Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), addressed India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, emphasizing the importance of reliable partnerships amid global energy sector changes.
He highlighted three major trends shaping global energy demand: the growth of emerging markets, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), and the transformation of energy systems, noting that these forces are especially prominent in India.
“Transformation rewards those who move boldly, not those who wait for calm seas,” Dr. Al Jaber said. He predicted that global oil demand would stay above 100 million barrels per day through 2040, while demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and electricity is expected to increase by at least 50%. He also noted that electricity needs will rise due to both AI-driven data centers and increased cooling requirements. The number of air conditioners worldwide is projected to more than triple to 5.6 billion by 2050.
“Demand at this scale and pace requires investment in all forms of energy,” Dr. Al Jaber said, adding: “The biggest risk is not over supply, it is underinvestment.”
India, as the world’s third largest energy consumer, will see significant increases in air travel, urbanization, and data center capacity over the next 15 years. Dr. Al Jaber stressed that such growth requires strong partnerships. “Progress and growth at this scale and pace requires a special kind of partnership,” he said. “Partnership that is strategic, long-term, agile and flexible. Steadfast, dependable, principled and consistent. Partnership that is based on trust and will endure through thick and thin. This is precisely what defines the UAE–India relationship.”
ADNOC continues as a key supplier for India—its top LNG market—and remains India’s largest LPG provider while also supplying crude oil, feedstocks, and chemicals.
Dr. Al Jaber also pointed out ADNOC’s support for India’s clean energy goals through ALTÉRRA investments totaling 11 gigawatts across wind, solar power, and battery storage projects.
He described how XRG—ADNOC’s international investment arm—is expanding its global gas portfolio and building up its chemicals platform while investing in infrastructure supporting industrial growth.
In technology adoption, ADNOC has deployed over 200 AI tools and 65 robotics applications throughout its operations—including agentic AI monitoring every well in real time—which has helped halve unplanned shutdowns while improving efficiency.
“In an era of constant change, reliable partnerships are the real strategic reserves,” Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said.
He added that the UAE has signed 35 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements—including its first with India—and attracted more than $45 billion in foreign direct investment during 2025.
“If you are an investor seeking predictable returns, look to the UAE,” Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said. “If good governance and the rule of law are essential, you will find them in the UAE. And if you want a partner whose conviction will not waver, you can count on the UAE.”
Concluding his remarks he stated: “In an age of walls, our message is simple: build doors and the world will walk through them. I invite all our partners, from India and around the world, to walk with us through those doors and into the future together.”
