and competent government authorities will not hesitate to take legal action against violating entities.”

With categories such as ‘Education & Capacity Building’, ‘Research and Development’ and ‘Young Energy Professional’, the award attracts impactful student-led projects and youth-driven initiatives that deliver both technical and environmental value. This contributes to preparing generations that are not only aware of energy and climate challenges but are empowered to develop practical solutions supporting the transition to a sustainable future.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award reflects the vision of our wise leadership in building a knowledge-based economy rooted in innovation and sustainability. The award targets students, recognising them as future leaders and agents of change. By supporting youth-led projects, we aim to instil environmental responsibility and promote a culture of research and development among the generations to come. This aligns with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. The award also serves as a catalyst, offering students a motivating platform to invest their time in developing research-based and innovative projects that advance sustainability, especially amid the growing local and global focus on climate issues and energy efficiency.”

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “Engaging students in the award is a strategic step towards shaping an innovative generation equipped with the knowledge and awareness to develop forward-looking solutions to energy challenges. In the fifth cycle, we observed a notable increase in both the quality and diversity of student submissions, reflecting growing intellectual maturity and heightened interest among youths in energy and sustainability issues.”

The fifth cycle of the award recorded significant participation across the ‘Education and Capacity Building’, ‘Research and Development’ and ‘Young Talented Energy Professional’ categories. Submissions cover areas such as energy efficiency, solar energy, the green economy and green technologies, underscoring the importance of investing in environmental education and student-led innovation to build a more informed and sustainable society.

These initiatives align with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy’s endeavors to support sustainable development and reinforce the award’s position as a regional and international catalyst for the adoption of innovative solutions, particularly those driven by young people. The award also offers a unique opportunity for academic and educational institutions to guide students towards real-world, impact-driven projects and to strengthen their engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The award continues to strengthen its position as a key regional and international initiative focused on advancing sustainability and energy transformation. The growing confidence it commands underscores its critical role in fostering innovation and recognising outstanding practices in the clean energy sector.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The strong and distinguished participation in the fifth cycle of the award reaffirms its growing status as a leading global platform in sustainable energy. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote innovation and technology to serve humanity. The international momentum we have witnessed reflects the trust the award enjoys both regionally and globally, as well as its vital role in encouraging innovation and the adoption of best practices in clean energy. The qualitative and geographic diversity of submissions is in line with the vision of our wise leadership to advance the transition towards a sustainable green economy and supports the UAE’s strategic objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.”

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “This year, we witnessed remarkable international engagement that reinforces the award’s mission as a global platform for knowledge and expertise exchange in sustainable energy. The diversity in nationalities, sectors and project types reflects how the Emirates Energy Award brings together effective practices from around the world, contributing to the advancement of sustainable transformation through projects with tangible technical, economic and environmental value.”

The 240 submissions were distributed across the award’s 10 categories, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the participating projects and initiatives. The Research and Development category received the highest number of entries, with 60 submissions from research centres and specialised institutions, highlighting the growing interest in developing innovative technological solutions in the energy sector. This was followed by the Education and Capacity Building category, which attracted 29 submissions focused on training programmes and awareness initiatives, emphasising the increasing importance of knowledge and community engagement in advancing sustainable transformation.

The Energy Efficiency – Public Sector category saw strong participation from government entities, with 25 entries. Meanwhile, the Young Energy Professional category received 24 submissions, reflecting a high level of awareness among youths and their expanding role in this vital field.

The Energy Efficiency – Private Sector category attracted 17 submissions from companies and commercial institutions showcasing successful models for reducing energy consumption. Nineteen entities submitted entries under the Large Energy Project category, which includes projects with an investment value exceeding USD 3 million, compared to 13 entries in the Small Energy Project category for initiatives below that threshold.

The Large Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation ≥ 500 kW) category received 16 submissions, while the Small Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation < 500 kW) category saw eight entries. The Circular Economy category also drew a notable number of submissions, highlighting innovative solutions in reuse, resource efficiency and sustainable design, underscoring the growing global relevance of circular practices.

