The UAE Ministry of Economy’s NextGen FDI initiative has entered into a partnership with Climate First, a leading European private equity firm specializing in climate innovation investments.
The partnership aims to strengthen the UAE’s climate-tech ecosystem. Climate First will bring its portfolio companies to the UAE for networking, partnership and expansion opportunities.
The collaboration was cemented during the inaugural Climate First UAE Roadshow, which took place alongside Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025.
The Roadshow featured five leading climate tech companies: Climeworks, Energy Dome, ZeroAviva, Cylib, and Glasspoint, aimed at exploring opportunities for forging fruitful partnerships with leading UAE stakeholders driving decarbonization in the Emirates.
From direct air capture and battery recycling to hydrogen-electric aviation and solar stream generators for industrial processes, the five companies are pioneering innovative solutions across core industries.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade
“This partnership reflects the UAE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability. Through the NextGen FDI initiative, we are creating a supportive ecosystem for advanced technology companies to thrive and lead global efforts in combatting climate change. By associating Climate First with the NextGen FDI initiative, we are fostering transformative collaborations that will help shape the future of clean energy and industrial decarbonization.”
Climate First, which has invested in more than 50 climate tech leaders globally, sees the UAE as an ideal partner for scaling its companies’ impact, commercializing opportunities, and expanding their presence across the region.
Nadav Steinmetz of Climate First, added that, “We are honored to partner with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The UAE’s commitment to innovation creates an unmatched ecosystem for advancing climate tech. At Climate First, our mission has always been to drive impactful change through investments in transformative, zero-carbon technologies. We are thrilled to bring pioneering European solutions to the UAE. This collaboration will foster strategic partnerships to scale decarbonization efforts.”
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), which revolves under the theme “The Nexus of Next. Supercharging Sustainable Progress”, sets global stage with a focus on enhancing clean energy and sustainable development. The event has gathered global leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The partnership between NextGen FDI and Climate First supports ADSW’s mission to foster collaboration for a more sustainable future.
The NextGen FDI initiative, launched in 2022, is a key pillar of the UAE’s drive to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global hub for innovation. To date, the program has welcomed over 20 companies operating in future focused sectors such as AI, renewable energy, robotics, and advanced manufacturing, supporting the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-driven, sustainable economy.
