Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, and Executive Chairman of XRG, has received the 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award from the Washington D.C.-based Middle East Institute (MEI).
He dedicated the recognition to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and the country’s frontline workers.
Presented at MEI’s 80th Anniversary Gala in Washington on March 25, 2026, the award recognises Dr. Al Jaber’s longstanding contribution to advancing practical solutions across energy, industry, technology and economic growth, as well as his commitment to international cooperation and long-term development.
This includes a pragmatic approach to meeting energy demand driven by the rise of emerging markets and artificial intelligence.
Accepting the award, Dr. Al Jaber praised Sheikh Mohamed for his leadership, foresight and guidance throughout his career. He highlighted how His Highness embodies leadership in action and how his consistency of character defines the UAE.
"Your Highness, over the past weeks, in conversations with UAE visitors and residents, and with leaders, investors, and partners from around the world — including here in Washington — one message has been consistent. The world now knows exactly what the UAE exemplifies: wisdom, integrity, dignity, resilience and compassion," said Dr. Al Jaber.
He explained that this leadership by His Highness has moved through an entire nation as he paid tribute to the frontline workers safeguarding the nation and ensuring continuity following the illegal, unprovoked and unjustified terrorist attack on the UAE.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber added: “The last few weeks have reminded us of a fundamental truth: Energy security is not a slogan. It is the difference between lights on and lights off.”
“Weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz is not an act of aggression against one nation. It is economic terrorism against every nation, every consumer, every family that depends on affordable energy and food. When Iran holds Hormuz hostage, every nation pays the ransom, at the gas pump, at the grocery store and at the pharmacy.
“No country can be allowed to destabilize the global economy in this way. Not now. Not ever. And I genuinely struggle to understand why the world tolerates what can only be defined as extortion on a global scale.”
He stressed the strength of the UAE-US relationship, describing it as a partnership “tested in peacetime and proven under fire,” built not on convenience but a shared conviction across energy, trade, investment, technology and security cooperation.
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