Held under the theme of ‘Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy’, this year’s ADIPEC was the culmination of four decades of energy leadership, and gathered a record-breaking 205,139 participants from 172 countries, highlighting the UAE’s convening power and its role as a global hub for energy, technology and innovation.

The numbers indicate a stronger and more diverse increase in global participation, up by more than 20,000 attendees compared to last year.

The ADIPEC Conference programme featured four new conferences that welcomed new voices from technology and AI, finance, youth and the Global South. Across 370 sessions, attendees heard from more than 1,800 international speakers, including 40 ministers, on the economic opportunity that can be realised by collaborating across sectors.

Collaboration across countries and sectors was a guiding thread across ADIPEC’s 16 exhibition halls, as more than 2,200 exhibitors and 30 country pavilions converged to develop new partnerships and strategies to drive sustainable socioeconomic growth. Innovation emerged as a core theme and key driver of progress, with 133 exhibitors focused on AI, digitalisation and automation solutions to fast-track the energy transformation.

Speaking to the importance of collaboration and equitable financing in ensuring an energy future which leaves no one behind, Hardeep S Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, India, stated: “Energy is the spinal cord of an economy. When we talk about the global south, we sometimes forget where the global south is and what issues they have to face. In order for us to make the transition, we have to leverage the tools currently at our disposal and invest in the future. We have to make sure that they coexist harmoniously with green energy, because our people need affordable fuels.”

The importance of developing new financing frameworks for an evolving energy industry was a central theme at ADIPEC 2024, reflected by the event’s inaugural Finance & Investment Conference. The conference offered leaders from government, finance and energy a platform to discuss the disparity between capital flows and the investment necessary for a fair and inclusive energy ecosystem.

Deals delivered at ADIPEC included ADNOC Drilling’s acquisition of a 95% stake in Deep Well Services for $223 million, TA’ZIZ’s award of over $2 billion for essential infrastructure at Al Ruwais Industrial City, and BGP Inc.’s new contract with ADNOC - worth $490 million - to expand the world’s largest 3D seismic survey in Abu Dhabi.

In addition, Black & Veatch and Baker Hughes unveiled plans for a mid-scale LNG solution capable of producing up to 2 million tonnes per annum, while JOGMEC and the International Energy Forum signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote research in carbon capture and clean hydrogen.

Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, the organisers of ADIPEC, celebrated the event’s unparalleled ability to unite countries, companies, and individuals around the energy industry’s most promising solutions and pressing priorities, stating: “Businesses across the industry, from innovative start-ups to national energy companies, recognise that ADIPEC is the premier venue for forging critical partnerships and engaging in dialogues that lead to truly impactful outcomes.

“This year, the significant focus on artificial intelligence further enabled critical conversations on its potential to transform energy systems and accelerate the transition towards sustainable practices. As the energy landscape evolves at pace, ADIPEC will remain a beacon for those seeking to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.”