The 25th edition brought together participants from 135 countries and 489 media representatives, marking the highest registration in the Congress’s 93-year history.
The 25th WPC Energy Congress has set a new attendance record in Riyadh, attracting more than 33,000 registrations from 135 countries and recording 489 media attendees. Hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time, the event took place from October 11 to 15, 2026, under the theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All.”
The Congress brought together energy ministers, industry leaders, policymakers, investors and experts to discuss the future of the global energy sector. Key topics included energy security, investment, innovation, resilient infrastructure and international cooperation.
Energy Security and Innovation in Focus
The Congress was officially inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, alongside Pedro Miras, President of WPC Energy.
Ministerial discussions explored the future of energy, global oil and gas markets, and the role of energy in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation. The programme also covered artificial intelligence, digital transformation, transport technologies, energy financing and energy efficiency.
The event marked a milestone in industry recognition, with Vicki Hollub becoming the first woman to receive WPC Energy’s prestigious Dewhurst Award.
Energy Hackathon Recognises Emerging Talent
The inaugural Energy Hackathon highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing pool of energy innovators. The nationwide competition attracted more than 6,700 registered participants from over 40 cities, with six winning teams recognised across three categories: Operational Efficiency, Transformative Innovation and Intelligent Control.
The initiative connected emerging talent with industry expertise and opportunities to develop solutions for the energy sector.
Beyond the conference programme, Saudi Night at the Saudi Pavilion in Boulevard World introduced international delegates to the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. Five regional zones featured traditional performances, crafts, workshops and regional cuisine.
Strengthening Regional Energy Cooperation
Riyadh Energy Week also hosted the 16th session of the Arab Ministerial Council for Electricity on October 12. Chaired by Saudi Arabia, the meeting brought together Arab electricity and energy ministers, representatives of the League of Arab States and relevant regional organisations.
Discussions covered progress towards the Arab Common Electricity Market, a pilot electricity exchange involving Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, renewable energy, energy efficiency and cooperation on clean hydrogen. The discussions also focused on electricity grid integration and regional energy security.
The virtual inauguration of the 17th Clean Energy Ministerial and the 11th Mission Innovation Ministerial further strengthened the international cooperation agenda surrounding Riyadh’s energy events.
Kazakhstan to Host the Next Congress
The Congress concluded with the formal handover to Kazakhstan, which will host the 26th WPC Energy Congress in Astana from June 11 to 15, 2028. It will be the first time the event is held in Central Asia, extending the Congress’s international reach.
With more than 33,000 registrations, participation from 135 countries and nearly 500 media attendees, the Riyadh edition marked a record-breaking chapter in WPC Energy’s history and reinforced the city’s role as a platform for global energy dialogue.
