Abu Dhabi- Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) addresses interconnected challenges and opportunities of sustainable development, renewable energy and water security – it is expected to receive 38,000 attendees representing 175 countries, including five heads of state, more than 80 government ministers and 880 exhibiting companies from 40 countries.

Taking place on the theme “Practical Steps towards a Sustainable Future”, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the week began with two key events: the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum on January 12 and13, held in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy, and the 5th General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency.

ADSW opening ceremony is immediately followed by the Awards Ceremony of the 9th edition of the Zayed Future Energy Prize. The afternoon programme is dedicated to Abu Dhabi Global Action Day, a high-level conference aimed at turning the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into practical and innovative solutions in policy, investment, technology and partnerships with a focus on the steps to be taken by both government and business.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar, said: “ADSW 2017 is one of the first global platforms to debate the outcomes of COP22 in Marrakech and to take further action to adopt renewable energy, clean technologies and sustainable development following the ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement.”

“It is also a gateway to the opportunities of the Middle East & North Africa, today one of the fastest growing and most cost-competitive markets for renewable energy and clean technology,” he added.

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week hosts the World Future Energy Summit, which this year marks its 10th anniversary, the 5th International Water Summit and EcoWaste.

More than half of the exhibiting companies are small and medium sized business (SMEs) from leading clean-tech nations including Germany, France, Japan, the U.S. and the UK, further illustrating the commercial dynamism and growing maturity of the sector.