Doha: The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), participated in the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), hosted in Doha, Qatar. The meeting brought together energy ministers from member states and several observer countries to discuss current developments in global gas markets and explore ways to strengthen cooperation to ensure energy security and sustainability amid the global transition toward a low-carbon economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at MoEI, emphasized the crucial role of natural gas in the energy sector. He highlighted its reliability, ability to provide flexibility in balancing renewables, and its lower carbon emissions compared to coal and oil. Al Kaabi pointed out that natural gas emits 50-60% less CO2 than coal and 25-30% less than oil, making it an abundant and cost-effective fossil fuel with strong reserves and infrastructure across member states.
Al Kaabi further elaborated on the UAE’s contributions to the gas sector, mentioning landmark projects such as the Hail and Ghasha development, which aims to be the world’s first net-zero gas project with a production capacity of 1.5 BSCFD, and the Ruwais LNG project, which will double the UAE’s LNG capacity to 15 million tons per annum. These initiatives underscore the UAE’s commitment to delivering reliable, lower-carbon gas while pioneering climate-conscious solutions.
He concluded by stressing the importance of GECF as a platform for cooperation, dialogue, and innovation. Al Kaabi noted that as the world navigates a complex energy transition, natural gas should not only be seen as a bridge but as a foundation for reliability, affordability, and lower emissions, contributing to a secure and sustainable global energy future.