NextGen FDI and Climate First Collaborate to Accelerate UAE's Climate Tech Ecosystem
The UAE Ministry of Economy’s NextGen FDI initiative has announced a strategic partnership with Climate First, a European private equity firm specializing in climate innovation investments. The collaboration aims to advance the UAE’s climate-tech ecosystem by introducing groundbreaking technologies and fostering impactful partnerships across key industries.
The partnership was inaugurated during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025 with the Climate First UAE Roadshow. The event showcased five leading climate-tech companies—Climeworks, Energy Dome, ZeroAviva, Cylib, and Glasspoint—each specializing in transformative solutions, including direct air capture, battery recycling, hydrogen-electric aviation, and industrial solar steam generation.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability
His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted the partnership’s significance in advancing climate solutions. He stated, “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 collaborating with Climate First, we aim to shape the future of clean energy and industrial decarbonization.”
European Expertise Meets UAE Innovation
Nadav Steinmetz, founder of Climate First, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We are honored to collaborate with the UAE Ministry of Economy during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The UAE's commitment to fostering innovation creates an unmatched ecosystem for advancing climate technology. By bringing our pioneering European solutions to the region, we aim to scale decarbonization efforts and create lasting impact through zero-carbon technologies.”
A Platform for Global Sustainability
Under the theme “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” ADSW 2025 served as a global platform for tackling pressing environmental challenges and fostering clean energy solutions. The partnership aligns with ADSW’s mission to drive collaboration and deliver actionable strategies for a sustainable future.
Launched in 2022, the NextGen FDI initiative is a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic diversification strategy, focusing on future-forward sectors such as AI, renewable energy, and robotics. With over 20 companies onboarded, the program continues to accelerate the UAE's transformation into a knowledge-driven, sustainable economy.
