Subscribe
بالعربي
Home » Driving the Energy Transition: Mark Ring on the Expanded Middle East Energy

Driving the Energy Transition: Mark Ring on the Expanded Middle East Energy

by Hadeer Elhadary

Middle East Energy is set to make a significant impact on the energy landscape with its expanded 2025 edition.
In this interview, ESG Mena speaks with Mark Ring, Group Director, Energy portfolio at Informa Markets, to discuss the event’s key features, including the addition of the battery & mobility sector, and how it will address the evolving needs of the industry.

  1. The 2025 edition of Middle East Energy features a significant expansion. What are your expectations for the impact on the event?

Middle East Energy, with its significant expansion, is poised to have a transformative impact on the event and the energy sector. I expect this growth to enhance its role as a premier global platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies, fostering collaboration, and driving forward critical conversations about the future of energy.

The expanded event is already attracting a broader and more diverse range of exhibitors, industry leaders, and stakeholders from around the world. This increased international participation will promote cross-border partnerships and facilitate access to emerging markets, opening new avenues for investment and innovation.

With additional space and resources, there will be a greater emphasis on Energy storage solutions, renewable energy, and the integration of smart grids. This aligns with the global shift toward sustainable energy systems and net-zero goals, making the event a critical touchpoint for industries seeking to transition to greener operations while also staying up-to-date on the more traditional energy solutions within T&D, Critical and backup power as well as Energy Management.

Given the Middle East’s pivotal role in the global energy landscape, I believe the expansion of Middle East Energy 2025 is poised to significantly influence industry trends and collaborations. The event’s comprehensive approach, encompassing traditional energy sectors and emerging technologies, positions it as a catalyst for progress in the energy transition. The expanded scope of Middle East Energy 2025 is set to enhance its impact by providing a more extensive platform for industry stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and drive the future of energy in the Middle East and beyond.

  • The Battery & eMobility sector is a major addition. How do you see this sector integrating with the existing focus on power generation and distribution?

The inclusion of the Battery & eMobility sector as a major addition to Middle East Energy marks an exciting and transformative step forward for the event. This sector has strong synergies with the existing focus on power generation and distribution, and its integration will create a more comprehensive and future-focused platform for addressing the evolving energy ecosystem. Many Middle Eastern countries, particularly in the GCC, are pursuing economic diversification away from fossil fuel dependence. Nations like Saudi Arabia (with its Vision 2030) and the UAE (with its Energy Strategy 2050) are investing heavily in renewable energy and sustainable technologies. The battery and eMobility sector aligns with these goals by providing clean transportation options and enabling large-scale renewable energy integration with advanced storage solutions. The UAE has been a pioneer in deploying EV charging networks, while countries like Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain are following suit. Additionally, incentives for EV adoption and partnerships with global automotive manufacturers are driving the regional market for battery-powered transportation.

The integration of the Battery & eMobility sector into Middle East Energy, coupled with our strategic partnership with The Battery Show, is a transformative milestone for the event. This collaboration amplifies our offerings by providing a specialized platform to explore the latest advancements in battery technology, sustainable value chains, and green transportation innovations. By showcasing cutting-edge solutions from global leaders in the industry, we are creating an unparalleled platform for connecting policymakers, manufacturers, and technology providers. This partnership not only enhances the scope of Middle East Energy but also reinforces our commitment to driving the energy transition in the Middle East and beyond. This is more than an event; it’s a movement to redefine energy for the next generation.

  • How will the existing and new conference tracks address the current industry needs?

As we approach the highly anticipated 49th edition of Middle East Energy, we are gearing up to deliver a platform that addresses the transformative challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector today. Our six multifaceted conference tracks have been carefully designed to reflect the industry’s most pressing needs while fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale.

Under the unifying theme, “Driving Innovation, Sharing Solutions, and Uniting the World,” our conferences will serve as a platform for global energy leaders to tackle critical issues such as climate change, energy transition, and the integration of renewable and clean energy solutions. These tracks focus on advancing financial and investment strategies, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and building future-ready regional and global partnerships.

We are also proud of Introducing a milestone for the region: the first-ever Battery Show & Conference, setting the stage for breakthroughs in energy storage and mobility! This landmark event highlights our commitment to addressing emerging trends in electric mobility, energy storage systems, and battery technologies. This addition responds directly to the accelerating global emphasis on sustainable transportation and the growing demand for efficient energy storage solutions.

Additionally, this year we are proud to launch a dedicated conference to advance the agenda for renewable energy and solar solutions. In partnership with Intersolar, pioneers in photovoltaics and energy storage, the Intersolar & ees Middle East Conference will uncover opportunities within the clean energy industry.

