Phtoto Credit : WAM
The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) has announced further details of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week (ADWPW) – Special Water Edition 2026, scheduled to take place from 8 to 10 December 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the event will coincide with the United Nations Water Conference 2026, which is being co-hosted by the UAE and the Republic of Senegal.
The new event will bring together policymakers, investors, utility companies, technology leaders and international organisations to discuss solutions aimed at improving water resilience and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Its programme will centre around three flagship gatherings: the Policy and Regulation Summit, the Finance and Investment Summit, and the Technology and Innovation Summit.
The Policy and Regulation Summit will examine governance and regulatory frameworks needed to strengthen water resilience, while the Finance and Investment Summit will focus on funding opportunities for infrastructure projects. The Technology and Innovation Summit will explore ways to accelerate the adoption of technologies that can make water systems more efficient and sustainable.
ADWPW will also include the 4th Abu Dhabi Water & Power Majlis, technology showcases, demonstrations of innovative water-sector solutions and announcements of new strategic partnerships.
As part of the wider programme, the Department of Energy plans to launch a specialised platform focused on supporting innovation and practical solutions to challenges facing the water sector.
A Youth Water Program will also be introduced in cooperation with academic institutions. The initiative is designed to attract young talent and encourage participants to develop innovative and practical solutions for future water challenges. Interested participants have been invited to register through the Department of Energy’s website.
Another major feature will be the Abu Dhabi Pavilion, which will provide an interactive experience across 55 stations. The pavilion will highlight Abu Dhabi’s development journey, tracing its heritage, current achievements and future ambitions.
It will also showcase key milestones that have shaped the emirate’s water system while presenting Abu Dhabi’s broader vision for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, said the event is expected to contribute to global efforts to strengthen water resilience while accelerating practical responses to rising demand and future challenges.
He said bringing together policymakers, investors, industry leaders and innovators in Abu Dhabi would help strengthen international collaboration, encourage investment and accelerate the deployment of technologies capable of being scaled across the water sector.
According to Al Rumaithi, the initiative is intended to deliver practical outcomes that improve the efficiency and resilience of water systems, support sustainable economic growth and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as an international hub for collaboration and innovation in water and energy.
Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Obaidli, Director-General of Regulatory Affairs at the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the importance of water security to the emirate’s long-term resilience and prosperity.
He said Abu Dhabi’s approach combines governance, infrastructure, investment and innovation within an integrated system capable of responding to growing demand and changing conditions.
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Water & Power Week is aligned with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
Through the event, Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen international cooperation and advance the policies, investments and technological solutions required to improve long-term water and energy resilience.
