The 5th Annual Derasat Forum and the 2nd IAEE MENA Symposium are set to take place from 2nd to 3rd March 2022, to address the ‘Impact of Energy Transition in the MENA Region’. The dual events are organised by the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), in partnership with the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE), the King Abdulla Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), and the Saudi Association for Energy Economics (SAEE).

The event will take place at The Art Hotel and Resort in Amwaj Islands and will bring together experts from over 10 countries to discuss the latest developments and variables involving supply and demand for energy sources and markets. These include current and future circumstances encompassing energy types – fossil-based, alternatives and renewables.

The event presents the visions and perspectives of some leading energy experts, field economists and captains of the industry on the ongoing and potential energy transformations; the possible impact of the transitioning ratios of the energy mix; and the resulting economic impact on countries in the Middle East and North Africa region – based on feasible hypotheses and projected possibilities.

Prominent organizations participating include the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), Bahrain’s Ministry of Electricity and Water, nybl Artificial Intelligence platform, Khalifa University, Qamar Energy, Energy Intelligence, Oman’s Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), the American University of Beirut (AUB), Jordan’s Renewable Energy Investment Society, and the Arab Renewable Energy Commission (AREC).

Derasat Executive Director Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Al-Abdulla said, “Leading global researchers and thinkers in energy and market economics will gather to discuss the paths for regional energy transition, and we anticipate interesting outcomes and recommendations, besides multilateral benefits from exchanging experiences and furthering valuable
partnerships.”

Dr. Omar Ahmed Al-Ubaydli, Derasat Director of Research and Studies, said, “The forum will exclusively present for the first time the findings of contributing academics and researchers through parallel and breakout sessions, following a call for papers which was initiated in Q4 of 2021. The applications were of high-quality and diverse in their fields, and we look forward to hearing them in person.”