Over 2,000 business leaders and market innovators from across the Middle East and Africa are expected at the second edition of the Innovation Summit in Abu Dhabi from April 28 to 29.

The summit, themed: ‘Advancing Energy Tech to Power Intelligence’, is organised by Schneider Electric. It will also bring together global energy and technology leaders as well as government officials to intensify the region’s push for energy intelligence, data center expansion, AI adoption, as national visions place unprecedented demands on energy systems.

At a press briefing in Lagos, the organiser stressed that the summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the Middle East and Africa, as the region experiences exponential growth driven by national visions, giga-projects, and rapid expansion in AI, data centers, and digital infrastructure.

Speaking on the summit, Zone President, Middle East and Africa, Schneider Electric, Walid Sheta, emphasised that energy remains the foundation of national resilience and competitiveness, adding that the innovation summit is to accelerate energy technology innovation.

He said: “With electricity consumption in the Middle East and North Africa having tripled since 2000 and on course to grow at an incremental 3-4% every year to register a whopping 50% by 2035 – driven by surging cooling, desalination, and urbanization demands, the region is at an inflection point. This edition will emphasise our emergence as the trusted energy technology partner guiding the region’s next phase of transformation.”

He noted that Abu Dhabi was chosen to host the summit because of its role as a regional hub for energy transition, digital infrastructure, and innovation.

“The UAE’s net-zero ambitions and large-scale investments in power and digital infrastructure highlight the scale of the challenge and the opportunity to embed energy intelligence into the region’s next wave of growth. This year’s Summit will highlight regional benchmarks from 80+ countries, from the 100% elimination of SF6 and Carbon footprint reduction for fruit producers in South Africa to the savings that EcoStruxure Power & Grid is enabling for National Electricity Company, Senegal – ensuring recovery times of 3 minutes versus 3 hours earlier,” he added.

In his remarks, President, Gulf Cluster at Schneider Electric, Amel Chadli, said that across the Gulf, energy intelligence is becoming the operational reality as public and private sector enterprises race to align with national visions for a decarbonised and sustainable future.

“As one of the most local of global companies, Schneider Electric is empowering customers to move beyond electrification and implement AI‑driven, software‑defined energy systems that deliver efficiency, resilience and sustainability at national scale. This Summit offers a roadmap of what’s next as we continue to redefine the relationship between energy and digital capability,” he said.

The summit is expected to feature an exclusive C-suite initiative bringing together 100 business leaders to address strategic imperatives in energy intelligence. There will also be a guided tours and live demonstrations, as well as tailored customer experiences of Schneider Electric’s most innovative and integrated energy technology solutions addressing critical challenge in energy efficiency, grid modernisation, and digital infrastructure across a 3,000 square feet immersive space.

Also, Schneider Electric’s dedicated partners will be honored with 20 Cluster awards and five Middle East and Africa awards across four categories – Growth Award, Efficiency Award, Innovation Award, and Sustainability Award.