Houston: Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Chairman of Masdar, and Executive Chairman of XRG, declared today that weaponising the Strait of Hormuz constitutes an act of economic terrorism with global repercussions extending far beyond energy markets.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Jaber, speaking at CERAWeek in Houston, Texas, emphasized the exponential human cost and global implications when the Strait of Hormuz is threatened. He highlighted that "energy security is not just a slogan, it's the difference between lights on and lights off," stressing the critical importance of keeping such vital global trade arteries, like the Strait of Hormuz, open.
Dr. Al Jaber detailed the significance of the Strait, noting its role in the transit of 20 million barrels of oil daily, nearly a fifth of the world's oil and gas, and significant portions of the world's fertiliser, petrochemicals, and industrial metals. He criticized Iran's approach of threatening the Strait as an acceptable strategy, stating that any disruption causes an immediate and widespread economic impact, raising oil prices by 50% in three weeks and increasing the cost of living globally.
He made it clear that using the Strait of Hormuz as a weapon is not merely an act against one nation but economic terrorism against all. Dr. Al Jaber appreciated efforts to stabilize markets but insisted that the issue is not about supply but security, with the only solution being to keep the Strait open.
Dr. Al Jaber further emphasized that the UAE did not ask for conflict but was prepared when it came, showcasing the resilience and readiness of the UAE and ADNOC. The company has had to take extraordinary measures to protect its people and maintain supply to its customers amidst these challenges.
He acknowledged that the UAE's resilience is due to years of investment in infrastructure, preparation, and strategic partnerships. He highlighted the UAE's ongoing commitment to its partners, including the United States, where ADNOC, XRG, and Masdar have invested over $85 billion in energy assets.
Looking to the future, Dr. Al Jaber noted the crisis revealed contrasting visions, with the UAE committed to promoting prosperity through a reliable energy supply. He invited energy leaders to ADIPEC in November to discuss resilience in the global energy system, underlining that stability requires deliberate and collective effort.
CERAWeek is hosting the energy industry's leading figures from March 23-27, while ADIPEC is scheduled for November 2-5, 2026, in Abu Dhabi.