Sheikh Khaled Visits World Utilities Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi
His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, participated in the 4th edition of the World Utilities Congress, which took place from 27th to 29th May 2025. Hosted by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), the event was held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and served as a pivotal meeting point for global energy and utility leaders.
Sheikh Khaled toured the pavilions of several leading national entities and energy-sector companies, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, TAQA, Enercap (a subsidiary of Apex Investment PSC), and Elsewedy Electric. These visits highlighted the growing efforts by local and international firms to advance sustainable energy management and utility innovation in alignment with global environmental goals.
Showcasing Future-Ready Solutions in Energy and Water Sectors
The congress spotlighted advanced technological solutions in the areas of water, electricity, and overall utility management. Sheikh Khaled reviewed a wide range of innovations aimed at driving digital transformation and sustainability within these sectors. Special emphasis was placed on smart-grid infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
This year’s edition of the World Utilities Congress attracted over 18,000 participants, 1,400 registered delegates, and more than 500 thought leaders from across the globe. With this diverse turnout, the event strengthened collaborative efforts and inspired new strategies to address global challenges in energy and water demands.
Global Leadership and Strategic Industry Dialogue in Abu Dhabi
The 2025 congress served as a dynamic platform for international dialogue on energy innovation. The event featured a series of high-level discussions and strategy-driven forums. Decision-makers, industry experts, and business executives engaged in key conversations focused on scaling clean energy, achieving climate targets, and enhancing efficiency in utility management.
Central to the congress were discussions on sustainable funding and infrastructure for renewable energy projects. Participants explored how artificial intelligence and digital technologies can help shape the future of resilient and sustainable energy systems, particularly in rapidly growing urban and industrial environments.
Distinguished Leadership in Attendance for Strategic Insight
Sheikh Khaled was joined during the tour by a high-level delegation of Abu Dhabi officials. This included Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince; Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA; and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC.
The delegation’s presence underlined the UAE’s long-term commitment to enhancing its national capabilities in the utility and energy sectors while supporting the transition to cleaner and smarter solutions.
District Cooling Innovation by Tabreed Highlights AI Potential
Among the standout participants at the congress was the National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed), which demonstrated how artificial intelligence is revolutionising district cooling. With 92 cooling plants operating across six countries, Tabreed’s network delivers over 1.3 million refrigeration tonnes. All operations are centrally controlled from its state-of-the-art monitoring centre in Abu Dhabi.
Khalid Al Marzooqi, CEO of Tabreed, emphasized that artificial intelligence is central to the next phase of operational efficiency. Over 27 years of real operational data have enabled Tabreed to accelerate digital transformation, making it a pioneer in AI adoption within the regional cooling industry.
He elaborated that AI-powered systems are enabling full automation of plant operations, including 24/7 monitoring and control, thus ensuring performance optimisation in real-time. These developments not only reduce pressure on electrical grids but also significantly lower carbon emissions — aligning Tabreed’s strategy with the broader mission of achieving global net-zero goals by 2050.
Remote Plant Control Drives Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
A notable example of Tabreed’s digital innovation is its control and monitoring centre located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. This facility remotely manages all district cooling plants across the company’s international network. The integration of AI allows real-time insights into performance metrics, system demands, and energy consumption.
According to Al Marzooqi, this level of automation and proactive data analysis enhances the responsiveness and reliability of cooling operations. More importantly, it directly contributes to reducing energy usage and improving environmental impact, thus setting a benchmark for future-ready district cooling solutions globally.
Elsewedy Electric T&D Engages with Global Stakeholders
Elsewedy Electric Transmission and Distribution (Elsewedy Electric T&D) also marked its presence at the World Utilities Congress as a strategic opportunity to engage with global stakeholders, clients, and technology partners. Hani Shehata, CEO of Elsewedy Electric T&D, affirmed the company’s vision to lead in the integration of smart technologies within energy projects.
One of the major highlights shared by Elsewedy during the event was the announcement of new engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts signed with Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA). These projects are expected to advance the infrastructure needed for smart and secure energy networks.
Shehata also introduced the company’s latest AI-powered project management solution that enables remote monitoring of work sites and tracking of project milestones. This tool provides transparent reporting and ensures performance alignment with project goals, offering clients improved operational clarity and cost-efficiency.
Balancing Innovation with Network Stability and Cybersecurity
As part of its technological roadmap, Elsewedy Electric T&D has reinforced its commitment to maintaining grid safety and security amid the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence. Shehata stressed that while advanced digital tools bring numerous benefits, ensuring the cybersecurity and structural stability of energy networks remains an absolute priority.
He further highlighted that the company’s strategic focus remains on building and maintaining power infrastructure that is both high-performing and resilient. This aligns with international standards and reflects a growing need for dependable energy systems in the face of changing environmental and technological landscapes.
Utility Congress Empowers Global Collaboration in Clean Energy
The World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi continues to be a driving force in shaping global utility strategies. The 2025 edition effectively created opportunities for stakeholders to learn, collaborate, and implement game-changing solutions across sectors. From large-scale renewable projects to data-driven utility networks, the event underscored a commitment to clean, accessible, and efficient energy systems.
Through high-level participation and interactive showcases, the congress helped accelerate global understanding and alignment on key issues such as digital transformation, energy access, AI integration, and environmental impact reduction.
Abu Dhabi Strengthens Role as Global Sustainability Hub
The hosting of the World Utilities Congress by TAQA and ADNEC reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions to establish itself as a global leader in sustainable energy. By facilitating forums for dialogue and innovation, the emirate plays a crucial role in uniting public and private entities in the shared mission to address energy-related challenges on an international scale.
The focus on renewable energy, water conservation, and digital innovation aligns with Abu Dhabi’s wider economic and sustainability agenda. The emirate’s consistent support for forward-looking initiatives in power and utilities continues to inspire meaningful changes not just within the UAE, but across the global industry landscape.
A Future-Oriented Vision for Global Utility Challenges
The 4th World Utilities Congress served as a vital platform to showcase solutions that blend technological innovation with environmental responsibility. With distinguished participation from leaders such as Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and strategic input from top industry stakeholders, the event reaffirmed the importance of global partnerships and sustainable innovation.
As utility demands continue to rise, and climate concerns become more urgent, gatherings like the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi demonstrate how strategic planning, technology, and cooperation can drive progress. The emphasis on smart energy systems, AI-enhanced cooling, and secure infrastructure highlights a roadmap for a more efficient and cleaner utility future — grounded in innovation, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.
