Abu dhabi: Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, inaugurated the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026. In his address, he emphasized the significant transformation in the global economy driven by artificial intelligence, the UAE's role in energy provision for growth, and the nation's innovative approach to partnerships. Dr. Al Jaber spoke in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, addressing an audience comprising heads of state, ministers, and government officials.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Jaber described the new era of progress fueled by digital capability and computational power, all supported by energy. He noted that artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and sectors, altering global growth expectations. Emphasizing the reliance on energy, he stated, "Every algorithm, every data center, every breakthrough in advanced technology needs power to drive it. Simply put, there is no artificial intelligence without actual energy."
Dr. Al Jaber projected that over the next 15 years, the demand for data center power will increase sixfold. Energy needs will rise across various sectors, with air travel expected to double and an additional 1.5 billion people anticipated to live in cities, increasing demands for cooling, heating, mobility, and industrial production. He urged that meeting this demand responsibly requires acknowledging that over 70 percent of energy will continue to come from hydrocarbons. This, he argued, should be viewed as a catalyst rather than a constraint, advocating for sustainable progress through better-designed engines.
Highlighting the UAE's economic structure, Dr. Al Jaber pointed out the nation's pragmatic and ambitious growth strategy. He mentioned the UAE's investment in both carbon-efficient molecules and clean energy, integrating them into a unified system. He cited projects like ADNOC's carbon-efficient molecules and Masdar's clean gigawatts, including the largest solar projects and nuclear energy initiatives.
Dr. Al Jaber praised the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in establishing Masdar, which has developed renewable projects in over 40 countries and significantly reduced renewable energy costs. He revealed that Masdar is on track to achieve its 100-gigawatt portfolio capacity target.
Emphasizing the UAE's position as an open platform for partnership, Dr. Al Jaber called on CEOs, technologists, investors, and policymakers to capitalize on the UAE's stability, leadership, and advanced infrastructure. He asserted that the UAE offers unmatched access to energy and technology, supported by governance and rule of law.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Dr. Al Jaber noted the Zayed Sustainability Prize's impact, which has benefited over 400 million people globally. He emphasized the prize's practical and human significance, reflecting Sheikh Zayed's vision of progress through human dignity.
Dr. Al Jaber concluded with an invitation to the audience to bring their ambition and technology to Abu Dhabi, stating, "The future of sustainable human progress is waiting, and its address is Abu Dhabi."