UAE official: China integral to UAE's clean energy transition

An official from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has affirmed that UAE-China collaboration extends far beyond trade and has been integral to its remarkable clean energy transition.

Speaking at a forum in Macao, Sheikh Saoud Al Mualla, consul-general of the UAE in Hong Kong, stressed: "The UAE and China enjoy a robust partnership in sustainable development. From landmark solar plants to wind energy demonstration projects, Chinese partnership has been integral to the UAE's remarkable clean energy transition."

He noted at the Zayed Sustainability Prize Forum — part of BEYOND Expo 2025, that "UAE-China collaboration extends far beyond trade, including energy, logistics, financial services, agriculture, tourism, and space."

Themed "Accelerating Impact: China's Innovation for Global Sustainability" and co-hosted by the Zayed Sustainability Prize and the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), the forum — which opened on May 22 — drew over 300 corporate executives, global sustainability experts, and innovative entrepreneurs to discuss transformative solutions to pressing global challenges.

Established in 2008 to honor the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has recognized 128 winners whose solutions have positively impacted over 400 million lives across six categories — health, food, energy, water, climate action and global high schools.

"We were honored to bring leaders, innovators and partners together at the forum to explore how we can accelerate progress that improve lives and uplift communities," said Dr Lamya Fawwaz, director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, adding that "This gathering reflects the UAE's ongoing commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration, unlocking capital, and supporting the technologies and youth-led solutions shaping the future of development and opportunity."

The forum featured a dynamic lineup of sessions with 22 global public and private sector leaders, exploring key topics like impact investment, technology innovation, and youth education, and shared the stories of previous prize winners.

William Wang, chief representative for Middle East & Africa of SIEF, said in his speech: "Many view the Middle East and Africa as the energy and investment powerhouse, but we see it as a region of future innovation, cultural richness and global impact."

"We are deeply honored to co-create platforms like this to continue building bridges of trust, opportunities and shared purpose — working together to scale solutions that serve both local communities and the global good," he said.

As the sustainability partner of BEYOND Expo, which attracted over 30,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors, the Zayed Sustainability Prize offers attendees the opportunity to forge new partnerships and expand the reach of sustainable solutions across borders.