Abu Dhabi has launched a bold new energy strategy aimed at transforming its energy and water sector by 2050, with plans to attract up to $109 billion in foreign direct investment.

The announcement was made by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) during the 2025 World Utilities Congress at ADNEC, in the presence of global energy leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts.

The strategy comes as the emirate’s economy continues to expand rapidly. Its GDP recently exceeded the $272.2 billion mark, cementing Abu Dhabi’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

The energy and water sectors have been pivotal to this growth, and the new roadmap aims to elevate their role further.

“This strategic framework represents a comprehensive roadmap for the future of the energy and water sector in the Emirate,” said Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the DoE. “It is built upon an ambitious vision aimed at transforming the sector into a global model of efficiency, innovation, and sustainability, in line with our wise leadership’s aspirations to build a diversified, net-zero economy by 2050.”

The plan is anchored on four core pillars: securing a sustainable supply, boosting efficiency in both supply and demand, advancing decarbonization through smart, cost-effective solutions, and maximizing the economic value of energy and water resources.

Key initiatives include accelerating digital transformation, expanding the use of artificial intelligence, strengthening global partnerships, and fostering regulatory reforms to encourage private sector participation.

The strategy also targets 100% Emiratisation of critical roles and aims to increase local content in supply chains to 65%.

The DoE reaffirmed its commitment to driving progressive policy and regulatory development while calling on international innovators to collaborate in building a sustainable, future-ready energy sector.