UAE’s strategic pipeline projects and AI-driven resilience reshape global energy security

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber took a prominent platform at the Atlantic Council recently to make a pretty compelling argument: the world’s energy system isn’t just being tested by conflicts and geopolitical tensions, but also by a bigger, more fundamental failure , the lack of proper investment in resilience.

He emphasized that governments and companies need to see energy security as more than just counting barrels or ensuring steady production. Instead, it’s about infrastructure routes, storage facilities, spare capacity, and reliable systems. The Strait of Hormuz, for example, remains a real vulnerability for global trade , a choke point that, if disrupted, could set a dangerous precedent for the broader economy.

His comments come at a time when regional conflicts and tensions continue to highlight just how much of the world’s fuel, chemicals, minerals, and manufactured goods still rely on a few narrow maritime chokepoints. According to reports from the Atlantic Council and ADNOC’s own account, the UAE has spent over ten years developing alternative export routes , one notable example being a pipeline to Fujairah that bypasses Hormuz. ADNOC is now rushing to build a second pipeline, which is about halfway finished, with plans to deliver it by 2027.

That project, honestly, has become even more critical given the persistent geopolitical strain on energy markets. Dr. Al Jaber pointed out that the world is dangerously short on spare capacity and that stored reserves have become pretty thin. He warned that the current state of play shows just how quickly supply shocks can ripple out into the wider economy , raising costs for everyone, not just energy consumers but households and businesses too.

He described the situation in clear terms. Hormuz, he said, isn’t just an oil route but also a pathway for liquefied natural gas (LNG), jet fuel, fertilizer, aluminum, helium, critical minerals, plastics, and general cargo. The takeaway? A disruption there wouldn’t just cause fuel shortages; it could impact our food supply, aviation, manufacturing, and even the digital economy.

And it’s not just about energy itself. He tied resilience directly to ADNOC’s investment plans too. The group’s $150 billion five-year budget aims to support current operations, expand capacity, and meet long-term demand. But apparently, the global upstream sector still isn’t investing enough, and the limited spare capacity and storage coverage just aren’t enough for a world that’s so volatile.

Interestingly enough, Dr. Al Jaber also linked energy policy directly to the AI debate. He made the point that artificial intelligence is now a major factor influencing electricity demand and competitiveness, not just some tech story. In effect, he sees the AI race as a kind of “electron race,” where countries that can deliver reliable, scalable, and affordable power will have a big edge.

This approach fits with the broader strategy the UAE has been pushing for a few years now. As the Atlantic Council reported, the country is tying its energy security efforts into industrial policy, high-tech development, and attracting investment. ADNOC, for instance, is broadening its focus beyond traditional hydrocarbons, showing lots of interest in AI infrastructure, data centers, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and critical minerals. For the UAE, these aren’t separate agendas but increasingly part of a unified growth model.

Dr. Al Jaber also pointed out that the UAE’s recent departure from OPEC gives it more flexibility to invest and expand. He clarified that this move isn’t about breaking with its partners; rather, it’s about creating long-term value. He believes that global oil demand will stay above 100 million barrels a day into the 2040s, which means the UAE can continue selling low-cost, lower-carbon barrels in new markets.

He further tied this strategy to good US-UAE relations. The two countries, he said, are co-investors in building the economy of the future , covering energy, tech, industry, defense, and trade. Over time, the UAE has poured more than $1 trillion into the US. Today, investments through ADNOC, XRG, and Masdar span across 19 states in America.

Throughout the interview, one of the biggest themes was trust, especially in crises. Dr. Al Jaber stressed that resilience is built beforehand , well before the shocks hit. He pointed to how the UAE has managed to keep energy flowing, airports open, and businesses running, even during recent attacks or regional unrest. These efforts, he said, have boosted investor confidence and reinforced their economic and infrastructure choices.

He also argued that governments can’t just bolt on AI onto existing systems and expect them to handle disruption effectively. AI has to be woven into the core of operations, because speed in analysis and decision-making is critical when supply chains are under pressure. This is especially relevant for Gulf countries, where digital ambitions are growing hand-in-hand with efforts to keep power, logistics, and industry reliable.

The whole discussion was set against a backdrop of concerns about how fragile the global energy system really is. Dr. Al Jaber mentioned how current conflicts have already forced emergency measures worldwide, showing how quickly shocks can ripple through inflation, transport, and fertilizer costs. And, quite frankly, that means every farm, factory, and family feels the effects.

He wrapped up by calling on energy leaders to gather later this year in Abu Dhabi for events like ENACT Majlis and ADIPEC 2026. His message was clear: in an era of conflict, shifting trade routes, and AI breakthroughs, energy security depends just as much on solid infrastructure and redundancy as it does on barrels being in the ground.