The UAE is entering “a new chapter” in which it is reshaping its place in the global economy with “confidence, clarity, and ambition”, said Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.

Opening the Make it in the Emirates event on Monday, he described the UAE’s decision to reposition itself within the global energy landscape, including its exit from OPEC and OPEC+, as “a carefully considered strategic decision” that “is not directed against anyone, any country, or institution” and is aligned with the country’s long-term national interests and economic ambitions.

“[The decision] serves our national interests and long-term strategic objectives, aligns with our industrial, economic, and developmental ambitions, and gives us greater ability to accelerate investment, expand, and create value,” Dr Al Jaber said.

“Real strength is not measured by the abundance of resources, but by how they are harnessed to create value and serve the nation.”

He stressed that the UAE “will remain a trusted and responsible partner in global energy markets” and will continue supporting market stability “from a position of greater flexibility.”

He added that the move forms part of a broader national strategy to reshape the economy and industrial base through a vision that connects energy, technology, and industry, aligning resources with national priorities to build a stronger economy.

In line with the UAE government’s direction to deploy AI agents and advanced AI models across services and operations, the country is launching what Dr Al Jaber described as an unprecedented technological and digital transformation across its industrial ecosystem.

“Artificial intelligence will no longer be just a tool in our factories,” he said. “It will become an industrial brain and a partner in decision-making – redefining efficiency, productivity, and the decision-making process.”

He added that the transformation reflects an integrated economic model through which the UAE is shaping and anticipating the future.

“The economies of the future will be built on three foundations: energy that powers, technology that thinks, and industry that produces,” Dr Al Jaber said.

“Those who successfully combine energy, artificial intelligence, and industry will strengthen their ability to grow and compete globally. And that ecosystem is already taking shape here in the United Arab Emirates.”