At the 12th World Green Economy Summit, experts explained why the UAE green economy is a model the world is watching.
The 12th World Green Economy Summit (WGES 2026) concluded on Thursday at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Dozens of policymakers, lenders, fund managers, and entrepreneurs gathered to discuss where the UAE green economy is heading.
Why the UAE Green Economy Matters
The UAE has hosted WGES since its founding. That track record has turned the UAE green economy into a model that other markets are now studying.
Jonathan Maxwell, founder of Sustainable Development Capital LLP, called Dubai one of the best places to discuss the UAE green economy. He pointed to its facilities, focus, and sense of authenticity.
Who Is Shaping the UAE Green Economy
Voices came from every corner of the sector. Yousif Al Lootah, founder and CEO of Lootah Biofuels, has worked in the UAE green economy since 2010, when he started at just 19.
His company is described as the UAE’s, and possibly the region’s, first biofuel company. He said the UAE green economy grows by taking global knowledge and building its own system.
What the World Bank Says About the Green Economy
Syed Adeel Abbas, the World Bank’s regional climate lead, said the global economy is decarbonizing and the trend will not stop soon. In his view, countries that ignore it for the UAE green economy or any other market risk falling behind.
He added that the UAE green economy has the capital to decarbonize its own industry and meet the net zero targets committed at COP28. It also has the right investment frameworks, he said.
How Trade Rules Give the UAE an Edge
Mr Abbas described green hydrogen as a credible export industry in the making. The EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism will put a carbon cost on imported goods, giving the UAE green economy a near-term reason to move faster.
Aluminum is a clear example. Lower-emission production could give UAE exporters a real advantage, and that strengthens the UAE green economy in global markets.
He also urged policymakers not to start with financing. For the UAE green economy, reliable and predictable policy should come first, with green bonds and similar tools following.
Where Green Finance Stands Today
Bashar Al Natoor of Fitch Ratings said green financing is a bigger story than many realize. Outstanding green sukuk and bonds from the GCC have reached $73 billion, a sign of strength for the UAE green economy and its neighbors.
In the first nine months of 2026, GCC ESG issuance made up around 40 percent of all US dollar ESG issuance from emerging markets, excluding China.
Last week, First Abu Dhabi Bank issued a digital green sukuk. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund also placed a 100-year green bond, adding to the UAE green economy momentum across the Gulf.
Whom the Summit Aims to Reach
Summits like WGES help build a narrative for governments and the private sector, said Mr. Maxwell. Success stories and shared use cases bring people to the table to back the UAE green economy.
His formula for any green investment case is simple: cheaper, cleaner, faster. For him, the UAE green economy works best when it does more with fewer resources.
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A Trend That Is Here to Stay
WGES 2026 showed that the UAE green economy is no longer a side conversation. With strong policy, growing green finance and trade incentives, it is shaping how the world talks about sustainable growth.
Mr. Al Lootah summed up the mood. Everyone shares one mission to protect the environment, and new technology will speed up the shift in the UAE green economy.
Also Read: The UAE Is Quietly Redesigning What You Eat, and the Plan Goes All the Way to 2030
