Dii Desert Energy (formerly the Desertec Industrial Initiative) is a unique, industry-led network of over 120 partners across 36+ countries, actively driving the energy transition in MENA and beyond. Discover our full network of partners here.
As we advance Desertec 3.0 – focusing on clean power generation, hydrogen and its derivatives, energy transport and storage, smart energy use, and climate-neutral energy trading – the annual Summit gathers our network and provides a holistic, market-driven approach to the energy transition.
Alongside the organizations supporting our mission, which you can discover here, more than 30 CEOs from leading regional stakeholders and pioneering private-sector players have already confirmed their participation.
Explore some of the featured sessions below to find out what we will be discussing at the Summit!
From Vision to Action – Balancing Speed, Security, Cost, and Emissions Reduction
This opening session explores what should drive clean energy systems and markets. It delves into the evolving business case for climate-neutral energy, examining the right mix of carrots and sticks needed to shape viable markets – from public sector push to market pull, and the critical role of price signals. Key drivers include enabling policies that balance the urgent priorities of speed, energy security, cost-efficiency, and emission reduction. The session also addresses infrastructure, innovation, and water, along with the removal of regulatory barriers to unlock investment and advance economic diversification across the MENA region.
Moderator: Dan Feldman, Global Head of Energy, King & Spalding
Top Executive Panel: Key Enablers of the Energy Transformation in MENA
This interactive panel will feature top executives from public and private sectors discussing the MENA energy transformation outlook for 2026 and perspectives toward 2030. The discussion will focus on key enablers – covering low-emission electrons and molecules, energy storage, infrastructure, finance, and resilient value chains amid tariff instability and evolving market mechanisms. Participants will share country-specific insights from the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, Oman, and Saudi Arabia on meeting energy security needs and advancing decarbonization strategies.
Tarik Ameziane Moufaddal, President and CEO, Masen
Gauri Singh, Deputy Director General, IRENA
Eng. Abdulaziz Said Al Shidhani, Managing Director, Hydrom
Ebubekir Koyuncu, Chief Executive Officer, Air Products Qudra
Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East, EDF Group and EDF Power Solutions
Implementation at Speed – Overcoming Barriers to Low-Emission Projects
The session focuses on ‘Implementation’, exploring the practical challenges of executing complex energy transition projects in the MENA region at speed and scale. The discussion will address key barriers, including investment constraints, infrastructure limitations, and technology and supply chain challenges. Particular attention will be given to the distorting effect of fossil fuel subsidies, which continue to undermine the competitiveness of renewable energy in MENA countries and globally.
Chairperson & Moderator:Paddy Padmanathan, Co-Founder & Vice Chairman, Zhero
Top Executive Panel: Leading the Way – Project Implementation and Collaboration in MENA’s Energy Landscape
The session will delve into overcoming common barriers, learning from past failures, and leveraging strategic partnerships to accelerate project timelines. Participants will discuss the practical aspects of project implementation and collaboration in the MENA region’s energy landscape, sharing insights and best practices to drive successful low-emission projects.
Ahmed Mulla, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Infinity Power
Nadja Håkansson, Chief Executive Officer, thyssenkrupp Uhde
Cornelius Matthes, Chief Executive Officer, Dii Desert Energy
We look forward to your participation in these pivotal conversations shaping MENA’s energy future
Meet international industry leaders, grow your network and discover the latest trends, develop new collaborations and learn from the doers of the industry – register for your pass here.