Sheikh Khaled visits ADIPEC as AI, innovations come under discussion

His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has visited the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2025, held this year under the theme ‘’Energy. Intelligence. Impact’’, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Sheikh Khaled toured the exhibition, visiting leading national and international pavilions, including Adnoc’s, where he was briefed on the company’s latest projects, initiatives and innovations in integrating and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the performance of the energy sector and deliver smarter, more sustainable solutions across this key sector.

Sheikh Khaled was also updated on Adnoc’s strategies and ongoing efforts to adopt advanced technologies in support of the company’s net-zero ambitions.

Sheikh Khaled also visited the AI Zone, one of this year’s major new additions, which showcases innovative and advanced solutions shaping the future of the energy sector through the application of AI technologies to optimise sustainable operations and decision-making, and accelerate the transition towards smarter, more sustainable and efficient energy systems.

He was also briefed by exhibitors on the latest innovations and advanced technological solutions featured at the global event, commending the high level of achievement demonstrated by participating national and global companies, and their efforts to develop technologies that enhance energy sector efficiency and support the transition towards a more resilient and adaptive ecosystem.

ADIPEC 2025 is hosting more than 2,250 exhibiting companies, over 380 conference sessions, and more than 1,800 speakers from over 160 countries, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest platform convening leaders, decision-makers, experts and innovators in the global energy industry.

This year’s event focuses on further balancing the resilience of existing energy systems with the expansion of smart solutions to accelerate global progress towards a more sustainable future.

ADIPEC 2025 features 12 specialised conferences addressing key themes such as the energy transition, AI, sustainable finance, clean energy and industrial efficiency, in addition to interactive activities for youth and national talent as part of the Young ADIPEC programme.

Schneider Electric expansion in UAE: Schneider Electric has entered a new phase of industrial expansion in the UAE and the wider Middle East, driven by a shift toward autonomous, AI-powered production that enables highly efficient industrial operations with minimal human intervention, said Walid Sheta, Schneider Electric’s President of the Middle East & Africa region.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of ADIPEC 2025, Sheta said Schneider Electric’s strategic partnership with ADNOC aims to deploy self-operating production solutions in the oil and gas sector using AI. The project, which is being implemented in stages through the end of 2026, seeks to establish a fully automated, data-driven production model.

He added that Schneider Electric is making major investments to strengthen its industrial footprint in the UAE, including the development of four new plants and facilities between 2024 and 2025 in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, along with the expansion of operations in the Jebel Ali Free Zone. The company has also launched new joint production ventures in Musaffah to supply electrical equipment to Adnoc, TAQA, and other national companies.

Sheta noted that the company opened a manufacturing facility in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, last year for energy and data centre equipment, alongside an electrical assembly centre in Sharjah serving regional markets.

He said the UAE now accounts for about 20 per cent of Schneider Electric’s total production in the Middle East and Africa, with the bulk of its output coming from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which together form a key hub for exports and regional supply. Schneider Electric, he added, plans to continue expanding across Gulf and African markets in the coming years.

Menwhile, Al Masaood Energy has announced a new project to refine used tyres into export-grade crude oil during its participation at ADIPEC 2025.

Ibrahim Al Hashidi, Regional Manager - Renewable Energy Division Al Masaood Energy, said the project - the first of its kind in the Gulf region - will convert end-of-life tyres into refined crude oil classified by the European Union as an approved import product exempt from local taxes.

He added that the plant’s full production has already been sold ahead of completion, reflecting strong market confidence and the capabilities of Emirati professionals in the renewable energy sector.

WAM