Titled ‘The Role of Renewable Energy in the Future of Sustainability in the UAE’, the session formed part of the festival’s Cultural Programme.

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) hosted a panel discussion titled ‘The Role of Renewable Energy in the Future of Sustainability in the UAE’ as part of the Cultural Programme for the 15th Al Ain Book Festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC).

The session concluded that the UAE is making steady progress towards achieving its goals in the renewable energy sector and transitioning to a sustainable economy by 2050, thanks to its focus on innovation and technology, as well as its proactive approach to addressing challenges, which strengthens its position as a global leader in sustainability. Panellists explored the challenges and opportunities facing the renewable energy sector, the role of innovation and technology, and the future trends being adopted in this field.

In his speech, Dr. Mohamed Abd El Baki, a professor at UAEU and moderator of the session, asserted that renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are sustainable and inexhaustible, unlike conventional energy sources, noting that the future is for renewable energy, as countries worldwide work to increase their reliance on it to reduce emissions and preserve natural resources.

During the session, UAEU student Aysha Al Ameri provided an overview of the UAE’s key renewable energy projects, such as Masdar City and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, highlighting how these initiatives have become global role models in the field of sustainability. On a similar note, Fawaghi Alblooshi, also a student at UAEU, focused on the importance of innovation and technology in improving efficiency of renewable energy and reducing future costs, citing the use of artificial intelligence in Masdar City and the development of green hydrogen technologies to enhance sustainability.

For her part, UAEU student Fatema Jan discussed the UAE’s ambitious goals for 2050, through which the country aims to achieve a balanced mix of clean energy that supports sustainable economic growth while preserving the environment.

Participants in the session asserted that the ALC’s effort in organising Al Ain Book Festival reflects the key cultural and intellectual role the Centre plays in supporting vital issues related to sustainable development. By bringing together academic and youth groups on the intellectual platform that is the festival, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre contributes to highlighting current challenges and fostering constructive dialogue that helps shape broader community awareness.

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