Sultan Al Jaber condemns weaponising the Strait of Hormuz

March 23, 2026 / 7:59 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC, Chairman of Masdar, and Executive Chairman of XRG, described the use of the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic coercion as an act of global economic terrorism during his speech at CERAWeek in Houston, Texas.

Global impact of threats to energy security

Dr Al Jaber highlighted that threats to the Strait of Hormuz affect more than energy markets, reaching factories, farms, and families worldwide. He emphasized that energy security is critical: “It’s the difference between lights on and lights off,” stressing that global arteries like Hormuz must remain open.

Economic and human costs

The Strait, just 21 miles wide, channels 20 million barrels of oil daily, a fifth of global oil and gas, over a third of fertilizer, and nearly a quarter of petrochemicals. Dr. Al Jaber warned that attempts to choke it have immediate global consequences, with oil prices rising 50% in three weeks, impacting the cost of living and economic growth globally.

UAE and ADNOC resilience

Dr Al Jaber stressed that the UAE did not seek conflict but was prepared. ADNOC has deployed extraordinary measures to protect personnel and ensure energy supplies. He emphasized that the country’s resilience stems from years of investment, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships.

Partnerships and global collaboration

Highlighting UAE-US collaboration, Dr Al Jaber noted ADNOC, XRG, and Masdar have invested over $85 billion in U.S. energy assets, spanning power generation, chemicals, and jobs in 19 states. He reaffirmed UAE’s commitment to expanding investments across the energy value chain, including storage and liquefaction facilities.

Vision for stability vs. instability

Dr Al Jaber contrasted two global approaches: one spreading instability, the other promoting prosperity. He stressed the UAE’s choice of stability, diversification, and technology-driven energy security, with a global network of partners committed to shared energy security.

Invitation to ADIPEC 2026

Concluding his address, Dr Al Jaber invited energy leaders to ADIPEC 2026 (November 2-5, Abu Dhabi) for a collaborative session on strengthening global energy system resilience, underscoring that stability must be deliberately and collectively built.