Organized by AHK and Khalifa University, in close cooperation with the Emirati-German Energy & Climate Partnership, the program brought together participants for inspiring weeks of discussions, technical knowledge sharing, and innovative problem-solving — with a focus on sustainability, decarbonization, and digital transformation in key sectors of the UAE.
The kick-off took place during the Opening Session on 2 June 2025.
As part of this session, a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Redefining the Energy Transition: Going Green in the AI Era” featured executives from the German partner companies Linde, Siemens, and Wilo, who shared their perspectives and experiences on how digital innovation is accelerating decarbonization both globally and locally.
Over the following week, three virtual technical sessions were held with the partner companies. Linde Engineering presented their pioneering work in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), including key projects in Abu Dhabi and hydrogen mobility pilots — demonstrating their strong commitment to reducing emissions in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.
Siemens Middle East focused on the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero 2050 strategy, highlighting energy efficiency measures in government buildings and the implementation of the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) as a benchmarking tool for industrial decarbonization.
Finally, Wilo introduced its innovative Daleel AI technology, which enhances assembly quality through artificial intelligence by detecting missing or incorrect parts, reducing human error, and improving operational efficiency.
Based on these sessions, participating students were tasked with developing solutions to the challenges presented. This hands-on approach encouraged the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts and supported the development of innovative ideas for sustainable technologies.
The program concluded with a final session held at Khalifa University on 19 June 2025, featuring welcome addresses from representatives of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure as well as the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
The highlight of the afternoon was the student pitch competition, during which teams presented their solutions to the challenges posed by Linde, Siemens, and Wilo. The presentations demonstrated impressive technical understanding and creativity.
The jury — made up of experts from Linde, Siemens, and Wilo — had the challenging task of evaluating the quality and feasibility of the pitches. All teams delivered well-founded and convincing presentations, showcasing technical expertise, teamwork, and communication skills. Congratulations to all YFEL participants and to the winning team for their outstanding performance!
We would like to thank all students for their dedication, our partner companies for their valuable insights, and of course Khalifa University for their generous hospitality.
The Young Future Energy Leaders program continues to serve as a key platform empowering the next generation to actively contribute to a sustainable energy future for the UAE and Germany.
