UAE Supports Responsible Energy Transition

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan listens to a presentation on ADNOC's new strategy. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan listens to a presentation on ADNOC's new strategy. (WAM)
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UAE Supports Responsible Energy Transition

UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan listens to a presentation on ADNOC's new strategy. (WAM)
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan listens to a presentation on ADNOC's new strategy. (WAM)

The UAE is committed to remaining a responsible global energy provider and enabling a more sustainable future, announced President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Mohammed noted that the UAE would support the efforts to ensure a responsible energy transition by keeping pace with the future and investing in the essential opportunities it provides.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Board of Directors, in his capacity as its Chairman, Sheikh Mohammed directed the company to pursue a Net Zero by 2050 ambition to support the country's 2050 Strategic Initiative.

The board also approved ADNOC's strategy to accelerate growth across its value chain to meet rising energy demand and support global energy security responsibly.

As part of the strategy, ADNOC will establish a new Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth vertical focused on new energies, gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and chemicals, reported the state news agency (WAM).

The President stressed the importance of the steps taken by ADNOC to reduce carbon emissions in conjunction with its endeavor to develop and expand its operations to meet the growing global energy demand.

He praised ADNOC's efforts to drive industrial growth through its In-Country Value (ICV) program and its support for the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative.

The ICV program generated $9.54 billion in the nation's economy and enabled 2,000 UAE Nationals to be employed in ADNOC's supply chains.

At the meeting, the board endorsed plans to bring ADNOC's 5 million barrels per day (mmbopd) oil production capacity expansion to 2027, from the previous target of 2030, as part of the accelerated growth strategy.

ADNOC produces some of the world's least carbon-intensive oil, and this new target will provide the company with greater flexibility to meet rising global energy demand.

According to information released, ADNOC's plans to accelerate the implementation of the goal of increasing its production capacity of crude oil based on UAE's robust hydrocarbons reserves, which rose two billion stock tank barrels (STB) of oil and one trillion standard cubic feet (TSCF) of natural gas this year.

The additional reserves increase the UAE's reserves base to 113 billion STB of oil and 290 TSCF of natural gas, reinforcing the country's position in global rankings as the custodian of the sixth-largest oil reserves and the seventh-largest gas reserves.

Within the framework of the updated strategy, ADNOC announced the establishment of ADNOC Gas, a new world-class gas processing and marketing company, which will start operations in early January 2023.

The company will operate, maintain, and market the two ADNOC's gas processing and LNG operations through one integrated company.

The board directed ADNOC to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) of a minority stake in the new company on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) in 2023, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

ADNOC's five-year business plan and capital expenditure (CAPEX) of $150 billion for 2023-2027 was approved to enable the accelerated growth strategy.

Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan al-Jaber lauded the vision and support of Sheikh Mohammed, adding that "through our Net Zero by 2050 ambition, we are placing sustainability at the center of our growth."

Jaber explained that the world needs maximum energy, minimum emissions, and all the energy solutions to ensure global energy security.

"ADNOC is committed to making today's energy cleaner while investing in the clean energies of tomorrow to strengthen our position as a reliable and responsible energy provider."



IATA: Saudi Aviation Contributes $90.6 Billion to Economy, Supports 1.4 Million Jobs

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Riyadh Air at King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Riyadh Air at King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
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IATA: Saudi Aviation Contributes $90.6 Billion to Economy, Supports 1.4 Million Jobs

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Riyadh Air at King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Riyadh Air at King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh)

A recent study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed the substantial economic and social contributions of Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

Released during IATA Aviation Day for the Middle East and North Africa, the report—titled The Value of Air Transport in Saudi Arabia—highlights how aviation and related tourism are key engines of job creation and economic activity across the Kingdom.

According to 2023 data, the aviation sector in Saudi Arabia contributed $90.6 billion to the national economy, representing approximately 8.5% of GDP. This figure accounts for the sector’s direct impact, extended supply chain activities, employee spending, and tourism-driven revenue. The report positions aviation as a critical pillar of the Kingdom’s economic development strategy, especially within the framework of Vision 2030, where enhanced air connectivity plays a central role.

The study found that around 141,100 people are directly employed in the aviation sector, contributing $14.3 billion - or 1.3% of GDP - through their work. When factoring in indirect employment, such as jobs in supply chains, hospitality, and services tied to aviation and tourism, the sector supports approximately 1.4 million jobs across the country.

Tourism alone, underpinned by air connectivity, contributed $52.9 billion to the Saudi economy and generated 1.1 million jobs. International tourists arriving by air added an estimated $60.6 billion annually through their spending on goods and services provided by local businesses.

Beyond its economic footprint, the aviation industry also delivers strong social value and supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Greater accessibility has played a major role in this, with global airfares declining by 70% over the past 50 years. In Saudi Arabia, real ticket prices fell by 30% between 2011 and 2023, during which the country recorded an average of 1,429 flights per 1,000 residents.

The sector’s role extends to facilitating trade, investment, and innovation. In 2023, Saudi airports handled 713,000 tons of air freight, helping to power e-commerce growth and strengthen the country’s supply chain resilience, especially during times of crisis.

International flights accounted for 54% of total outbound traffic from Saudi Arabia in 2023, with 28.6 million passengers departing the country. The Asia-Pacific region was the top destination, with 11.4 million travelers (40% of total international passengers), followed by Africa with 7.1 million (25%) and other Middle Eastern countries with 5.9 million (21%).

Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, emphasized that keeping aviation a strategic priority - while maintaining global standards, offering competitive operating costs, and adopting smart regulatory frameworks - will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness and support its economic and social development goals.

Looking ahead, IATA identified three key areas to ensure long-term sustainability in Saudi aviation. These include strengthening collaboration with stakeholders and aligning with global best practices; ensuring that expanding airport and digital infrastructure projects are efficient and competitive, particularly through private sector partnerships; and investing in human capital development. In support of this, IATA has signed agreements with Saudi partners to train more than 1,000 graduates and aviation professionals.