Dubai:The 12th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) is set to convene on October 21-22, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The summit will focus on the policies, regulations, and governance frameworks necessary to expedite the transition to a green economy. Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event is organized by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) under the theme 'From Success to Scale: Showcasing the Green Economy'.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year's summit will concentrate on four main thematic pillars: Energy Technology and Infrastructure; Business Strategy and Transition; Water and Food Security; and Finance. Additionally, it will address cross-cutting themes such as Artificial Intelligence, Governance, and System Enablers.
The summit will gather global decision-makers, business leaders, investors, infrastructure and resilience experts, and representatives from government, the private sector, and academia. They will discuss how governance can bridge the gap between ambition and implementation. Key topics include the influence of policy and regulation on decision-making, the expansion of global carbon markets, and the role of international climate agreements in advancing the green economy.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of WGEO, emphasized that the summit places governance at the forefront of efforts to accelerate the green transition. The event aims to shape an innovative global model that enhances efficiency, good governance, sustainability, and strategic leadership.
The summit will also showcase the UAE Government's success stories, highlighting its ranking as the fifth most competitive nation globally by the International Institute for Management Development and its top 10 position in the 2026 Chandler Good Government Index.
Speakers at WGES 2026 will underscore the role of sustainable finance in aligning investments with climate priorities while supporting economic growth in the GCC. Bashar Al-Natoor, MD and Global Head of Islamic Finance at Fitch Ratings, noted the growing importance of ESG bonds and sukuk, which have exceeded USD70 billion. Avinash Kumar, President and co-founder of Earthood, highlighted the potential of green finance as a strategic tool for economic transformation in the region.