Abu Dhabi, UAE - October 23, 2025: Following a successful debut earlier this year, Carbon Forward Middle East (CFME) will return for its second edition in the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, from January 14-15, 2026.
In collaboration with the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), CFME 2026 will be officially hosted under Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Organised by Carbon Pulse and Redshaw Advisors, in strategic partnership with Offset8 Capital, CFME 2026 will once again bring together global and regional leaders to explore how carbon markets can catalyse climate action across the Middle East and globally.
Carbon markets remain a vital tool on the path to – and beyond – net zero, unlocking finance for both mitigation and adaptation.
As the region’s only dedicated carbon markets conference, CFME 2026 will build on the momentum of its inaugural event, which convened governments, investors, financial institutions, project developers, standards bodies, law firms, ratings agencies, traders and brokers.
This 2025 conference also welcomed senior representatives from the aviation, industrial manufacturing, oil and gas, technology, and logistics sectors.
The 2026 edition will take place within WFES – the Middle East’s leading platform for clean energy innovation and sustainability dialogue – and ADSW, the region’s flagship initiative advancing collective climate action under the 2026 theme, “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go.”
WFES at ADSW serves as a global convening platform for innovators and policymakers, providing the insights and strategies needed to deliver real-world sustainability solutions and net zero by 2050.
This collaboration complements CFME’s mission by amplifying its impact, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and deepening regional dialogue on carbon markets, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and emerging net-zero strategies.
In 2025, WFES attracted over 50,000 participants and 450 companies from more than 170 countries, uniting ministers, CEOs, and climate innovators under a shared vision for a sustainable future.
CFME 2026 will build on that legacy, elevating the Middle East’s influence and leadership within the global carbon market landscape.
Programme Highlights
CFME 2026 will feature high-level keynotes, expert panels, and interactive sessions covering:
The conference will also spotlight the Middle East’s growing role in climate finance, focusing on scaling high-quality carbon projects, fostering cross-border cooperation, and aligning with global best practices.
Call for Sponsors and Partners
Carbon Forward Middle East 2026 invites sponsors, strategic partners, and knowledge collaborators to join a growing coalition of global and regional leaders shaping the future of carbon markets in the Middle East.
As the only carbon-focused event integrated within WFES and ADSW – two of the world’s most influential sustainability platforms – CFME 2026 offers unmatched visibility, credibility, and access to the key players and decision-makers driving progress across energy, finance, and climate policy.
To explore sponsorship and speaking opportunities, tailored partnership packages, or ways to showcase your organisation’s leadership at the region’s leading carbon market conference, please contact the CFME team.
About Carbon Forward
Carbon Forward is a leading international platform for in-depth discussion, training, and analysis of carbon markets and climate policy. Through its annual events in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Carbon Forward brings together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to exchange insights and accelerate effective climate action.
About Carbon Pulse
Carbon Pulse is a specialist news and intelligence service dedicated to carbon markets and climate policy developments worldwide. Its team of expert journalists provides trusted, data-driven coverage of emissions trading systems, voluntary carbon markets, national and regional climate policy, and corporate decarbonisation strategies.
About Redshaw Advisors
Redshaw Advisors is a UK-based carbon risk management and trading firm that helps organisations navigate carbon markets and build effective compliance and sustainability strategies. The company’s expertise spans emissions trading, compliance strategies, and tailored advisory services for businesses across sectors.
About Offset8 Capital
Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Offset8 Capital is a global emissions investment and management group that supports the growth of high-integrity carbon markets. At COP28, Offset8 Capital announced the Middle East's first carbon market fund with a target size of $250m. The firm partners with leading developers, technologies, and financial institutions to mobilise capital for impactful nature-based solutions in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.
