ADSW Dialogues

13 - 15 Jan
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC)
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The ADSW Dialogues offer a series of interactive sessions, dynamic workshops, and roundtables designed to foster collaboration among global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts. These conversations tackle critical challenges, spotlight innovative solutions, and collectively shape actionable recommendations for a sustainable future.

Next Leap: Global South Infrastructure

13 JAN 12:00 PM - 02:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE ROOM 01

This high-level ADSW Dialogue will accelerate system-level investment across the Global South by bringing senior financiers, government leaders, and industry decision-makers together to align on bankable, scalable infrastructure solutions. Designed to address fragmentation and high risk in emerging markets, the dialogue will advance practical pathways for building modern, reliable, and connected infrastructure.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: BlackRock, GIP and Masdar

CSO Network: Redefining Sustainability

13 JAN 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE ROOM 02

Redefining sustainability as a source of competitiveness and long-term value, this ADSW Dialogue convenes senior sustainability executives, policymakers, and multilateral partners to explore the evolving role of the modern CSO, the UAE’s leadership through its emerging XDG framework, and priorities for the post-2030 agenda. Participants will examine purpose, performance, and partnership as the foundations of a new sustainability “vocabulary of value” shaping future global progress.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: CSO Network; UAE National Committee on Sustainable Development Goals

Alterra Impact Meeting

13 JAN 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Ghaf (Room 1)

This invitation-only dialogue, held in partnership with Alterra, will focus on advancing impact-driven investment strategies.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: Alterra

Pivot for Growth Insights Breakfast Session: Sustainability reporting for assured outcomes

14 JAN 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Ghaf (Room 1)

This Insights Breakfast Session explores how emerging sustainability reporting and disclosure regulations are reshaping how organizations plan, govern, and report. As the region moves from voluntary commitments to regulated accountability, the session examines how companies can strengthen reporting maturity, prepare for assurance, and build credibility with stakeholders. The discussion focuses on evolving global frameworks, the implications for governance and data readiness, and practical steps organizations can take over the next 6–12 months to become assurance-ready.

𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬: PwC Middle East /UN Global Compact Network UAE.

Maximizing Impact and Driving Prosperity – CEO Dialogue

14 JAN 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE 02

This CEO Dialogue brings together global CEOs and senior leaders to examine how sustainability can be embedded into core business strategy as a driver of competitiveness, resilience, and long-term value creation. Moving beyond compliance and emissions alone, the discussion will focus on the convergence of energy, AI, and sustainability, exploring how technology, innovation, and collaboration can unlock growth, strengthen supply chains, develop future skills, and deliver shared economic, social, and environmental progress. Through an invitation-only, Chatham House–rule dialogue, participants will identify practical actions and partnerships to accelerate responsible leadership and prosperity in a rapidly evolving global economy.

𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬: ADNOC

UAE FoodTech Challenge: Final Pitches from 10 Global Finalists

14 JAN 09:30 AM - 11:00 AM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE 01

The FoodTech Challenge is a $2 million global competition led by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, in partnership with ne’ma, the Gates Foundation, and Silal. Its Finale, held on Wednesday, 14 January, will bring together innovators, policymakers, and investors to showcase solutions advancing sustainable, climate-resilient food systems.

Now in its third edition, the challenge identifies early-stage, technology-driven innovations with the potential to transform global food production. Ten finalist teams will pitch live on two priorities: increasing food production and reducing food loss and waste in arid, climate-stressed environments.

Four winning startups will be announced on the ADSW Main Stage and awarded grant funding and strategic support to scale their solutions in the UAE and across the Global South.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: FoodTech Challenge

UAE Businesses Ready for Nature: Developing Capabilities Needed to Transform Nature-Related Risks into Strategic Opportunities

14 JAN 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Neem (Room 3)

Over half of global GDP depends on nature, and the MENA region holds a $39 billion annual investment opportunity in sectors like sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, ecotourism, and resilient infrastructure. Yet, nature loss threatens economic resilience and business continuity. This roundtable brings together UAE business leaders, financiers, and policymakers to tackle barriers, share insights, and embed nature into strategy—empowering companies to lead the nature-positive transition.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: UAE TNFD Consultation Group; Masdar; First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB); Global Climate Finance Centre

Next Watt: Renewable Energy Action

14 JAN 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE 02

Hosted by Masdar, this high-level ADSW Dialogue convenes CEOs from major developers and key actors across the value chain to identify pathways for meeting soaring electricity demand with clean, reliable power. The strategic leadership event focuses on accelerating renewable deployment beyond the COP28 tripling goal, spotlighting key enablers to achieve scale and culminating in collectively defined priorities to drive coordinated global execution, investment, and cross-market collaboration across grids and technologies.

