Receiving one of the region’s most-watched global leadership recognitions, Dr Al Jaber used the moment to honour his President and the people protecting the nation.
In a ceremony that blended prestige with purpose, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber stepped onto an international stage in Washington — not to celebrate himself, but to shine a light on others.
The Award
Dr Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, and Executive Chairman of XRG, received the 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award from the Washington D.C.-based Middle East Institute at its 80th Anniversary Gala on March 25, 2026.
The recognition honours his 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.
The Dedication
Rather than keeping the spotlight on himself, Dr. Al Jaber dedicated the award to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and to the country’s frontline workers.
In his acceptance remarks, he praised Sheikh Mohamed for his leadership, foresight and guidance, saying the world now recognises the UAE as an embodiment of wisdom, integrity, dignity, resilience and compassion. He also paid tribute to frontline workers safeguarding the nation following what he described as an illegal and unprovoked terrorist attack on the UAE.
A Blunt Message on Energy Security
Dr Al Jaber didn’t hold back on geopolitics. He declared that energy security is not a slogan — it is the difference between lights on and lights off — and called the weaponisation of the Strait of Hormuz economic terrorism against every nation and every family dependent on affordable energy and food.
He also underscored the strength of the UAE-US relationship, describing it as a partnership tested in peacetime and proven under fire, built on shared conviction across energy, trade, investment, technology and security.
A powerful moment indeed!
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