In pictures: Official launch of UAE's Shams 1 solar plant

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi (R), looks at the Shams 1 Concentrated Solar Power plant, with leaders of the UAE behind him, during the opening ceremony. Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

The Shams 1 Concentrated Solar Power plant, is a project of the Shams Power Company, a subsidiary of Masdar, in association with Total and Abengoa Solar. Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber CEO of Masdar (L), speaks with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi (C), about the Parabolic Through (seen right) during the Shams 1 Concentrated Solar Power plant opening ceremony. Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and emir of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and the Ruler of Dubai, are seen on a screen as they and other distinguished guests attend the inauguration of Shams 1. Silvia Razgova / The National

Guests and members of the media take in the first views of the solar plant following the inauguration of Shams 1. Silvia Razgova / The National

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar (2nd L), speaks during a press conference following the inauguration of Shams1, the Middle East's largest renewable energy project. Silvia Razgova / The National

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Minister of Presidential Affairs (L), General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (2nd L), Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi (2nd R), and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai (R). Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi (L), greets Shams Power Company employees during the Shams 1 opening ceremony. Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R), gives a model Parabolic Trough to children. Seen here with Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber CEO of Masdar (back L). Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

The inauguration of Shams 1, a solar power plant located near Madinat Zayed, in the Western Region of the UAE. Silvia Razgova / The National

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar (2nd R), visits with other distinguished guests during the inauguration of the solar power plant. Silvia Razgova / The National

Staff of Shams Power Company posing for photos with VIPs during the Shams 1 opening ceremony. Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi