Abu dhabi: Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) continues to grow and evolve in both the quality of participation and the diversity of discussions, with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology emerging as central themes. The event, he said, showcases innovative technological solutions that reduce costs and enhance efficiency across the global energy sector.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Mazrouei stated that the UAE ranks among the top countries worldwide in applying AI technologies, citing a recent Microsoft study that placed the UAE first globally in AI adoption at 59.4 percent, compared to the global average of 15 percent. He noted that this growth reflects the rapid increase in the number of data centres globally, which require far more energy capacity than currently available. This, he added, introduces new variables into global energy strategies, particularly amid falling costs of wind energy production and battery storage, opening the way for greater expansion of renewable electricity generation.
On global oil and gas demand forecasts for the coming year, Al Mazrouei explained that participants at ADIPEC 2025 highlighted a fourfold increase in global electricity demand to meet the needs of large-scale data centres being developed worldwide, especially in the United States, China, and other countries. He noted that the UAE is part of this global race as one of the leading nations in adopting AI technologies.
He added that mega data centres require vast amounts of electricity and cooling, which calls for diversified energy sources to meet their needs, including fossil fuels. He predicted that oil and gas demand would continue to grow in the medium and long term to support these facilities, an opportunity the UAE recognised early under the guidance of its wise leadership by boosting investment across all forms of energy.
As an active member of OPEC and OPEC+, Al Mazrouei said that the UAE continues to contribute to market studies and coordination among member states amid expectations of increased future demand for all types of energy, both conventional and renewable. He underlined that the UAE gives strong attention to improving energy efficiency in buildings, launching national initiatives and projects across federal buildings in cooperation with local authorities to maximise the use of modern technologies.
Al Mazrouei stated that the UAE has made significant progress in implementing the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, reflecting its firm commitment to achieving climate neutrality and ensuring energy security and sustainability in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision and the leadership’s forward-looking approach. He noted that the UAE has successfully built an integrated energy system based on diversification, efficiency, and sustainability, increasing the share of clean energy in the national electricity mix to over 30 percent in 2024 and expanding total installed renewable capacity to more than 6.8 gigawatts.
He pointed out that the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 underwent a comprehensive update in 2024 to align with global energy transitions and raise national ambition. The updated strategy now targets 35 percent of electricity generation from clean sources by 2031, up from 32 percent, and aims to more than triple renewable energy output by 2031 compared to 2022 levels.
In a related context, Al Mazrouei participated in the ministerial roundtable on “enhancing energy security and resilience through diversification’ during ADIPEC 2025. He outlined the key pillars of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050: diversification, reserve flexibility, affordability, and resilience, which support the country’s long-term vision for sustainable development and reliable energy supply through integrated planning, regional cooperation, and innovation.