Middle East Institute Honors UAE Leadership at 80th Anniversary Gala

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber receives Distinguished Global Leadership Award for transformative impact across energy, technology, and climate

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:35am

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The Middle East Institute (MEI) held its 80th anniversary gala in Washington, D.C., where it recognized the leadership of Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), with the Distinguished Global Leadership Award. Dr. Al Jaber accepted the award on behalf of the UAE's leadership and its dedicated workforce, emphasizing the importance of strong global partnerships, especially between the UAE and the United States.

Why it matters

The MEI gala brought together an influential group of leaders from government, business, and diplomacy, underscoring the strategic importance of the relationship between the United States and the Middle East. Dr. Al Jaber's award and remarks highlighted the UAE's role as a key regional partner and its commitment to addressing global challenges through pragmatic leadership and long-term vision.

The details

During his acceptance speech, Dr. Al Jaber framed the award not as an individual accolade, but as a recognition of the UAE's national vision and the collective efforts of its people. He emphasized the importance of building trust and strengthening partnerships, especially in times of geopolitical complexity and regional tensions. The event was attended by current and former U.S. cabinet secretaries, distinguished ambassadors, global CEOs, and influential figures in philanthropy, all united by a shared commitment to fostering meaningful and enduring partnerships between the United States and the Middle East.

  • The Middle East Institute held its 80th anniversary gala on March 25, 2026.
  • Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber was awarded the Distinguished Global Leadership Award at the gala.

The players

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber

The CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and the recipient of the Distinguished Global Leadership Award at the MEI gala.

Gen. John P. Abizaid

The Chairman of the Middle East Institute, who played a key role in shaping the dialogue at the gala.

Middle East Institute (MEI)

A Washington, D.C.-based think tank that hosted the 80th anniversary gala, celebrating its long-standing commitment to fostering partnerships between the United States and the Middle East.

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What they’re saying

“You learn who your real partners are when real pressure rises. Not in what they say, but in what they do, and how they show up. And nowhere is that more clear than in the relationship between the UAE and the United States. Our partnership is one of conviction. A partnership like this matters now more than ever.”

— Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)

The takeaway

The MEI gala highlighted the importance of strong global partnerships, especially between the United States and the Middle East, in addressing shared challenges. Dr. Al Jaber's award and remarks underscored the UAE's role as a key regional partner and its commitment to pragmatic leadership and long-term vision.