The Next Watt Dialogue will bring together leading CEOs from renewable developers, OEMs, and critical value-chain players during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 for an invitation-only roundtable on the future of clean power systems. Building on a decade defined by rapid renewable deployment and record-low costs, the dialogue will focus on the next phase of the energy transition: delivering clean, reliable, and affordable electricity at scale in an era of mass electrification. With renewables now the dominant source of new power capacity, attention is shifting from deployment speed to integration, flexibility, and overall system performance.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫: Masdar

Academic Water Carnival Event

14 JAN 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE 02

As part of ADSW 2026, a dedicated roundtable will present the five selected research projects, supporting preparations for the UN Water Conference 2026 and reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to knowledge-driven water solutions.

The roundtable will showcase research spanning rainfall forecasting using deep learning, treated wastewater reuse, solar-powered desalination, and water security challenges in both regional and global contexts. It aims to strengthen dialogue between academia, government, development institutions, and technical experts, while promoting the projects’ initial findings and future publication. Expected outcomes include opportunities to pilot and scale innovations with international partners, deeper collaboration across UAE institutions and global stakeholders, and a clear roadmap for continued engagement under the UAE Water Academic Carnival.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: MoFA, UAE Aid Agency

Unlocking Business Value Through Value Chain Decarbonization

14 JAN 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Gahf (Room 1)

This closed-door roundtable, convened by WBCSD as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), hosted by Masdar, will bring together a select group of senior leaders to explore how collaboration across value chains can unlock measurable emissions reduction while strengthening business performance.

The session builds on WBCSD’s Emissions Reduction Accelerator (ERA), which mobilizes collective business action to decarbonize global value chains. Participants will explore practical approaches to addressing shared Scope 3 hotspots and overcoming common barriers to implementation.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫: WBSCD

Zayed Sustainability Prize Dialogue: From Innovation to Influence

14 JAN 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Neem (Room 3)

This is a decade defined by significant shifts in energy systems, artificial intelligence, geopolitical influence and climate impacts. In this environment, prizes and philanthropic institutions do far more than simply recognise and fund promising ideas. They help determine which challenges attract broader attention, investment and talent - and they shape the direction of future innovation.

Across international platforms, there is a clear call for approaches that link discovery with the support required for adoption and scale. Progress depends on working across sectors, aligning incentives and moving beyond isolated initiatives. At the same time, confidence in traditional institutions is under pressure, creating an opportunity for prizes and philanthropy to step in, as more flexible and trusted organisations .

This dialogue convenes prominent leaders in philanthropic and prize organisations to consider how early-stage solutions can influence long-term change and how they can help accelerate impact. The discussion will explore how discovery, investment and community-led validation can be connected whilst addressing how prizes can serve as starting points for broader collaboration and lasting impact.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫: Zayed Sustainability Prize

General Women’s Union Event

14 JAN 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE 02

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫: MOFA, UAE AD

Next Drop: Water Investments and Innovation Dialogue

14 JAN 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE 02

Hosted in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this ADSW high-level Dialogue convenes ministers responsible for water, global business leaders, investors, and leading technology companies to drive real investment in water solutions. Supporting the 2026 UN Water Conference, the event spotlights breakthrough financing models, scalable AI-enabled technologies, and investable policy frameworks, closing the gap to SDG 6 and advancing resilient water systems that unlock prosperity across the Global South.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: MOFA, GCFC

The New Industrial Revolution: Using AI to Drive Productivity, Competitiveness and Emissions Reduction

14 JAN 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Gahf (Room 1)

ADNOC and Climate Investment will bring together senior leaders from technology, energy, industry, and investment to explore how artificial intelligence can unlock cross-sector value, while driving competitiveness and measurable emissions reduction. As AI reshapes infrastructure and accelerates the next industrial revolution, participants will assess its potential to support national growth, reduce carbon intensity, and scale climate solutions.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: ADNOC and Climate Investment

Unlocking Geothermal for the Next Energy Era

14 JAN 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Neem (Room 3)

As demand from industry and digital infrastructure grows, leaders from government, finance, energy, and technology examine the new technologies, risk-mitigation models, and blended finance necessary to turn geothermal potential into bankable project pipelines. This high-level ADSW Dialogue explores pathways to improve project readiness, mobilize capital at scale, and secure long-term power and heat offtake to accelerate global geothermal deployment.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: IRENA; Sustainable Markets Initiative; Morgan Stanley, Masdar, Global Geothermal Alliance

UAE–ICRC Dialogue on Access to Water for Women and Children in Armed Conflicts

14 JAN 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Sidr (Room 2)

This roundtable will examine the critical challenges of ensuring access to safe water in armed conflict settings, where water systems are often damaged by hostilities, power outages, contamination, and displacement. The consequences are most severe for women and children, as seen in recent crises in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and South Sudan, where water system breakdowns have led to heightened health, protection, and disease risks, compounded by climate pressures.

