Abu Dhabi World Future Energy Summit to go global

As the world's largest exhibition organiser, Reed Exhibitions plans to promote the Masdar World Future Energy Summit to a global audience of exhibitors and visitors.

WFES brings together global energy leadership to discuss sustainable and alternative energy policies, technologies and commercial realities. WFES ran for the first time in January 2008 and is to be held annually in Abu Dhabi.

At the inaugural WFES this January, HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces announced $15bn of initial investment in the 'Masdar Initiative' to explore, develop and commercialize clean energy sources, the most ambitious sustainability program ever launched by a government.

WFES 2008 covered a wide range of issues and topics looking at future energy policies and strategies.

Discussions and presentations covered projects, technologies and commercial realities, energy needs and trends to 2028 and beyond, carbon management, waste, solar, wind, biofuels, clean transport, green property and sustainable architecture.

The exhibition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre showcased the latest innovations in technology and opportunities in the region.

Welcoming the agreement between Reed Exhibitions and Turret, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar which initiated WFES, said the partnership will accelerate both the event's momentum and put Abu Dhabi on the world map as the place to do energy business.

'Masdar's goal in initiating WFES is to unite the world's leading future energy experts, innovators, scientists, venture capitalists and policymakers at one platform in Abu Dhabi. With the additional reach and resources, we will be able to build a stronger and farther-reaching Summit for the global clean energy community.'

Commenting on the agreement, Frederic Theux, President of Reed Exhibitions Middle East stated: 'We are delighted to sign this long-term agreement to expand our portfolio with WFES which has become a world-class event from its very first edition. We are grateful for the tremendous work Turret has done in building an amazing first Summit and very much look forward to working with them on the 2009 event in order to take the brand to a greater international level.

'Masdar has been instrumental in developing WFES as a pivotal global event, and we are excited to be associated with such a unique initiative and to benefit from their guidance. Our partnership in service of the Summit is a mark of our continued commitment to Abu Dhabi, whose visionary leadership makes it an extremely exciting place to develop exhibitions.'

Richard Hease, Chairman of Turret ME, said: 'We are pleased to partner with Reed Exhibitions as it will give us the opportunity to really develop the Summit further in Abu Dhabi and to take the message of sustainability to other parts of the world using the resources of the world's leading events organizer.'