The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) inaugurated the 2nd Future Sustainability Summit, bringing together over 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability advocates from more than 50 countries. This high-profile event aims to advance the global shift toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient future while showcasing the UAE’s leading role in sustainability and financial innovation.
The summit, part of DIFC’s commitment to sustainable economic transformation, included discussions on green finance mechanisms, decarbonisation strategies, building circular economies, and the future of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. The forum’s second day will feature insights into innovation, smart cities, and digital transformation in sustainability.
Global Participation and Impact
More than 100 speakers from around the world, including executives from industries driving sustainability, graced the event. Speakers included H.E. Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, CEO of Emirates Steel Arkan, Eng. Yousif Al Ali of Etihad Water & Electricity, and Capt. Saif Al Mheiri of Abu Dhabi Maritime. Leaders from Barclays, Porsche Middle East, and the London Stock Exchange Group also addressed the audience, highlighting the significance of cross-sector collaboration for sustainable development.
Notably, over 500 investors attended, with 20% representing portfolios exceeding USD 100 million, underscoring a strong focus on climate technology and renewable energy investments.
Alya AlZarouni, Chief Operating Officer at DIFC Authority and Co-Chair of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, commented, “DIFC is committed to establishing synergies worldwide with governments, organisations, industries, investors and more, to drive the transition to Net Zero with sustainable finance mechanisms. The Future Sustainability Forum enables this transition through collaboration and knowledge sharing that inspires learning. Sustainability requires innovation, considerable finance, education, reporting, and capacity building. At DIFC, we are poised to reinforce our leadership in contributing to the UAE’s climate action strategies and economic development by driving the future of finance.”
Milestones in UAE’s Climate Action
Since ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2016, the UAE has made significant strides in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The nation’s Net Zero goals are supported by initiatives such as increased green bond issuance and decarbonisation projects in the financial sector.
DIFC’s efforts align with these goals. At COP28, the centre announced its Sustainable Finance Catalyst, aiming to mobilise USD 100 billion in sustainable financial flows from Dubai by 2030. The Future Sustainability Summit builds on this momentum, fostering collaboration and innovation to transition toward a circular economy.
Supporting Partnerships
The summit was backed by leading organisations, including Dubai Municipality, Mashreq, Emirates NBD, and Deloitte. Strategic government partners and sponsors contributed to discussions, emphasising the need for innovation, collaboration, and actionable investments in sustainability.
The event reaffirmed Dubai and DIFC’s commitment to being at the forefront of climate finance, inspiring global action toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
