In a significant move to bolster US-UAE energy cooperation, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright made his first official foreign visit today to the headquarters of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). The visit marked a key milestone in advancing bilateral ties in energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable investment.

The delegation was welcomed by His Excellency 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. He was joined by US Ambassador to the UAE, Her Excellency Martina Strong.

The high-level meeting brought together prominent figures from both nations’ energy and investment sectors, including HE Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar; Musabbeh Al Kaabi, CEO of ADNOC’s Upstream Directorate; Khaled Salmeen, CEO of Downstream Directorate at ADNOC and COO of XRG; Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight; and leaders from Mubadala and AIQ.

Strategic Dialogue on Energy Innovation and AI Integration

The US-UAE meeting focused on enhancing strategic cooperation in the energy sector, with a strong emphasis on low-carbon energy solutions, advanced technology integration, and AI deployment to drive future energy systems.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasized the significance of the visit, stating:
“This visit comes at a time when global markets are witnessing rapid change. The UAE and the United States share a common vision of ensuring reliable energy supplies, adopting artificial intelligence to enhance cost competitiveness, and forging partnerships in advanced technologies that stimulate growth and empower communities.”

Spotlight on ADNOC’s AI and Investment Strategy

During the visit, Secretary Wright received a comprehensive briefing on XRG, ADNOC’s global energy investment company. XRG is currently evaluating strategic projects in the United States spanning natural gas, infrastructure, chemicals, and low-carbon energy technologies—aligning with ADNOC’s long-term energy transition strategy.

Secretary Wright also toured the ADNOC Artificial Intelligence Center, where he was introduced to the company’s AI-powered decision-making systems deployed across operational levels—from control rooms to executive strategy. These AI capabilities are designed to enhance safety, reduce emissions, and deliver optimized energy production in real-time.

ADNOC reiterated its ambition to become the world’s leading AI-enabled energy company, using digital solutions to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Youth Engagement: Future Energy Leaders Council

As part of the engagement, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber and Secretary Wright co-hosted a session with the Young Future Energy Leaders Council, attended by young Emirati and American professionals from ADNOC, Masdar, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, and XRG. The session fostered knowledge exchange and explored youth-driven innovation to address global energy challenges.

Participants discussed the evolving role of the energy sector in supporting sustainable development and how next-generation leaders can drive advancements in technology and climate resilience.

This visit reflects the UAE and United States’ deepening commitment to joint energy security, sustainability, and technological innovation, reinforcing their shared role in shaping the future of the global energy economy.