Harnessing AI for Sustainability at Abu Dhabi Forum in April
Abu Dhabi is preparing to welcome global sustainability leaders, innovators, and experts for a landmark event that continues to shape the future of responsible business. The Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum will return on April 16 and 17, 2025, for its ninth annual edition, reinforcing the city’s commitment to driving sustainability through dialogue, innovation, and action. This year’s theme, “Collaboration for Impact: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Business Practices,” reflects a timely and crucial focus on how emerging technologies can advance environmental goals and enhance sustainable strategies.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group and supported by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the event is scheduled to take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Abu Dhabi. It brings together leading minds from across the globe, including corporate executives, policymakers, researchers, and technology pioneers. The Forum is recognised as one of the region’s premier platforms for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in the sustainability space.
A Platform That Drives Innovation and Meaningful Dialogue
Since its inception, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum has positioned itself as a pivotal platform for business leaders and sustainability professionals. This year, the Forum deepens its relevance by aligning with the latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. The event will explore how AI can be applied to support corporate sustainability, enhance environmental performance, and help tackle pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity.
The growing urgency of climate-related issues, combined with the unprecedented capabilities of AI to process and interpret vast amounts of data, sets the stage for in-depth discussions on how businesses can evolve to become more adaptive and environmentally responsible. With AI now influencing various sectors from manufacturing to logistics, agriculture to finance, the Forum aims to uncover how this technology can be integrated into sustainable strategies in a meaningful and scalable way.
Focus on Collaboration as a Catalyst for Change
One of the most prominent messages behind this year’s forum is the importance of collaboration. The theme “Collaboration for Impact” underlines the idea that no single organisation or technology can address environmental challenges alone. It is through partnerships—between governments, corporations, academia, and civil society—that real and measurable progress can be made.
Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, explained that the Forum offers an essential venue for investigating how AI can be harnessed in the fight against environmental degradation. She noted that collaboration remains central to achieving outcomes that are both impactful and lasting. According to her, the conversations expected at the event will highlight how collective action and innovation can jointly produce viable solutions to issues like air pollution, water scarcity, and carbon emissions.
Industry Leaders Express Optimism and Forward-Looking Perspectives
Among the corporate voices contributing to the event is Obaid Abdulla Al Dhaheri, CEO of Dolphin Energy Limited. He emphasised the necessity of embracing change and leveraging technological advancements to become more sustainable. He highlighted that digitalisation is already transforming operational efficiency in the energy sector, enabling measurable improvements in environmental stewardship. Al Dhaheri expressed particular interest in how AI could further enhance Dolphin Energy’s efforts in sustainability and looked forward to exchanging ideas with global peers at the Forum.
Adding to this, Noel Aoun, Chief Strategy Officer at TAQA, pointed out that the integration of AI and sustainability offers a significant opportunity to accelerate positive climate action. As a key sponsor of the event, TAQA supports initiatives that drive innovation and efficiency. Aoun believes that AI has the potential to help organisations better manage resources, reduce waste, and optimise operations—all of which are crucial to achieving long-term environmental goals.
Media’s Role in Amplifying Sustainability Awareness
The media plays a vital role in amplifying the ideas, findings, and innovations presented during forums like this one. Pyramedia, a key media partner for the 2025 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum, will contribute by ensuring wide coverage and effective dissemination of the event’s content. Dr. Nashwa Al Ruwaini, Founder and CEO of Pyramedia Group, expressed that sustainability efforts require an ongoing synergy between awareness, technology, and innovation. She stated that platforms like the Forum are crucial in generating solutions that are both practical and scalable, and the media’s job is to make sure these messages reach and resonate with broader audiences.
Dr. Al Ruwaini’s insights underline the importance of public engagement in sustainability. While industry leaders and scientists can lead the way in research and development, the role of civil society and the general public is equally vital. Awareness campaigns, documentaries, podcasts, and news coverage all play an influential role in shifting behaviours and fostering a culture of responsibility.
Artificial Intelligence as a Strategic Tool for Sustainability
A major highlight of the 2025 edition is the in-depth examination of artificial intelligence and its applicability in the realm of sustainability. AI is now more than a buzzword; it is a transformative tool capable of helping businesses monitor environmental impact, predict outcomes, and automate complex processes that traditionally consumed both time and resources. Whether through real-time data analysis, supply chain optimisation, or predictive maintenance in industrial settings, AI has found a home in sustainability strategies across industries.
Delegates at the Forum will explore specific use cases of AI, ranging from energy efficiency systems in smart buildings to machine learning models that predict carbon emissions trends. These conversations are not theoretical; they are grounded in the practical realities businesses face today. By showcasing real-world examples, the Forum seeks to demystify AI for participants who may still view it as an abstract or overly complex domain.
A Cross-Sector Gathering of Change-Makers
Another strength of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum lies in its ability to draw a diverse group of participants. Attendees include government officials, CEOs, academic researchers, environmental NGOs, and startup founders. This cross-sector gathering ensures that the discussions reflect a wide range of perspectives and priorities. It also helps to break down the silos that often prevent meaningful progress in sustainability initiatives.
The Director of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group, Huda Al Houqani, affirmed that using AI for sustainable business practices is more than just a possibility—it is a necessity. She emphasised that this Forum provides the setting for the kinds of conversations and collaborations that are urgently needed to reshape the future. Her message reflects the core mission of the event: not only to talk about change, but to enable it.
Abu Dhabi as a Global Hub for Sustainability
Abu Dhabi’s hosting of this high-profile forum is part of a broader vision to position the emirate as a global hub for sustainable innovation and leadership. The city has increasingly played host to international conferences, policy dialogues, and technology summits that drive environmental and economic development in parallel. With a strong emphasis on research, education, and regulatory support, Abu Dhabi is actively fostering an ecosystem where sustainable business practices are not only encouraged but expected.
By welcoming participants from around the world, the Forum aligns with the UAE’s wider goals under its sustainability and innovation agendas. These efforts are aligned with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and support the country’s transition towards a low-carbon, knowledge-based economy.
The Future of Sustainable Business Practices
As the business world evolves, so too must its approach to sustainability. The traditional models of environmental compliance are being replaced by proactive strategies that integrate sustainability into core business operations. The 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum provides a timely opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence can serve as both a driver and an enabler of this shift.
Participants will leave the forum not only with new knowledge but also with a clearer sense of the tools and partnerships required to implement effective sustainability strategies. The spirit of collaboration, the excitement around technological innovation, and the shared commitment to a greener future will remain key takeaways.
As the ninth edition of the forum approaches, the message is clear: real progress in sustainability requires all stakeholders to work together, embrace innovation, and act with purpose. With AI now firmly in the spotlight, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum promises to be both an inspiration and a catalyst for lasting impact.
