Middle East
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The Energy Institute (EI) Middle East, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a dynamic regional arm of the EI's global network. It drives the energy transition in the Middle East by focusing on net zero strategies, excellence in health, safety and the environment (HSE), renewable technologies and professional development. Key initiatives include fostering cross-border collaborations with governments, businesses and communities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar; launching programmes like the Young Professionals Network (YPN) and Executive Leadership in Energy; and hosting events that address decarbonisation paradoxes, skills gaps and sustainable growth. Recent achievements include mentoring 30+ young professionals via Generation 2050, and strategic partnerships with entities like ADNOC, SNOC and the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi.
The community supports the EI's mission to power the region's sustainable future, emphasizing innovation in solar, hydrogen and LNG while balancing fossil fuel dominance (98% of regional demand in 2024).
Dr Waddah Ghanem Al Hashmi, FEI
Chair, EI Middle East
Upcoming events and EI resources
SPE International HSE Conference and Exhibition 2026
7th September 2026 - 9th September 2026
Event
Thermal coal demand rises in Asia-Pacific because of Middle East conflict and LNG deficit
15/6/2026
Not only has the Middle East conflict caused billions of dollars in damage to Gulf energy infrastructure, it is also driving higher thermal coal demand in the Asia-Pacific region, representing an increase of approximately 150 million tonnes (mn t) of coal consumption through 2030, with close to 70mn t expected in 2026.
NEW ENERGY WORLD
Workforce shortfall threatens UK government’s Warm Homes Plan, trade body warns
15/6/2026
The UK government announced its £15bn Warm Homes Plan in January 2026 to lower energy bills, reduce fossil fuel reliance and attract £38bn of total investment over four years. However, it is not clear that there are enough workers to be able to deliver this plan, according to trade association Energy UK. It notes that fewer people are entering the sector than are nearing retirement. Two-thirds of heating and cooling installers are over 45, so many will retire between 2030 and 2035. The association warns that a workforce shortfall could delay the rollout of energy efficiency measures and low-carbon heating technologies.
NEW ENERGY WORLD
UK energy transition supports 1.1 million jobs and contributes £105bn
9/6/2026
Industries supporting the UK economy’s decarbonisation now support 1.1 million jobs and generate £105bn of economic value each year, according to new analysis commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU).
NEW ENERGY WORLD
Past events highlights
Take a look back at some of our recent community and EI-wide events in the Middle East.
ADIPEC 2025
ADNEC Centre (Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre), Abu Dhabi, UAE
This world premier energy event drew 180,000+ attendees from 160+ countries, focusing on transformation. EI Middle East strengthened its presence through speaking panels for Energy Institute CEO Dr Nick Wayth; Chair, EI Middle East, Dr Waddah Ghanem; and EI Business Director Middle East, Hanan Mohsen, plus meetings with ADNOC, SNOC, UNOC and Bapco leaders to build collaborative frameworks. Hanan Mohsen spoke in the 'Voices of tomorrow' session.
International Energy Week - February 2025
Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London
Hosted in London, UK, this global forum featured a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) panel on transition strategies, Gulf-China ties and renewables. Dr Waddah Ghanem, Chair EI Middle East, received the Award of Council for Meritorious Service from the Energy Institute and UAE-UK recognition from Ambassador HE Mansoor Abulhoul for advancing bilateral energy cooperation. Kate Dourian, EI Middle East Honorary Treasurer, moderated the MENA session.
The Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy™ 2025 – Middle East Launch - September 2025
Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The inaugural regional launch, in partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce, united regulators and 70 leaders from ADNOC, Mubadala, Masdar. It analysed 2024's 592 exajoules global demand peak, the Middle East's 98% fossil fuel reliance and 7.1% renewable growth (solar-led), fostering dialogue on security and transition.
SPE international health, safety, environment and sustainability (IHSES) conference and exhibition – September 2024
Abu Dhabi Energy Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Held 10–12 September 2024 in Abu Dhabi, this 16th edition advanced HSE best practices in oil and gas through innovative solutions and knowledge sharing. EI Middle East leaders, including Dr Waddah Ghanem, Chair EI Middle East and Mark Scanlon, Head of HSE Good Practice, Energy Institute, moderated sessions and showcased decarbonisation portfolios to stakeholders, emphasising sustainability in a high-fossil-fuel region.
Annual Dinner 2025 – May 2025
Norwood Hall, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen
Held at the Norwood Hall, our 2025 Annual Dinner brought together energy professionals from across Aberdeen, the Highlands and Islands for an evening of networking, celebration and inspiration. It’s the highlight of our calendar, offering a unique opportunity to connect with peers, recognise achievements and look ahead to the future of our industry.
2025 AGM - September 2025
DogTap BrewDog, Balmacassie Commercial Centre
Held in collaboration with BrewDog, this AGM was slightly different as we unveiled our new committee structure (the first significant change since 2019) which saw the appointment of a new Chair and three new Vice Chairs to drive the AHI Branch’s refreshed event programme for 2026. In the spirit of offering unique experiences to members, the AGM also involved a tour of BrewDog’s £12m Anaerobic Digestion facility (which opened in 2022), converting waste into green gas, powering the brewery and reducing emissions, as well as insights to BrewDogs ESG strategy.
Committee contacts
Adil Khalil
Honorary Secretary
Osama Abdelbagi
Committee Member
Luc Feremans
Committee Member
Interested in joining the Middle East Committee?
The committee is volunteer-led by EI members passionate about regional energy goals. To apply:
- Email [email protected] with your EI membership number, CV and a 200–300 word statement outlining your expertise (eg renewables, HSE), contributions (eg event ideas), and alignment with net-zero focus.
- Attend a local event or young professionals network (YPN) session to network; active involvement strengthens applications. Reviews occur annually, prioritising skills in policy, training and partnerships. Non-members: Become an EI member first.
Middle East FAQs
Middle East FAQs
See general FAQs