The Middle East Institute has announced that Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, as well as the Managing Director and CEO of ADNOC and its affiliated companies, will receive the “Outstanding Global Leadership Award for 2026.”
The award will be presented during the institute’s 78th annual gala, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. in March 2026.
The institute highlighted that Dr. Al Jaber was selected due to his significant contributions in executing the UAE leadership’s vision in energy, technology development, economic and social growth, international collaboration, and investing in youth skill development to nurture future leaders.
Furthermore, the institute noted his pivotal contributions, which include advocating for a realistic, comprehensive approach to the global energy sector to meet the rising demand stemming from emerging markets and the rapid growth of AI data centers. He emphasizes the importance of implementing the highest standards of governance and smart management within the sector to enhance integrity, compliance, mitigate risks, and enable sustainable growth.
In response to receiving the award, Dr. Al Jaber stated, “This recognition is owed to the vision and support of the wise leadership of the UAE, and I proudly accept it on behalf of my colleagues with whom I work daily.” He added that this accolade holds special significance coming from a prestigious organization like the Middle East Institute, which has been enhancing knowledge about the region since 1946 and is committed to fostering positive relations between the Middle East and the United States.
He emphasized his belief that energy is the key solution, not the problem, underscoring the need for supportive growth policies and practical measures that focus on diversifying energy sources to meet the rapid global demand and create value from the opportunities presented by the intersection of energy and AI sectors.
Stuart Jones, a retired ambassador and the president of the Middle East Institute, remarked that Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber has played a crucial role in promoting industrial growth and economic diversification through his ministerial duties. In his capacity at ADNOC and its subsidiaries, he has fostered an investment-friendly framework that supports both growth and individual empowerment to meet escalating energy demands from markets and communities.
Jones commended his distinctive leadership style characterized by bold and comprehensive visionary approaches.
In addition to his ministerial and corporate roles, he oversees various organizations focused on developing leading technologies and leveraging economic opportunities, possessing extensive experience in balancing global energy security with climate action efforts over decades.
Dr. Al Jaber has received numerous accolades, including the Union Medal awarded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, in 2024, the UN’s “Champion of the Earth” award, and the Order of Excellence from Queen Elizabeth II. In 2024, he was also honored with the “Leadership Award” from the SIRA Energy Week.
The Middle East Institute was established in 1946 and is the oldest institution in Washington dedicated to the study of the Middle East.