RIYADH — The World Energy Council has officially selected Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the host city for the upcoming 27th World Energy Congress scheduled to take place from October 26 to 29, 2026. Set against the dynamic backdrop of the Riyadh Front Center, strategically positioned in the bustling heart of the capital and within one of the world's pivotal energy hubs, the Congress is poised to be a global energy focal point. This coveted hosting opportunity follows an intense and competitive bidding process, inviting participation from the Council's 70+ national member committees representing over 3,000 organizations across the entire energy spectrum. The World Energy Congress, renowned as the premier, inclusive, and influential energy event globally, has been a driving force in advancing energy transitions for over a century. It accomplishes this by bringing together stakeholders representing energy interests from every corner of the world. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy and Chairman of the Saudi Arabia member committee, expressed the Kingdom's pleasure in securing the hosting rights, stating, "Saudi Arabia is honored to host the 2026 World Energy Congress at this pivotal moment in the global energy landscape." "As a century-old gathering, the World Energy Congress holds a special place in the calendars of world energy leaders. It brings together stakeholders from energy producers to consumers and all points in-between as the Kingdom works towards achieving the sustainability objectives of Vision 2030. Participants can anticipate a world-class Congress accompanied by a warm Saudi welcome." Dr. Mike Howard, Chair of the World Energy Council Officers Council, commended Saudi Arabia's strategic vision evident in its competitive bid, emphasizing the celebration of the event's heritage alongside the Kingdom's forward-looking energy vision. The 27th World Energy Congress is expected to attract over 150 C-suite speakers, 250 speakers, 70 ministers, and 7,000 international energy stakeholders. This gathering will foster unity across sectors, geographies, and systems, contributing to a more equitable and impactful energy transition. Dr. Angela Wilkinson, Secretary-General and CEO of the World Energy Council, extended congratulations to Saudi Arabia for its successful bid, emphasizing the Congress's role in facilitating collaborations across all energy interests. She stated, "Energy transitions are too important to be left to the energy sector alone. Collaborations are required across all energy interests, and that is where the Congress excels. The World Energy Council's global community, combined with the Kingdom's visionary leadership, will ensure that the 27th World Energy Congress will compel world energy leadership in making faster, fairer, and more far-reaching energy transitions emerge." Saudi Arabia will officially assume the role of host for the World Energy Congress following the 26th World Energy Congress, set to take place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Saudi Arabia will also host a country pavilion at this prestigious event. Subsequently, after the April 2024 World Energy Congress, the Congress will transition to a two-year cycle.
