Energy and Generational Resilience are areas of mutual interest for Alaska and the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Alaska have found common ground in their energy development journeys, as both regions strive for sustainable and economically viable solutions. This was the focus of the 4th annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, hosted by Governor Mike Dunleavy.
At the conference, Hussein El Gaafary, head of Energy, Environment, and Water initiatives at the UAE Embassy, highlighted the UAE's significant investments in energy projects across the US. With a total investment of $70 billion, the UAE has backed both traditional and renewable energy projects, demonstrating a commitment to a diverse energy portfolio.
Martina Strong, US Ambassador to the UAE, noted the similarities between the UAE's and Alaska's emergence in the energy sector, as oil was discovered in the UAE a year after it was discovered in Alaska. Strong emphasized the need for an "all of the above" approach in both the UAE and the US, investing in both new and older energy technologies.
Strong also expressed her belief that there are many opportunities for cooperation and partnership between the UAE and Alaska, particularly in the area of renewable energy and creative technologies. She mentioned the potential for cooperation in microgrids, which could be useful in small communities with fragile electrical grid connections, such as those in the Middle East and Africa.
The UAE is not only investing in energy projects but also focusing on sustainability and education. The country plans to future-proof its economy by 2050 through a comprehensive economic plan that includes a $100 billion investment focusing on clean energy and sustainability, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by that year. This includes initiatives such as adopting nuclear energy for a climate-neutral power supply and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The UAE is also emphasizing sustainability and education, with a focus on moving toward net zero emissions by 2050. This is evident in the partnership between Emirati AI development holding company Group 42 Holding Ltd. and Microsoft, who are investing $1 billion in a geothermally powered 1-gigawatt data center in Kenya.
Among the guests at the conference was Martina Strong, US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates since October 2023. Also in attendance was Aaron Schutt, president of Alaska Native regional corporation Doyon, Limited, who discussed parallels between structuring a corporation and caring for the land with Nabyl Al Maskari, CEO of Al Maskari Holding.
Al Maskari Holding, founded by Nabyl Al Maskari's grandmother, Her Highness Sheikha Azza Bint Saif Al Maskari, in 1968, controls a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries, joint venture partnerships, partnerships, and private equity. The company's focus on sustainability and education aligns well with the goals of the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference.
During President Trump's visit to the UAE in May 2023, the country announced plans to increase energy investments in the US to $440 billion by 2035, creating 500,000 American jobs. The UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, has also announced a commitment of $1.4 trillion to invest in the US, with a focus on sectors such as AI, infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing.
As the UAE and Alaska continue to explore opportunities for cooperation and partnership, it is clear that both regions are committed to a sustainable and economically viable future. The 4th annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference provided a platform for discussions on these important topics, paving the way for potential collaborations in the years to come.
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