Our conference lineup also includes:

  • The Leadership Summit, which will address key challenges and opportunities within energy markets while offering strategic insights into the future of the sector.
  • The Technical Seminar, designed to facilitate in-depth discussions and forge connections around essential energy topics.
  • Africa Business Leaders Forum, offering insights into pressing energy challenges in the region and highlighting investment opportunities in Africa’s rapidly growing energy market.
  • Global Innovation Forum, a platform to explore transformative innovations shaping the global energy landscape, showcasing technological advancements, smart energy solutions, and sustainable practices.

With more than 150 speakers across three dynamic days and an agenda aligned with international climate goals, our event is set to be a hub for actionable insights and groundbreaking innovations. Our goal is to not only address the critical energy challenges of today but also empower attendees with the expertise and connections to shape a sustainable and resilient energy future. It’s an unmissable opportunity to be at the forefront of the industry’s transformation.

  • With a focus on connecting business and showcasing new technologies, what steps are being taken to ensure a diverse and qualified audience of industry professionals?

At Middle East Energy, ensuring a diverse and highly qualified audience is fundamental to the success of the event and the broader mission of driving the energy transition. We take a proactive approach to attract a wide range of industry professionals, from key decision-makers and investors to technology developers and sustainability experts, ensuring that all participants can contribute to and benefit from the exchange of ideas.

To achieve this, we leverage our global network of over 1,600 exhibitors, focusing on attracting industry leaders from both traditional and renewable energy sectors. Our strategic marketing initiatives target professionals across different verticals within the energy ecosystem, ensuring that the event reaches experts from a wide spectrum of industries, from policy and energy management to cutting-edge technological solutions.

With Dubai firmly established as a global business hub, Middle East Energy harnesses its strategic location to draw top-tier professionals from across the MENA region and beyond. This unique advantage ensures that businesses have unrivalled opportunities to network, collaborate, and forge meaningful partnerships. As a result, Middle East Energy becomes a vibrant platform where innovation flourishes, commerce thrives, and sustainable energy solutions take center stage, shaping the future of industry.

Middle East Energy 2025 is set to feature the largest VIP/Hosted Buyer program to date, bringing together 1,200 high-level VIPs from across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Under the prestigious new branding of the ‘Global Energy Leadership Club (GELC)’, this exclusive, invitation-only leadership network will connect Ministers, key stakeholders, policy makers, C-level executives, and decision-makers from every corner of the energy value chain. The GELC will serve as a powerful platform for pre-qualified, high-caliber buyers, signing authorities, decision-makers, and influencers to engage directly with exhibitors, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for on-site deals and long-term strategic partnerships.

Beyond this, we continue to leverage our strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, to expand our reach and reinforce the credibility of the event. This collaboration ensures that Middle East Energy remains the go-to platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovation and driving forward the region’s energy transition. With the support of such influential government entities, the event’s importance is further magnified, attracting a dynamic and diverse audience of industry leaders, policy makers, and influential figures who are committed to advancing the energy sector. Ultimately, this ensures that Middle East Energy continues to set the standard as the premier event that shapes the future of the global energy industry.

  • How do you see Middle East Energy attracting international participation and fostering global dialogue around energy solutions?

The world is currently at an energy crossroads, facing the complex challenges of security, sustainability, and affordability. Addressing these challenges require bold ideas, visionary leadership, and decisive action. The need for open dialogue on these issues remains critical, particularly as geopolitical developments, trade challenges, and global shifts continue to influence the energy sector. Simply relying on a renewables-rich energy system won’t resolve these challenges. Instead, we need a coordinated and comprehensive approach. Now more than ever, it is clear that our industry, our companies, and our people must act at scale to address these concerns, while cohesive climate policies remain crucial for a just and equitable transition.

In this rapidly evolving energy landscape, Middle East Energy plays a vital role in driving global dialogue and thought leadership. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interviews, Middle East Energy’s conferences offer valuable insights into future energy strategies that will help achieve responsible diversification and tackle key elements of energy transformation, such as sustainable development, smart technologies, and e-mobility.

By continually expanding our network of exhibitors, partners, and attendees from over 90 countries, Middle East Energy remains a hub for global participation. Dubai’s position a gateway to the MENA region and beyond further enhances the event’s appeal, offering unrivalled opportunities for businesses to network, share solutions, and form impactful partnerships. This accessibility positions Middle East Energy as a key meeting point for international businesses and professionals seeking to explore innovative energy solutions.

Our diverse audience, comprising over 40,000 energy professionals from around the world, creates a dynamic space where solutions can be shared, discussed, and developed. This collaborative spirit is essential to attracting international participation and advancing innovation in the energy sector. Middle East Energy fosters global dialogue by hosting high-level conferences, technical seminars, and networking events that tackle critical issues such as energy transition, sustainability, and technological advancements.

Our commitment to diversity is reflected in the 17 dedicated country pavilions that showcase global energy innovations, further emphasizing Middle East Energy’s role as an international platform. These pavilions ensure that the event reflects a truly global perspective, helping to shape the future of the energy sector on a worldwide scale.

You may also like