Welcome Message
KAPSARC and the Saudi Association for Energy Economics are pleased to host the 4th IAEE MENA Conference of the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) from December 7 to 8, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The event will address emerging energy issues, both regional and international, under the theme, “Rethinking Energy Security and Economic Resilience in a Fragmented World.”
The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation shaped by geopolitical events, disrupted trade patterns, technological change, and the evolving dynamics of the energy transition. Recent developments across the Middle East and broader global repercussions have reinforced the importance of resilient energy systems, secure supply chains, and adaptive energy and economic policies.
Against this backdrop, the MENA region remains central to global energy markets but must maintain a focus on advancing long-term diversification. The world faces the challenge of strengthening economic resilience and energy security while achieving sustainability objectives. Rising uncertainty surrounding global growth, industrial policy, critical minerals, trade routes, and climate policy has further increased the importance of rethinking traditional approaches to energy and economic policy.
The Conference provides a platform to discuss the future of energy security, economic transformation, and investment. Discussions will examine evolving oil and gas market dynamics, industrial policy, supply chain adaptation, and how these developments are reshaping both energy-producing and energy-consuming economies.
The Conference brings together economists, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and institutional representatives to exchange research and policy and industry insights to shape the future global energy system.
About the Conference
The 4th IAEE MENA Conference will be held at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Complimentary Registration
There will be no registration fee charged for attending or presenting at the 4th IAEE MENA Conference. This offer extends to all speakers and attendees.
Important Dates
- Abstract submission deadline: October 3, 2026
- Rolling notification of abstract acceptance: Abstracts are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submitting early means you will be notified before the October 3 deadline. Abstracts submitted by the deadline will hear back by October 15.
- Conference: December 7-8, 2026
Call for Papers – IAEE MENA Conference 2026
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit abstracts describing original research, policy analysis, or case studies related to energy economics and policy. Abstracts should clearly outline the background and motivation of the research, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. The abstract should be no longer than two pages.
Please make clear in the abstract why the research that you are proposing to present at the conference is significant. Abstracts must be submitted online by October 3, 2026. All submissions should be in English or Arabic.
Non-Exhaustive Topics for Papers
Abstract submissions are welcomed covering all areas of energy economics, including, but not limited to, the following list. Topics related to energy diversification and energy transition that are not listed below are also encouraged.
- Energy Security, Trade, and Geoeconomics
- Oil, Gas, and Global Energy Markets
- Oil and gas trade and supply chain resilience
- Fiscal Sustainability in Resource Economies
- Energy Transition and Economic Diversification
- Economic Growth and Structural Transformation in Oil-Exporting Economies
- Electricity Markets and Power System Transformation
- Natural Gas Markets and LNG Trade
- Climate Policy and Carbon Markets
- Hydrogen, CCUS, and Emerging Energy Technologies
- Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Resilience
- Energy Investment and Sustainable Finance
- AI, Data Centers, and Energy Demand
- Energy Productivity and Industrial Competitiveness
- Energy Infrastructure and System Resilience
- Energy Policy, Regulation, and Market Design
- Innovation and Technological Change in Energy
- Energy Access and Affordability
- Urban Systems, Mobility, and Energy Demand
- Nuclear Energy and Advanced Energy Technologies
- Energy System Modeling
- Macroeconomic Modeling of Energy and the Environment
Co-hosted By
KAPSARC
The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) is an advisory think tank focused on energy economics and sustainability. It provides advisory services to entities and authorities in the Saudi energy sector.
SAEE
The Saudi Association for Energy Economics (SaudiAEE) was officially established on December 17, 2020, with License No. 1998 from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi Arabia. This milestone follows efforts dating back to 2009 to advance energy economics in Saudi Arabia and foster engagement with the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE). Energy is a cornerstone of the Saudi economy, and the SaudiAEE plays a crucial role in addressing the sector’s challenges and offering a platform for solution-oriented discussions. Additionally, the SAEE promotes and strengthens dialogue among various stakeholders, including government entities, energy companies, universities, associations, and more, by organizing lectures, seminars, and workshops, and welcoming officials and experts from both within the Kingdom and abroad to its events.
IAEE
The International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) advances the knowledge, understanding, and application of economics across all aspects of energy and fosters communication among professional energy analysts. With over 4,350 members in over 100 countries and 29 branches, the IAEE is a non-profit organization, and its members are researchers, governments, and energy-related businesses. It serves as a forum for discussion on energy and economics through academic societies and specialized journals. The IAEE holds international conferences and publishes specialized journals for discussions on energy and economics.
FAQ
How to register for the conference?
If you would like to attend, you can email your interest iaeemena_registration@saudi-aee.sa, and the organizers will contact you later.
Is there a virtual option for attendance?
The 4th IAEE MENA Conference 2026 will be held in person.
How can I submit an abstract?
An abstract can be submitted via the "Online Abstract Submission System." The abstract submission deadline is October 3, 2026.
Can I register for the conference without submitting an abstract?
Yes. All interested parties are welcome to participate in the conference.
Where will the conference be held?
The conference will be held at the APEX Convention Center at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
How can I obtain a visa to enter Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has opened its doors to visitors from all over the world with its e-Visa program since September 2019. Visitors may acquire a multiple-entry visa valid for one year, allowing them to stay in the country for up to 90 days. A tourist visa is acceptable for attending the conference. The visa is intended for tourism-related activities and Umrah (excluding the Hajj season) and does not permit other activities, such as studying.
The KAPSARC team will assist anyone who needs help applying for a visa. You can reach out to the team by filling out the form on the Travel Information page of this website.
For more information about eligibility and travel requirements, please visit the following links: