UAE to enhance international co-operation in mining sector

Saif Ghobash, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Petroleum, Gas and Mineral Resources Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), participated on behalf of Suhail Bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), in the International Mining Conference held in Riyadh from January 14th to 16th, 2025.

During the conference, Ghobash took part in the roundtable meeting for ministers responsible for mining affairs.

He discussed with his counterparts from various countries ways to enhance international co-operation in the mining sector and exchanged expertise and modern technologies for mineral exploration and development.

The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in energy and mining, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

He also attended the opening of the conference’s accompanying exhibition, where he reviewed the latest innovations and technologies in mining, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to adopting best practices and technologies to advance the UAE’s mining sector.

On the sidelines of the conference, Ghobash met Dr. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser in Bangladeshi Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, as well as Kimberly D. Harrington, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy in the United States.

Meanwhile the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Uruguay’s Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.

Nawal Al Hanaee, Director of the Future Energy Department at MoEI, and Christian Nieves Lauz, National Energy Director of the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining of Uruguay, signed the memorandum, which stipulates that both parties share knowledge and expertise, hold high-level discussion meetings, and organise workshops in energy-related fields.

Al Hanaee emphasised that such partnerships contribute to shaping the transition towards clean and renewable energy.

Additionally, it will help open wide horizons for growth and development within the efforts of both countries to diversify their energy mix and rely on clean energy.

She added that this memorandum reflects both sides’ shared commitment to developing strategic partnerships for their benefits as it establishes a framework for collaboration to support key sectors, such as clean energy and climate action.

Meanwhile Suhail Bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the UAE’s leading position in clean and renewable energy, emphasising its crucial role in stabilising global energy markets and driving sustainable development through significant domestic energy investments.

He noted that the UAE’s energy strategy prioritises a balanced approach, integrating traditional and clean energy sources, a cornerstone of both the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050.

Addressing the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, Al Mazrouei explained the implementation of a national policy to encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. This policy includes a strategic pricing framework for fast and regular charging services, incentivising investments in the necessary infrastructure.

Al Mazrouei also highlighted the UAE’s remarkable achievements in global energy competitiveness indicators. Under the leadership’s guidance, the UAE secured top rankings in seven key indicators in 2024.

The minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to achieving sustainable development goals in collaboration with federal and local authorities. This includes implementing impactful projects and initiatives that support the growth of national industries, particularly in sectors such as petrochemicals, hydrogen, and ammonia.

He emphasised that these endeavours are crucial for solidifying the UAE’s position as a global leader in the clean and renewable energy sector.

Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), stressed that the UAE continues to lead the global energy transition through its ambitious strategies and initiatives that contribute to shaping a better world.