World Future Energy Summit drew record crowds

Ban Ki Moon, UN Secretary General, said Abu Dhabi is becoming justifiably renowned as a hub of progress.

The fourth World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2011 concluded in Abu Dhabi on Thursday following four days of high level summit debate from international leaders and experts, and two exhibitions showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in renewable energy and environment

This year’s summit attracted record levels of attendance, with over 26,000 attendees from 137 countries over the course of the four days. This represents a 6.5 per cent increase on the number of attendees in 2010. Additionally over 2,500 school and university students from across the UAE were given insights into the future of renewable energy through guided tours of the exhibition during the course of the event.

The attendees included 3,150 international dignitaries, delegates, members of media and participants who attended the Opening Ceremony on Day One, which opened with a keynote address from HE Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary General, United Nations.

Story continues below

Advertisement

FEATURED COMMENT Please click here to comment on this article

Ara Fernezian, group exhibitions director at Reed Exhibitions, organiser of WFES 2011, said, “WFES brings together the leaders in renewable energy, exhibitors, investors and technology providers from around the world to engage and interact with each other. The event continues to grow year on year and its success is testament to Abu Dhabi’s determination to become the global platform for effective dialogue on renewable energy and clean technology. It is encouraging to see such an increase in attendees from such a wide range of countries this year. Indeed, over 30 per cent of attendees came from outside the UAE, making it our most international WFES to date. We look forward to building on this success as we look towards WFES 2012.”