The award attracted strong international and local participation, with the United Arab Emirates leading with 63 submissions, demonstrating the country’s deep-rooted commitment to climate action and sustainability. Turkey followed with 37 submissions, then Egypt with 31, Jordan with 27, Saudi Arabia with 19 and Morocco with 17.

This cycle saw significant geographic diversity, with entries spanning countries across the Middle East and North Africa, including Kuwait, Palestine, Algeria, Qatar, Oman and Yemen, as well as strong European representation from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, Sweden and Estonia. Asian countries also featured prominently, with participation from South Korea, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, in addition to the United States from North America. This wide geographic reach highlights the award’s growing stature as a global platform for recognising leading initiatives in energy and sustainability worldwide.

Following the close of the submission phase, the award’s technical committee – comprising a distinguished panel of subject-matter experts – has begun evaluating the entries. Submissions will be assessed based on rigorous criteria, including innovation, energy efficiency and economic, social and environmental impact, as well as each project’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Winners will be announced at an official ceremony later this year to honour outstanding projects and pioneering initiatives in the field.

The Emirates Energy Award continues to play a pivotal role in accelerating the clean energy transition and strengthening the UAE’s position as a global leader in sustainable solutions, by showcasing innovative models from around the world that support the creation of a low-emission, more sustainable future for generations to come.

The meeting addressed initiatives and programmes implemented to reduce electricity and water consumption in government buildings. Many measures have been implemented to increase the savings in more than 9,000 government buildings, in line with Dubai’s goal to enhance operational efficiency and implement green building specifications.

“We reviewed initiatives that embody the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to consolidate Dubai’s position as a global leader in energy efficiency and sustainability. The council has developed a clear road map in line with the Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2050, which aims to reduce consumption by 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050. We aim to make Dubai’s government buildings and facilities the best in the world in terms of energy conservation and quality of life. Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO) provides consumption data and building retrofitting mechanisms to increase maintenance and operational efficiency. Through building retrofitting, we are making tangible progress towards our goals. This aligns with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy and Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy for 2050,” said Al Tayer.

Al Muhairbi said: “Over the past 10 years, regulations have been updated to enhance the design and construction of green buildings, reduce consumption in government buildings and harness solar energy to ensure the efficient use of electricity generated from clean sources.”

Organised under the theme ‘Empowering Carbon Neutrality’, the award features 10 categories that address key aspects of sustainability and renewable energy. These are Energy Efficiency – Public Sector; Energy Efficiency – Private Sector; Large Energy Project; Small Energy Project; Circular Economy; Large Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation ≥ 500 kW); Small Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation < 500 kW); Education & Capacity Building; Research & Development; and Young Energy Professional.

The award categories are distinguished by their diversity and inclusiveness, encompassing various dimensions of innovation from technical and engineering solutions to educational and community contributions. This enables institutions and individuals from different sectors to submit their projects and initiatives within a clear framework that considers environmental impact, economic efficiency and long-term social return.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The Emirates Energy Award aligns with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable development and a green economy in the UAE, which is currently at the forefront of global efforts to address the challenges of climate change through strategic initiatives and projects. In line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to generate 100% of the emirate’s energy from clean sources by 2050, the award seeks to raise environmental awareness and encourage the participation of institutions, companies and individuals from the public and private sectors as well as academia, for their pivotal role in addressing the effects of climate change and global warming. It also encourages them to submit their ideas and innovations to find practical solutions in this field.”

“The award, as a world-class platform, underscores the UAE’s leading role in advancing the global transition to clean energy. It reflects the vision of our wise leadership in establishing a sustainable economy based on innovation and knowledge, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for advanced solutions in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The diversity of the award’s categories demonstrates our commitment to fostering broad-based participation and enabling all stakeholders to contribute effectively to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” added Al Tayer.

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award, noted that the design of the award categories takes into account major shifts in sustainability concepts, particularly with the emergence of the circular economy as a key pillar of resource management.

Al Muhairbi added: “The award presents a comprehensive model for fostering excellence across the energy sector through a rigorous evaluation methodology that focuses on technical feasibility, environmental impact and added value at both the local and international levels. It is open to participation by government, private and semi-government entities, as well as individuals, reinforcing the award’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange and cross-sector collaboration.”

