U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright Concludes Official Visit to the UAE
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has wrapped up his first official international visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since assuming office, reinforcing the long-standing and cooperative bilateral relationship between the two nations. His two-day visit underscored the pivotal role energy plays in enhancing UAE-U.S. relations, particularly in the context of global energy security and market stability.
With energy markets facing heightened volatility, both the UAE and the United States emphasized the importance of enhancing operational efficiency, adopting cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring the delivery of cost-competitive energy to maintain stability and security in global markets.
During his visit, Secretary Wright held meetings with key UAE leaders in government and business, including Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and CEO of ADNOC, and Chairman of Masdar; Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohamed Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and CEO of ADQ; Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court; and Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the U.S.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber remarked, “The UAE and the U.S. enjoy a longstanding strategic relationship underpinned by a shared commitment to ensuring energy security and prosperity. Secretary Wright’s visit has provided an important platform to deepen our ties and unlock new opportunities across multiple sectors, including the energy-AI nexus. We look forward to working with the U.S. to foster investment in the energy sector, drive socioeconomic development, and shape a more prosperous future for the world.”
Secretary Wright expressed his excitement about visiting the UAE and highlighted the importance of ADNOC’s leadership in adopting advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to future-proof its operations and maintain competitiveness in the global energy market. He praised ADNOC for being a high-tech, high-performing energy business.
Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said, “It is a great honor to welcome Secretary Wright to the UAE. His visit has provided a timely boost to our efforts to enhance energy security. Over the past two days, we engaged in meaningful discussions that will take UAE-U.S. relations to new heights, particularly in energy, infrastructure, trade, and investment. We are confident that this visit will pave the way for even greater collaboration.”
As part of his visit, Secretary Wright toured several UAE energy facilities, including the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which now supplies 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs and was developed under the UAE-U.S. 123 Agreement for Civil Nuclear Cooperation. He also visited ADNOC’s Shah Gas Field, one of the largest of its kind, where U.S.-based Occidental Petroleum is a strategic partner. In addition, he took a guided helicopter overflight of the Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, showcasing the UAE’s efforts in renewable energy and innovation.
Secretary Wright’s discussions with UAE leaders centered on expanding partnerships in energy, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and manufacturing. The visit highlighted the opportunities for collaboration in these sectors, with ADNOC’s international energy investment company, XRG, positioned to play a crucial role in strengthening ties with the U.S. as both countries work to meet the growing energy needs of emerging technologies such as AI.
The visit marks a significant step in furthering U.S.-UAE collaboration, particularly in the energy sector, which remains a cornerstone of their enduring relationship.