The roundtable will highlight gender-responsive and conflict-sensitive approaches to water access, share operational lessons from crisis contexts, and explore the intersection of climate change, conflict, and water security.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: MoFA, UAE Aid Agency /International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Climate Coffee Club

15 JAN 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Neem (Room 3)

Climate Coffee Club is an intimate, recurring gathering hosted by The Climate Club, creating space for honest, peer-led conversations about the climate transition. Held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, this special edition offers a reflective alternative to formal events, bringing together professionals across sectors to explore themes such as just transition, green skills, and responsible business through open, thoughtful dialogue.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: The Climate Club

Real Estate: Unlocking Value Through Sustainability

15 JAN 09:00 AM - 11:30 AM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE 02

With tenant expectations, operating costs, regulatory signals, and climate risks reshaping the sector, this ADSW Dialogue will explore how sustainability now drives commercial value, operational efficiency, resilience, and long-term asset performance across the UAE real estate landscape. Real estate owners, operators, technical teams, and sustainability leaders will build a shared understanding of where the highest-value opportunities lie and how companies can accelerate implementation through proven pathways.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: Mubadala Investment Company, Aldar, Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

Next Spark: Scaling ClimateTech Across Borders

15 JAN 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Gahf (Room 1)

Bringing together climate-tech innovators, policymakers, investors, and ecosystem builders, this ADSW Dialogue will aim to accelerate the global deployment of breakthrough solutions. The session addresses persistent barriers that prevent technologies from moving beyond pilot scale, identifying pathways to streamline regulatory alignment, expand export-ready financing, and strengthen certification and partnership support systems.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: Global Climate Finance Centre, Hub71, HSBC

The Polar Hub: Opportunity, Responsibility, and Governance in Extreme Domains

15 JAN 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Gahf (Room 1)

The Polar Hub is an intimate, recurring gathering hosted by Emirates Polar Program and the Arctic Circle, designed to create space for candid, peer-led conversations on polar affairs and cryospheric engagement. Convened during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, this special edition offers a reflective counterpoint to formal sessions, bringing together professionals from across disciplines to exchange perspectives on opportunity, responsibility, and governance in extreme domains. Through open and thoughtful dialogue, participants explore themes such as scientific stewardship, emerging capabilities, and the human skills required to operate responsibly at the planet’s frontiers.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: MoPA

Next Crop: The Water–Energy–Food–Environment Nexus

15 JAN 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE 01

With rising pressures from water scarcity, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and growing food demand, this ADSW Dialogue highlights how aligning food systems with water management, clean energy, and ecosystem restoration can drive sustainable productivity and climate impact. Leaders across food, water, energy, and environmental systems will convene to identify integrated solutions that mobilize investment, strengthen security, protect ecosystems, and unlock long-term economic and social value.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: World Agriculture Forum UAE Country Council

Launch of the Carbon Markets Capacity Lab & International Carbon Markets Papers

15 JAN 11:30 AM - 01:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Neem (Room 3)

With Article 6 of the Paris Agreement moving from negotiation to practice, this ADSW Dialogue convenes regulators, financiers, industry and project developers to examine the institutional, legal, and data capabilities needed to build high-integrity carbon markets. The roundtable provides a neutral space to review the status of the local context, test emerging frameworks, compare experiences, and help shape the new Carbon Markets Capacity Lab.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: Global Climate Finance Centre, Frontier25

Creating Our Future: The Strategic Role of Boards and C-Suite in Climate Governance

15 JAN 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Gahf (Room 1)

The programme will bring together board directors, C-suite leaders, sustainability executives, investors, and policymakers to explore how climate governance can drive competitiveness and resilience across the UAE and wider Middle East. Aligned with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024, it positions the UAE as a regional leader in board-level climate oversight.

The programme comprises two components: a closed-door, high-level roundtable for board chairs, directors, CSOs, and select CEOs focused on governance responses to new climate regulations and practical implementation insights; followed by a public panel open to ADSW delegates and media, featuring board members, CSOs, PwC experts, and UAE regulators. The panel will share key findings, examine investor and policy expectations, and provide actionable guidance for boards navigating the climate transition.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫: Chapter Zero UAE, PwC Middle East

SDGS in Action @ADSW

15 JAN 01:00 PM - 02:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Sidr (Room 2)

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫: SDG Council

Designing Tomorrow: How AI is Shaping Sustainable Real Estate

15 JAN 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: DIALOGUE ROOM 01

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫: Aldar, CSO Network

Water and Agrifood Systems: From Problems to Solutions

15 JAN 02:30 PM - 04:30 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Gahf (Room 1)

Agriculture accounts for 70% of global water withdrawals, making the water crisis primarily an agricultural challenge. This closed-door roundtable will explore how agriculture can shift from being part of the problem to becoming part of the solution.

There is increasing consensus among water experts that the global agricultural system must be rethought. The current model of overexploitation is outdated, and the worsening effects of climate change are making it unsustainable.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: MoFA, Eurasia Group

Decent Work Dialogue

15 JAN 02:30 PM - 04:00 PM GST

𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Neem (Room 3)

This closed-door roundtable convenes senior leaders from business, government, investors, and civil society to translate decent work principles into action within the green transition. Building on the momentum of the Decent Work Forum, organized by the UN Global Compact Network UAE and The Climate Consultancy, discussions will focus on ethical employment, fair wages, health and safety, and sustainable procurement, with particular emphasis on practical implementation across the GCC and wider MENA region.

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: The UN Global Compact Network