His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber: A Visionary Leader in Energy, Sustainability, and Climate Action

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber is a globally recognized leader in energy, sustainability, and industrial development. As the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), Special Envoy for Climate Change, and President of COP28, Dr. Al Jaber has played a pivotal role in shaping the UAE’s green economy and spearheading sustainable initiatives on a global scale. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the UAE’s energy sector, advancing climate action, and positioning the country as a key player in the global energy transition.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 31, 1973, Dr. Al Jaber is an Emirati national with an impressive academic background. He holds:

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering – University of Southern California, USA
  
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) – California State University, Los Angeles, USA
  
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business and Economics – Coventry University, UK

His academic foundation in engineering, business, and economics has provided him with the expertise to lead complex energy and industrial projects while driving innovative policies for sustainability and economic diversification.

Championing the UAE’s Green Agenda

Dr. Al Jaber has been at the forefront of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 initiative, which was launched following the 2015 Paris Agreement. As the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change since 2010 (a role he held again from 2020 onward), he has led the country’s efforts in tackling climate change while ensuring economic growth.

Leading the UAE at COP28

As the President of COP28, which was held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, Dr. Al Jaber played a crucial role in:

• Overseeing the first Global Stocktake (GST) review since the Paris Agreement.
  
• Encouraging international cooperation for a just energy transition that balances sustainability and economic growth.
  
• Advocating for climate finance to support vulnerable nations.
  
• Ensuring a strong emphasis on adaptation, resilience, and sustainable development.
  

Under his leadership, COP28 reinforced the UAE’s position as a bridge-builder in global climate negotiations, fostering consensus between developed and developing nations.

A Transformational Leader in Energy

Dr. Al Jaber has been a key driver of the UAE’s energy transition, promoting a “maximum energy, minimum emissions” approach. His leadership in this field is evident through his role as Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) since 2016.

Modernizing ADNOC

Since taking charge of ADNOC, Dr. Al Jaber has spearheaded:

• The expansion of ADNOC’s upstream, midstream, and downstream value chains.
  
• The first IPOs of ADNOC subsidiaries, including ADNOC Drilling and Fertiglobe.
  
• A carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) program at ADNOC’s Al Reyadah facility.
  
• The electrification of ADNOC’s offshore operations, reducing its carbon footprint by 50%.
  
• Investment in hydrogen and other zero-carbon energy sources to drive the UAE’s clean energy ambitions.
  

Under his guidance, ADNOC has committed $15 billion towards decarbonization and low-carbon energy projects, further strengthening the UAE’s leadership in sustainable energy.

Building a Global Renewable Energy Powerhouse

Dr. Al Jaber’s efforts to diversify the UAE’s energy sector date back to 2006, when he helped establish Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s flagship clean energy company. As Chairman of Masdar, he has overseen:

• Large-scale solar and wind energy projects in over 40 countries.
  
• A strategic partnership with ADNOC, TAQA, and Mubadala to turn Masdar into one of the world’s largest renewable energy investors with a target of 100GW capacity by 2030.
  
• A commitment to hydrogen production, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in the green and blue hydrogen economy.
  

Through Masdar, Dr. Al Jaber has positioned the UAE as a major global investor in renewable energy and sustainable development.

Advancing the UAE’s Industrial and Technological Growth

As Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), Dr. Al Jaber has championed economic diversification and industrial innovation in the UAE. His initiatives include:

• The ‘Make it in the Emirates’ campaign to boost local manufacturing.
  
• Integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, such as AI, robotics, and blockchain, into industrial development.
  
• Strengthening public-private partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth.
  

His leadership has helped the UAE become a hub for advanced industries, innovation, and clean energy.

Honoring Sustainability and Global Impact

Dr. Al Jaber’s contributions extend beyond government and corporate leadership. He founded the Zayed Sustainability Prize in 2008, which recognizes sustainable and humanitarian initiatives worldwide.

• The prize has positively impacted over 370 million people, funding solutions in health, food, energy, and water.
  
• Each winning organization receives $600,000, while global high schools receive up to $100,000 to implement sustainability projects.
  

The prize continues the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to global sustainability.

International Recognition and Awards

Dr. Al Jaber has received numerous awards for his contributions to energy, sustainability, and economic development, including:

• Champions of the Earth Award (2012) – United Nations’ highest environmental honor.
  
• Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) (2013) – Conferred by Queen Elizabeth II.
  
• Lifetime Achievement Award (2019) – Awarded by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  
• Energy Executive of the Year (2021) – Recognized by the Energy Intelligence Forum for his leadership in modernizing energy systems.
  

These accolades highlight his global influence in climate action, renewable energy, and industrial innovation.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber is shaping the UAE’s path to a sustainable and diversified economy, balancing energy security, economic growth, and environmental responsibility. His vision is built on:

• Accelerating the global energy transition while ensuring economic prosperity.
  
• Leveraging technology and innovation to drive industrial development.
  
• Positioning the UAE as a global leader in renewable energy, climate action, and advanced industries.
  

His leadership at COP28, ADNOC, Masdar, and MoIAT reflects the UAE’s bold commitment to sustainability, economic resilience, and a cleaner future.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber’s influence spans government, energy, climate action, industry, and international diplomacy. His pragmatic, solutions-driven approach has enabled the UAE to emerge as a leader in sustainable development and innovation. As the world transitions towards a low-carbon future, Dr. Al Jaber remains at the forefront, ensuring that climate action and economic growth go hand in hand.

His work continues to inspire nations, industries, and individuals, proving that sustainability and prosperity can coexist in a rapidly changing world.