ADNEC Group has signed an expanded agreement with Emirates Water and Electricity Company to supply clean and renewable energy to ADNEC Centre Al Ain, marking a significant step in the UAE’s push to decarbonise large-scale event infrastructure.

The deal enables the exhibition and conference venue in Al Ain to operate on electricity sourced from renewable and low-carbon generation, aligning with national targets to cut emissions and accelerate energy transition across key sectors. The move is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of major exhibitions, conferences and cultural events hosted at the site, which forms part of the wider ADNEC portfolio managed under Modon Holding.

Executives involved in the agreement described the partnership as a continuation of earlier collaborations between ADNEC Group and EWEC, which have focused on integrating cleaner power into high-demand commercial venues. The Al Ain facility, one of the region’s prominent event spaces outside Abu Dhabi city, is seen as a strategic extension of these efforts as demand grows for sustainable venues capable of hosting international events.

EWEC, which is responsible for procuring and supplying water and electricity across Abu Dhabi, has increasingly shifted its generation mix towards solar and nuclear power. Its clean energy portfolio includes large-scale solar projects such as Noor Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, alongside electricity generated from the Barakah nuclear power plant. These sources form the backbone of the emirate’s decarbonisation strategy and are central to supplying cleaner electricity to commercial users like ADNEC.

Officials said the integration of clean energy into ADNEC Centre Al Ain will help event organisers meet sustainability requirements that are becoming standard across global exhibition industries. Corporate clients and international bodies are placing greater emphasis on environmental performance, including energy sourcing, waste management and emissions reporting, when selecting venues.

ADNEC Group has been positioning itself as a sustainability-focused operator in response to these shifts. The company manages a range of venues and hospitality assets, including the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and has introduced measures such as energy efficiency upgrades, waste reduction programmes and digital solutions aimed at lowering environmental impact.

The Al Ain centre plays a distinct role within this network, catering to regional exhibitions, conferences and community events. Its transition to cleaner power is expected to enhance its appeal to organisers seeking venues that align with environmental, social and governance standards.

Industry analysts note that the exhibition and events sector has faced increasing scrutiny over its environmental footprint, particularly due to high energy consumption, travel-related emissions and resource use associated with large gatherings. As a result, venue operators across Europe, Asia and the Gulf have begun adopting renewable energy contracts, carbon offsetting schemes and green building certifications.

The UAE has been at the forefront of such initiatives in the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai investing heavily in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. The government has set targets to increase the share of clean energy in its power mix and achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century, with state-backed entities playing a key role in implementation.

EWEC’s strategy has centred on long-term power purchase agreements with independent power producers, enabling the rapid expansion of solar capacity at competitive costs. This has allowed large consumers, including industrial and commercial facilities, to access cleaner electricity without developing their own generation assets.

For ADNEC Group, the partnership provides a pathway to reduce operational emissions while maintaining the high energy reliability required for major events. Exhibition venues typically demand stable power for lighting, climate control, digital systems and temporary installations, making integration with grid-scale clean energy sources a practical solution.

Company representatives indicated that the initiative is part of a broader roadmap to embed sustainability across all ADNEC-managed assets. Efforts include exploring energy-efficient technologies, enhancing building performance and working with stakeholders to reduce the environmental impact of events from planning through to execution.

The collaboration also reflects a wider trend in Abu Dhabi’s urban development strategy, where infrastructure projects are increasingly designed with sustainability considerations at their core. Modon Holding, which oversees ADNEC Group, has been involved in developing integrated communities and assets that prioritise environmental performance alongside economic growth.

Market observers suggest that such partnerships could influence regional standards, encouraging other venue operators to adopt similar approaches as competition intensifies for international events. The ability to demonstrate lower emissions and compliance with global sustainability benchmarks is becoming a differentiating factor in securing large-scale exhibitions and conferences.