Press Release: World Energy Council Announces Chair for World Energy Congress 2026

World Energy Council Announces Chair for World Energy Congress 2026

6 November 2025, London: With under one year until the 27th World Energy Congress, the World Energy Council is pleased to announce that Dr Naif Alabbadi has been elected to the Council’s Board as the Chair for World Energy Congress 2026.

Dr Alabbadi is a senior representative in the Saudi Ministry of Energy, currently serving as Advisor for Electricity Affairs to the Minister of Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud. With more than 30 years of expertise in the energy sector and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa, Dr. Alabbadi, in his capacity as Chair,  will represent the World Energy Council and the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia as co-hosts of this milestone global event.

Taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 12-15 October 2026, World Energy Congress 2026 will bring together over 18,000 international leaders, CEOs and innovators and more than 100 ministers to bridge geographies and generations, sectors and societies, in what is the only truly global energy event in the world, with a focus on accelerating practical solutions for a future of more secure, sustainable and equitable energy for all.

Dr Naif Alabbadi, Incoming Chair of World Energy Congress 2026, said: “At an important moment in the history of global energy, leaders, and innovators from across the sector will join us in Riyadh in October 2026, for an open and transparent convening. Saudi Arabia has been at the heart of global energy throughout history. As the sector sets the stage for the next 100 years of energy, we are pleased to be a facilitator of discussion, debate, and exploration.”

Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of the World Energy Council, said: "I am delighted to welcome Dr Naif Alabbadi as Congress Chair of the World Energy Council. Across diverse regions and multiple pathways, a more resilient, equitable and sustainable energy future is taking shape. The World Energy Council’s enduring mission and global community - combined with the Kingdom’s visionary and practical leadership - will ensure that World Energy Congress 2026 becomes a pivotal moment in turning connection into collaboration, and in delivering more and better energy for billions of lives and a healthy planet.”

Find out more about World Energy Congress at www.worldenergycongress.org.

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About the World Energy Council

The World Energy Council is the world's oldest independent and impartial energy leadership community. Through our Humanising Energy vision, we involve more people and communities in accelerating clean and inclusive energy transitions in all world regions.

Formed in 1923, the Council is a UN-accredited global energy body that has convened diverse interests from across the full energy ecosystem for a century. Today our global network has over 3,000 member organisations and a presence in more than 100 countries, drawn from governments, private and state corporations, academia, and civil society, as well as current and future energy leaders. We collaborate on impact programmes and inform local, regional, and global energy agendas in support of our enduring mission: to promote the sustainable use and supply of energy for the benefit of all people. Find out more at www.worldenergy.org and on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.