How the UAE is building its future

UAE

Chris Wood, former CEO of RAK Gas, talks to The Energy Year about the UAE’s measured yet effective energy transition approach and the potential role of hydrogen in the global energy ecosystem. RAK Gas is an integrated energy company that produces and distributes natural gas.

What are the key trends shaping the UAE’s energy transition?
I moved to the UAE in 2018 and have been fortunate to observe the evolution of the energy sector as it addresses domestic and international security of supply, establishes new energy mix goals and ensures energy affordability. Having worked in South Africa, Australia, the UK and Switzerland, I quickly saw that the UAE was becoming a competitive hub for investing, trading and working in energy. The country’s policies were evolving to encourage growth and attract investment, and its strategic location provided a unique bridge for trade flows between Asia, Africa, and Europe.
My first role was to reinvigorate a struggling refining and trading business that processed crude oil into low-sulphur fuel for ships, addressing the global shipping industry’s need for more environmentally friendly fuels. This marked the beginning of many energy transition projects I would lead in the UAE. The transition is happening, but here, it is happening in a measured, strategic way – driven by realism, not rhetoric. Today, the purpose is clearer than ever: balancing sustainability, resilience and economic strength.
The rise of integrated energy systems is patent. It’s no longer a choice between oil and gas or low-carbon energy sources. The UAE is building energy systems that unite them, combining traditional baseload power with solar, nuclear and emerging technologies. It’s a smart strategy to secure today’s energy needs while creating flexible platforms that can evolve with future technologies and consumption patterns.
In my opinion, the energy industry will be shaped by proximity to demand. Political risks, trade barriers and logistical complexities continuously reshape the design of energy systems, and having production closer to consumption is becoming increasingly appealing – not only for efficiency but also for security.

What is your assessment of the UAE’s decarbonisation and industrialisation efforts?
Decarbonisation is no longer a concept on the sidelines. During my time as CEO of RAK Gas and the RAK Petroleum Authority, my teams not only ensured energy affordability and security but also worked closely with our customers, planning investments and developing policies for a structured energy transition.
It’s not just about meeting targets; it’s about improving operational resilience and future-proofing the economy against unanticipated changes in demand, technology and regulation. I am proud to have spearheaded CCS and natural hydrogen projects in the UAE. Policy is playing its role in guiding capital flows, setting clear expectations around emissions and incentivising companies to move faster toward lower-carbon operations.
Local content and industrialisation have also transformed from aspirations to economic realities. Over the past years, investment in domestic supply chains has increased significantly. Building industrial capabilities in the UAE goes beyond economic development; it is a means of building resilience in a world where supply chains are increasingly vulnerable.
At the same time, private capital is playing a larger role. The energy sector is opening up through new licensing models, IPOs and joint ventures with international investors. However, there is a deeper strategy that involves projecting UAE companies internationally – as DP World has accomplished in logistics – by building global platforms while maintaining strong national roots. The result is a more diversified and connected energy sector, ready to adapt to market conditions.

How much potential does hydrogen have to reshape energy value chains?
Hydrogen is part of the solution, but it needs to be approached with clear eyes. The UAE’s ambitions are serious, and hydrogen could potentially supply around 12% of global energy needs by 2050.
Hydrogen is not a replacement for hydrocarbons; it represents a new ecosystem comprising production, transport, storage and consumption – all interlinked and far more complex than hydrocarbon fuels. If we view hydrogen merely as another fuel, we risk missing the bigger picture.
It requires a systems-level approach and significant infrastructure development, supported by technology and decentralised management tools. Today’s investments are establishing the groundwork, but utility-scale impact will require steady commitment and technological advancement over decades.

What role can technological partnerships play in the growth of UAE-based companies?
Collaboration in technology is vital for success. No company, no matter how large, can navigate the energy transition alone. The winners will be those who recognise their limitations and build partnerships that complement their capabilities. Success is not about owning every link in the chain; it’s about orchestrating ecosystems that are faster, smarter and more adaptable. This is creating unprecedented opportunities for companies to invest in the UAE.

How is the role of the UAE evolving in the global energy and industrial space?
The country is moving beyond being a supplier to becoming a partner in the global energy transition. The UAE’s approach is pragmatic. Invest in clean technologies where they are practical, ensure a stable supply of conventional energy where it is needed and support humanitarian outcomes through dependable energy access. Energy security is not only an economic concern, it is a fundamentally humanitarian pursuit.
The world’s transition isn’t about abandoning hydrocarbons. It’s about improving energy systems so they may sustain future generations, balancing resilience, affordability and environmental stewardship. There is much debate about the pace of the transition. The UAE is adopting a balanced approach that is strategic, serious and focused on execution. This is not only wise – it is essential. And it is the reason why I believe the UAE is not simply preparing for the future of energy but actively shaping it.

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