The Middle East Institute (MEI) has named H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of ADNOC Group, as the recipient of its 2026 Distinguished Global Leadership Award.
The award will be presented at MEI’s 78th Annual Gala in Washington, D.C., in March 2026. It will be attended by senior U.S. officials, diplomats, business leaders, and international policy experts.
MEI praised Dr. Al Jaber for advancing the UAE’s vision in energy, technology, economic development, and international cooperation, as well as for investing in youth empowerment and future leadership.
It highlighted his global advocacy for a pragmatic and inclusive energy transition—one that meets the rising demand from emerging markets and AI data centers—while upholding the highest standards of governance and risk management.
In response, Dr. Al Jaber dedicated the award to the leadership of the UAE and his colleagues, noting its special significance coming from an institution that has fostered understanding of the Middle East since 1946.
He reaffirmed his belief that energy is part of the solution, not the problem, stressing the need for growth-oriented policies and a diversified energy mix that integrates AI for sustainable value creation.
Stuart Jones, MEI President and former U.S. Ambassador, hailed Dr. Al Jaber’s transformative leadership at ADNOC and in government, emphasizing his focus on enabling investment, economic diversification, and people empowerment.
Dr. Al Jaber, a veteran of global energy and climate platforms, has received numerous honors, including the UAE’s Union Medal (2024), the UN’s Champion of the Earth award, and the UK’s CBE honor.
MEI cited his bold, future-focused leadership and commitment to aligning energy security with climate action through innovation and smart governance.