UAE, US to strengthen strategic energy partnership

Sharjah 24 – WAM: The United States Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, has concluded his first official international trip to the UAE since assuming office, reinforcing the longstanding and constructive bilateral ties between both countries.

Energy at the core of UAE-US partnership

The visit highlighted the central role of energy in strengthening the UAE-US relationship and their shared commitment to supporting global energy security and stability of energy markets. At a time of heightened market volatility, both partners reaffirmed the critical need to enhance operational efficiency and adopt the latest technologies to ensure the delivery of cost-competitive energy.

High-level meetings with UAE leaders

Over the course of his two-day visit, Secretary Wright met with senior UAE government and business leaders, including Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC; Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohamed Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, Managing Director and CEO of ADQ; Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, and Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US

Strengthening strategic ties through innovation

Dr Sultan Al Jaber emphasised the importance of the UAE-US strategic relationship, noting that the visit provided a platform to unlock new opportunities in sectors such as energy and AI. He highlighted the shared vision for energy security, prosperity, and innovation.

A “tremendous” visit: Wright praises ADNOC’s tech leadership

Secretary Wright praised ADNOC as a "high-technology, strong culture and high-performing energy business." He commended the company’s leadership in adopting AI and technology to remain cost-competitive and globally relevant.

Bilateral commitment to enhanced energy security

Suhail Al Mazrouei described the visit as a significant step forward in bolstering energy security for both nations. He underscored the productive discussions held over the two days and expressed confidence in deeper UAE-US collaboration moving forward.

Key site visits across the UAE

Secretary Wright visited several strategic energy facilities, including:

Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant – now meeting 25% of UAE’s electricity needs under the UAE-US 123 Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
ADNOC’s Shah Gas Field – one of the world’s largest, where U.S.-based Occidental is a key partner
Al Dhafra Solar PV Project – observed via helicopter tour, showcasing the UAE’s solar energy leadership

Expanding opportunities in energy, AI, and investment

Discussions during the visit also explored opportunities in the energy-AI nexus, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

XRG, ADNOC’s international energy investment arm, is expected to play a pivotal role in further deepening UAE-US cooperation as global demand for AI-powered energy solutions rises.