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Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of ADNOC, emphasized that reliable partnerships have become the true strategic reserve in an era of continuous change. Speaking at India Energy Week in Goa, Al Jaber highlighted the importance of maintaining a long-term strategic vision beyond short-term fluctuations in the energy sector while focusing on opportunities presented by rising global energy demand.
The ADNOC chief delivered his keynote address during the international event, which runs from January 27 to 30, 2026, in the Indian city of Goa. According to his remarks, the energy sector’s fundamental foundation is growth driven by three major trends: the rise of emerging markets, exceptional artificial intelligence expansion, and a qualitative shift in the energy ecosystem.
Strategic Partnerships in Energy Sector Drive UAE-India Cooperation
Al Jaber pointed to the UAE’s strategic decision decades ago to build an economy open to the world, noting that the country signed 35 comprehensive economic partnership agreements within three years. The first of these agreements was with India, according to the minister. Additionally, the UAE attracted more than $45 billion in direct foreign strategic investments last year.
The minister stressed that the transformation in the global energy landscape rewards those who move boldly to keep pace rather than those who wait for conditions to stabilize. He indicated that oil demand will remain above 100 million barrels per day until 2040, while demand for liquified natural gas and electricity will grow by more than 50 percent.
Rising Energy Demand Requires Comprehensive Investment
Al Jaber explained that electricity demand growth will be driven not only by artificial intelligence and data centers but also by cooling systems. By 2050, the number of air conditioning units worldwide is expected to more than triple to reach 5.6 billion units, according to his presentation. This equates to selling ten new air conditioning units every second over the next thirty years.
The ADNOC executive emphasized that demand of this magnitude and pace requires investment in all forms of energy. However, he warned that the greatest risk is not excess supply but rather insufficient investment in energy infrastructure.
India ranks as the third-largest energy consumer globally and has become a major driver of worldwide energy demand, the minister noted. Meanwhile, over the next fifteen years, India’s aviation sector is expected to grow by 150 percent, with urban population reaching approximately one billion people and data center capacity increasing tenfold.
ADNOC Strengthens Position as Reliable Energy Supplier
Al Jaber confirmed that as India’s demand for crude oil grows to meet refinery needs, ADNOC will continue as a reliable supplier. He pointed out that India, which seeks to double the share of natural gas in its energy mix, will be the primary market for UAE-produced liquified natural gas. In contrast, ADNOC already serves as India’s largest supplier of liquified petroleum gas and will continue providing raw materials and chemicals.
The UAE also supports India’s renewable energy ambitions through Alterra, the world’s largest private clean technology investment fund, he added. These investments target production of 11 gigawatts from wind energy, solar power, and energy storage solutions.
XRG Expands Global Energy Investment Portfolio
Regarding XRG, ADNOC’s international energy investment arm, Al Jaber stated that the company leverages the UAE’s core advantages including expertise, capital, and global partnerships. Through XRG, ADNOC focuses on expanding its global gas portfolio, building a leading global chemicals platform, and investing in energy infrastructure to support digital and industrial growth.
The minister explained that ADNOC is reshaping the concept of 21st-century energy companies with artificial intelligence as the primary driver. The company utilizes AI agent systems to directly monitor every well in its operational portfolio using more than 200 AI tools and 65 robotic applications. These technologies have reduced unplanned maintenance downtime by half while improving performance, efficiency, and flexibility.
Al Jaber concluded by emphasizing the UAE’s clear message in an era of building barriers: constructing gateways for the world to cross into the future. He invited partners from India and worldwide to join in moving forward together, highlighting the UAE’s advantages of credibility, reliability, stability, institutional governance, rule of law, and stable returns for investors.
India Energy Week 2026 brings together energy ministers, global business leaders, investors, and innovators from more than 120 countries to discuss the future of the energy sector. Further details about specific partnership agreements or investment timelines were not disclosed during the event.
