A Focus on Dubai for the Region’s First Solar Energy Summit

Ministers and Leaders from across the region come together for the first Global Solar Leaders Summit

 Dubai, UAE: 12 September 2015: The region’s first Global Solar Leaders Summit will kick start GulfSol 2015, a three-day event focused on solar technology and the energy-rich region’s drive toward clean energy, on Monday September 14 in Dubai, UAE.

The Middle East and North Africa region, which is expected to attract more than $50 billion investment in solar power over the next five years, has been the focus of solar energy experts over the last decade. The Global Solar Leaders Summit, which has attracted key government ministers from across the region as keynote speakers, will provide a platform for discussion about the future of solar energy in the region.

 Dr. Mater Al Neyadi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Energy, will present a keynote address to the summit about the UAE’s plans for renewable energy. 

Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Ibrahim Saif’s keynote address will cover the reform of the energy sector in Jordan, followed by a keynote from His Excellency AbidSher Ali, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Water and Power, titled ‘Towards a sustainable energy future’.

His Excellency Henry Rotich, Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Energy, Kenya will also address the summit alongside Masdar’s Chief Operating Officer, Ahmed Belhoul.

Premium sponsor of the summit, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) will address the delegates during a key note speech given by His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al-Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer on the UAE’s drive to deliver “utilities scale solar power,” Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Al-Tayer said: “Renewable energy is a key strategic objective for DEWA, which is working to expand the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to generate 2,600MW from renewable energy by 2030.”

As the cost of solar photovoltaic panels fall and investment soars, a special panel debate will take place in the morning to address the implementation of policies by governments across the region.

 Among a host of key speakers, the afternoon panel session entitled ‘Harnessing the potential of rooftop solutions’ will follow on from DEWA’s first rooftop solar scheme. A discussion based on the key indicators needed when trying to attract investments for solar schemes will then take place.

Co-pilot of Solar Impulse 2, Dr. Bertrand Piccard will address a panel with a keynote speech entitled "Pushing the boundaries of solar innovation". He will share his experience of his journey earlier this year aboard Solar Impulse 2 - a sun-powered aircraft the size of a Boeing 747, but only the weight of a car - which came close to flying around the world.

GulfSol 2015, will take place from September 14 - 16 at the World Trade Centre, Dubai. Global Solar Leaders Summit takes place on Monday, September 14^th, the World Trade Centre, Dubai.

About GulfSol

GulfSol is a key event in the Middle East dedicated to the solar industry, showcasing the very latest solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies available in the region. This will be the 2^nd year Dubai hosts GulfSol which will have new workshops and host the Global Solar Leaders Summit; a high level summit bringing together senior government officials and private sector stakeholders from across MENA to discuss and debate the region’s solar future.