Abu Dhabi's Masdar initiative hosts 4,000 delegates, world leaders and new energy experts for inaugural World Future Energy Summit

Hosted by Masdar, The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, the event brings together world leaders and experts to discuss the need for a global focus on alternative energy and sustainability while showcasing the latest developments in the industry.

More than 4,000 attendees and 85 speakers-leaders, experts, practitioners of clean technology and sustainable energy-will gather to seek partners and generate deals, making it the place to be for those covering any aspect of energy and the environment. In addition to 200 international exhibitors, participants include three Presidents, 13 Ministers of Energy or Environment (including the US), NGOs, investors and CEOs from energy, technology, infrastructure and heavy industry companies.

WFES is hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar investment in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in renewable, alternative and sustainable energies as well as sustainable design. Masdar ('the source' in Arabic) will soon open the worlds first graduate school dedicated to renewable energy in collaboration with MIT; they have already launched a clean-technology investment fund; and they have multiple joint-ventures already announced or underway with leading multi-national corporations.

In February 2008, Masdar will break ground for Masdar City, an entirely new six square kilometer district designed by Foster + Partners. It will be the world's first zero carbon, zero waste city completely powered by renewable energy. The City will become the global center for the future of energy, and companies and individuals from around the world will operate from the city in their quest to find a sustainable, secure and equitable basket of energy solutions. The City will include the world's largest photo-voltaic power source. The first occupants will take up residency in 2009.

President Bush visited the Masdar Initiative this week and was given a briefing on the initiative. The President remarked 'Amazing, isn't it? This country has gotten its wealth from the ground and is now reinvesting in alternative forms of energy, sometimes joint venturing with U.S. institutions, like MIT.'

WFES occurs under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who will preside over the Welcoming Ceremonies.