#AI #Abu Dhabi #UAE #Masdar

Abu Dhabi: The Gateway to an AI Future

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 recently launched with a powerful address from HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Masdar Chairman. His speech highlighted a transformative era and set the tone for a collaborative future driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable energy.

Powering the Future with AI and Energy

Dr. Al Jaber emphasized that the foundation of this new era lies in computational power, digital capability, and an unprecedented expansion in energy demand—in particular from new technologies. He called for a reality check: 70% of the global energy demand will still predominantly rely on hydrocarbons to fuel the burgeoning use of AI and digital technologies. The implications are staggering: projected increases in data center energy needs are expected to rise by up to 600%, air travel demands will double, and urban populations will swell by 1.5 billion people over the next 15 years.

In his words, "There is no artificial intelligence without actual energy," indicating that meeting this rising demand calls for responsible, reliable, and affordable solutions, rather than constraining growth.

UAE's Pragmatic Economic Structure

The UAE has built its economy around this new reality, blending ambition with pragmatism. Dr. Al Jaber articulated how this fusion of energy and ambition positions the UAE as an "engine for growth". He stressed that the nation is designed to operate with foresight and resilience. The combination of proven hydrocarbons and renewable sources of energy strengthens the UAE's strategy moving forward.

According to Dr. Al Jaber, the nation has always invested in both energy and technology, showcasing its dual commitment to hydrocarbons and renewables. Abu Dhabi is home to projects that lead the world in solar and nuclear energy—all integrated with cutting-edge technology. By embedding AI into its industrial strategy, the UAE optimizes energy use and production efficiencies across sectors.

Masdar, the established renewable energy leader, has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 65 gigawatts (GW) in renewable energy capacity, while steadily progressing toward its goal of 100 GW by 2030. "Twenty years of Masdar is proof of what's possible with steadfast leadership committed to a clear vision," Dr. Al Jaber remarked.

An Open Platform for Partnership

Dr. Al Jaber’s address also signaled the UAE’s commitment to international collaboration. He described it as an "open platform for partnership," inviting CEOs, technologists, and policymakers to seize the opportunities available in this region. The UAE has continually demonstrated stability, long-term vision, and clarity in its policies, making it a prime location for serious investors looking to shape the future of AI and energy.

The country’s ease of doing business is complemented by a strong rule of law, a trait that bolsters confidence among potential partners. Abu Dhabi is seen as the crossroads where gigawatts of power meet terabytes of data, emphasizing the synergy between energy and intelligence.

The Legacy of Sheikh Zayed

Reflecting on the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the UAE, Dr. Al Jaber reminded the audience that true progress is centered on human dignity and the impact of leadership in bettering lives. The Zayed Sustainability Prize, founded to honor Sheikh Zayed, has positively impacted over 400 million lives globally, reinforcing the UAE's commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Dr. Al Jaber concluded with a call to action: "Bring your ambition, your ideas, your capital, and put them to work where progress is powered. The future of sustainable progress awaits, and its address is Abu Dhabi."

The session not only showcased the UAE's ambitious plans but also set the tone for a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to energy and sustainability, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s pivotal role in the coming AI era.