The 10th Arab Renewable Energy Forum concluded today in Manama. The three-day event was organised by the Arab Renewable Energy Commission (AREC) in collaboration with Arabian Gulf University (AGU), represented by the Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Chair for Environmental Sciences. The forum’s theme was: Towards the Launch of the Comprehensive Guide to Renewable Energy in the Arab World. It brought together distinguished officials, experts, and representatives from regional and international organisations, including the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the World Energy Council.

During the opening session, His Excellency Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority of Bahrain (EWA), underscored the forum’s significance as a leading Arab scientific platform that unites specialists and decision-makers. The event serves as a launching point for the development of a comprehensive Arab guide to renewable energy, which will act as a unified reference to support the transition to clean energy across Arab countries. He noted that the Arab region has attracted over $350 billion in investments in over 360 clean energy projects. Furthermore, EWA is working on establishing the first solar power plant in Bahrain, with a capacity of approximately 150 megawatts, as part of a strategic partnership with the private sector.

His Excellency Dr. Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, expressed pride in hosting and organising the forum, which witnessed representatives from 18 Arab countries, reflecting the spirit of Arab cooperation for a sustainable future. He highlighted the university’s ongoing support for scientific research and specialised education in clean energy, in line with Sustainable Development Goals. He also called for continued Arab collaboration to promote innovation and adoption of modern technologies in the energy sector.

In the same vein, Eng. Mohammed Al Taani, Secretary-General of AREC, affirmed Bahrain’s pivotal role in strengthening Arab cooperation in energy. He noted that Arab nations plan to invest approximately $1 trillion by 2040 in clean energy projects, smart cities, and electric vehicles. The forum reviewed several leading Arab initiatives in this field.

Over the course of three days, the forum included scientific dialogue sessions, technical presentations, and workshops focused on the latest innovations in renewable energy. Documentaries were also screened, showcasing the journey of AREC and the vision of AGU. The second day was dedicated to presenting national reports on the renewable energy status in Arab countries. The event concluded with an extensive session dedicated to the Arab guide for renewable energy, which aims to serve as a comprehensive scientific and institutional reference to foster Arab cooperation and support the region’s sustainable energy future.