Energy, Climate, and Innovation Take Center Stage at SFME 2026

The fourth edition of the Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) officially kicked off today at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, under the theme “Advancing Alignment, Innovation, and Implementation for Energy and Climate Transformation.”

The event was attended by a distinguished lineup of officials, including H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs; H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; H.E. Mr. Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs; H.E. Ms. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and CEO of the Economic Development Board; H.E. Ms. Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism; and H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce.

The forum has attracted over 650 participants, including ministers, senior officials, policymakers, business leaders, and sustainability experts from the GCC, the wider Middle East, Europe, the UK, and the United States.

Speaking at the opening, H.E. Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina highlighted Bahrain’s dedication to climate action and sustainability, stressing the need for alignment between policies, investments, and technology. He underlined the Kingdom’s approach to integrating environmental sustainability with economic growth, strengthening competitiveness, and building a resilient future for generations to come.

H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, delivered special remarks, noting that climate action is firmly embedded in the GCC’s economic agenda. He highlighted regional progress and called for continued cooperation to accelerate energy and economic transition.

H.E. Amna Hamad AlRumaihi, Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for Environment, emphasized the importance of embedding sustainability within national development priorities and strengthening the broader climate ecosystem.

The forum’s opening keynote was delivered by H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing Sustainable Development, who highlighted the urgent need for innovative financing solutions and pipelines of investable projects to support decarbonization, resilience, and inclusive economic growth.

Day One featured over 50 expert speakers, covering topics including transition-aligned business strategies, climate diplomacy, carbon and biodiversity markets, emerging technologies, the AI-energy nexus, regulation, and capacity-building.

The forum also hosted signing ceremonies formalizing new partnerships and initiatives, reflecting the SFME’s role not only as a platform for dialogue but as a catalyst for tangible climate action, turning shared ambition into collaboration, commitments, and real-world implementation.