Energy Minister attends Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

Manama, Jan 19 (BNA) -- Minister of Energy, Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza, has taken part in activities of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2015. The event was held under the patronage of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed Forces, Lt. Gen Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi were also present at the event, which was attended by heads of state, ministers and senior officials of the energy sector from more than 170 countries around the world. President Al-Sisi spoke about the importance of sustainable energy for the present and the future and the challenges faced by Egypt to secure long-term energy, and major projects it has undertaken in the area of renewable energy. UAE Energy Minister, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, spoke about the importance of providing sustainable sources of energy, such as wind power, solar power, and how these would contribute to enhancing energy security and support economic growth in the region. The winners of the Sheikh Zayed Future Energy Prize from various countries were also announced at the event. The winners have over the years faced challenges and made their mark in the field of energy. Former US Vice President Al Gore, in a statement on the occasion, thanked the late Sheikh Zayed for his efforts in establishing a framework for renewable energy and energy efficiency, including setting up a prize in his name to simulate the community to work with creativity and innovation in the areas of renewable energy, as well as in other fields of energy development. The World Future Energy Summit and the World Summit on Water as well as the General Assembly meeting of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) were also held along with the main event. The activities included an extensive exhibition featuring international companies operating in the areas of sustainable energy. Dr. Mirza visited a number of pavilions to be informed of the latest techniques and developments in these areas. Dr. Mirza held a number of bilateral meetings with the UAE Energy Minister and Qatari Energy Minister, Dr. Mohammed bin Saleh Al-Sada, as well as with a number of senior officials in the energy, oil and rationalization of electricity and water areas. He was accompanied by Director General of Oil and Gas Affairs at the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), Jassim Issa Al-Shirawi, Energy Ministry's Adviser on Technical and Engineering Affairs, Dr. Abdulmajeed Habib and Minister's Office Director, Ahmed Bucheery.