The Atlantic Council hosted Majid Al-Suwaidi, United Arab Emirates Consul General in New York, in the panel discussion "Energy Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Middle East" where he spoke about the UAE’s leadership in advancing renewable and alternative energy sources. He was joined by other panelists including Julia Nesheiwat of the US Department of State and Salah Tabbara of ALBina Industrial Construction Company.

In his remarks, Consul General Al-Suwaidi discussed the UAE’s ambitious plans to procure 27 percent of its total energy from clean sources by 2021.

"The UAE has always recognized that oil and gas is a natural resource that we have today but that wouldn’t necessarily be there forever," Consul General Al-Suwaidi said. "Our leadership has wisely invested in new energy technologies because, as with any industry, innovative technologies come along and it’s important to be part of that transformation."

He also underlined how the UAE’s investments in cleaner, renewable energy sources will lead to more economic opportunities and ensure environmental stewardship.

"At every level of government, we think about how we can grow our economy in a way that is sustainable and leads to long-term growth," Consul General Al-Suwaidi said. "The UAE’s investment in clean energy sources supports this view as our energy mix is an important part of sustainability and a diversified economy is fundamental to achieving long-term growth."

The event, held in Washington, DC, was hosted in partnership with the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center and the Atlantic Council Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security.

The Atlantic Council is a global think tank that promotes leadership and engagement in international affairs and provides an essential forum for navigating the economic and political changes defining the twenty-first century.