The award’s 10 categories encompass a broad spectrum of innovation within the energy and sustainability sectors. The Energy Efficiency – Public Sector and the Energy Efficiency – Private Sector categories recognise institutional initiatives that have successfully reduced energy consumption and improved efficiency across government entities and private companies. The Large Energy Project and the Small Energy Project categories honour technical and engineering solutions that enhance energy production or support smart energy use, whether on a wide or localised scale.

The Circular Economy category focuses on initiatives that promote resource reuse and waste reduction, contributing to the development of sustainable economic models. In the field of solar energy, the award highlights excellence in distributed generation through two distinct categories based on capacity: one for initiatives producing 500kW or more, and another for projects below 500kW.

Acknowledging the importance of human capital, the Education & Capacity Building category shines the spotlight on efforts to promote sustainability awareness and strengthen skills development. Meanwhile, the Research & Development category celebrates groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements. The Young Energy Professional category showcases the contributions of the next generation of thinkers and innovators driving the global transition towards clean and renewable energy sources.

Through its 10 categories, the Emirates Energy Award reflects a strong commitment to global efforts aimed at accelerating the shift towards clean and efficient energy systems. It also reinforces the critical role of local and regional actors in advancing climate action through tangible initiatives, impactful partnerships and forward-looking solutions that shape the future of sustainability.

Dubai, UAE, 14 May 2025: The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has announced the closure of submissions for the different categories of the Emirates Energy Award, following strong participation from around the world. The scope of entries expanded to include new regions beyond the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), reinforcing the award’s position as a global platform that recognises innovation and excellence in sustainable energy.

Following the expiry of the deadline, the award’s Technical Committee began evaluating the applications using clear and specific criteria focusing on innovation, energy efficiency, the promotion of renewable energy and the economic, social and environmental impact of projects, within a framework that supports the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Receiving the applications coincided with the publication of the Emissions Gap Report 2024 by the United Nations Environment Programme, which highlights the urgent need for decisive collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035. The report underscores the importance of initiatives such as the Emirates Energy Award in accelerating the transition to clean energy and addressing the effects of climate change that threaten the future of humanity and the planet.

“The Emirates Energy Award is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to support sustainable development by raising awareness among public and private entities and all segments of society on the importance of increasing the share of clean and renewable energy sources. As the scope of participation continues to grow, encompassing countries from various continents, the award plays a key role in achieving net zero by recognising the best practices that advance sustainable energy both in the MENA region and globally,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Emirates Energy Award.

“Since its inception, the Emirates Energy Award has attracted broad international participation, reflecting its growing global influence. Alongside its expanding geographical reach, the award affirms its vital role in supporting net-zero efforts in line with international initiatives and reports warning of the serious consequences of climate inaction over the next decade. With the application period now closed, we are witnessing the results of our ongoing efforts to establish the award as an influential global platform in the fight against climate change. We now enter the evaluation stage, which highlights the commitment of institutions and individuals around the world to developing practical and sustainable solutions for a better future for generations to come,” added Al Tayer.

HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Emirates Energy Award, said: “The evaluation process will follow the highest international standards, focusing on projects that demonstrably reduce the carbon footprint and drive the transition to clean energy. We believe the Emirates Energy Award has become a leading global platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise.”

With rising global interest in climate action, the award continues to play a central role in promoting the shift to clean energy and fostering innovation to address global environmental challenges.

The Emirates Energy Award features 10 categories focused on key objectives including creativity, innovation, energy efficiency and the promotion of renewable energy over other sources, as well as the economic, social and environmental impact of energy-saving projects. Awards will be presented in the following categories: Energy Efficiency – Public Sector; Energy Efficiency – Private Sector; Large Energy Project; Small Energy Project; Circular Economy; Large Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation≥ 500kW); Small Solar Energy Project (Distributed Generation< 500 kW); Education & Capacity Building; Research & Development; and Young Energy Professional.