ADSW: South African Ramaphosa Deepens Climate and Energy Talks at Abu Dhabi Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa is in the United Arab Emirates this week to participate in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026, as global leaders convene to discuss energy transition and climate cooperation.

The South African president is attending the summit at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The annual event brings together heads of state, policymakers, investors and civil society actors to advance dialogue on sustainability, clean energy and climate-resilient development.

This year’s gathering, themed “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” focuses on translating climate ambition into practical action, with discussions centred on energy innovation, financing mechanisms and inclusive growth.

According to South Africa’s Presidency, Ramaphosa will hold bilateral talks with the UAE leader ahead of the summit’s opening ceremony. 

Ramaphosa is also expected to attend the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards, which recognise global innovations in areas including renewable energy, climate action, food systems, water and education.

He is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the Youth 4 Sustainability Forum, where he will speak on just transition priorities, skills development and job creation. He will also join a Heads of State panel on global energy futures and take part in a high-level session focused on infrastructure investment across the Global South.

South Africa and the UAE maintain strong economic and diplomatic ties, with the Gulf state emerging as a key investor in sectors such as renewable energy, transport and logistics.

The Presidency said the visit will be used to deepen cooperation and engage business leaders on new investment opportunities aligned with South Africa’s development and energy transition goals.