In Abu Dhabi, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, addressed energy industry leaders at the opening ceremony of the 41st ADIPEC conference. The event is recognized as one of the world’s largest gatherings for the energy sector.
Dr. Al Jaber emphasized that the UAE’s approach to energy policy is based on practical solutions that support economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness. He stated, “Here in the UAE, our approach optimizes energy, attracts capital, advances technology and works with industry on practical policy solutions. Global capital continues to flow into the UAE because Investors value credibility, appreciate predictability and put a premium on trust. All are found in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.”
He argued that policies should be realistic rather than performative: “The lesson…is that policies should be ‘pragmatic, not performative, based on insight, not ideology, built on first principles, not fleeting popularity. Regulation without realism and legislation without logic will only weaken economies, stunt societies and drive capital away.’”
Highlighting ADNOC’s use of technology to improve operations, Dr. Al Jaber said: “At ADNOC, we are using every technology available, including AI and robotics to collapse time and expand value. Through our home-grown company AIQ, we have embedded over 200 AI use cases…These tools are cutting unplanned shutdowns by half and enhancing performance across our business.
“Our flagship program, Energy to the Power of AI, will make production forecasts 90 percent more accurate. We are laser focused on becoming the most AI native energy company…”
Addressing current market conditions shaped by geopolitical factors and volatility in energy markets, he advised industry stakeholders to focus on data-driven decision-making: “With all the static around…it can be difficult to focus on what is really material to our business…tune out the noise, track the signal…near-term uncertainty is real while long-term demand remains strong.”
Dr. Al Jaber outlined projections through 2040 for rising electricity demand due to increased urbanization and data center needs. He noted aviation growth would double airline fleets globally while renewables are expected to more than double their share by 2040; LNG demand could grow by 50 percent; jet fuel consumption may rise over 30 percent; oil demand is projected to remain above 100 million barrels per day beyond 2040.
He described this outlook as requiring reinforcement of existing energy systems rather than replacement: “What we are really talking about here is energy reinforcement not replacement.”
Dr. Al Jaber stressed that reliable baseload power remains essential for technological advancement such as artificial intelligence (AI). He pointed out infrastructure gaps—such as a need for six million kilometers of new transmission lines by 2050—and called for $4 trillion in annual investments across grids and all forms of energy supply.
Discussing ADNOC’s international strategy through its investment arm XRG—including deals in Mozambique, Egypt, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and the United States—he reiterated openness to further partnerships: “To all our current and future partners…our door is wide open. We are open for business but more than that we’re open for boldness.”
The address also coincided with UAE Flag Day—a national occasion marked during ADIPEC—which Dr. Al Jaber described as symbolizing unity within the country.
ADIPEC runs until November 6 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
