Abu dhabi: George Bou Mitri, President of Honeywell for the Middle East, Trkiye, and Central Asia, affirmed that the UAE has become a global center for innovation and the deployment of smart solutions in the energy sector, noting that the country's pioneering digital transformation initiatives in energy represent a world-leading model for building a sustainable future driven by advanced technology and artificial intelligence.
According to Emirates News Agency, Bou Mitri made these statements on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC 2025). He emphasized the UAE's role as a unique example of openness, partnership, and synergy between the public and private sectors to develop innovative solutions that make a significant global impact in the energy industry.
Bou Mitri stated that the solutions created in the UAE extend their influence far beyond its borders, with the nation leading the shift towards clean energy through major projects aimed at reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency. Honeywell is contributing to this vision through landmark projects such as the Ruwais liquefied natural gas (LNG) project with ADNOC, expected to produce about 9.6 million tonnes annually.
He explained that the global energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, with energy demand projected to rise by 32 percent by 2050, while electricity demand is expected to increase by more than 75 percent during the same period. This necessitates the development of comprehensive technological solutions that balance rising demand with emission reduction and efficiency improvement.
The UAE is adopting this approach by integrating advanced technologies across the energy ecosystem, expanding the use of LNG, hydrogen, and solar energy, and developing sustainable aviation fuel and biofuel to reduce the carbon footprint across transportation sectors. Bou Mitri noted that digital transformation is a cornerstone of the energy future, with Honeywell developing the region's first fully autonomous control room powered by agent-based artificial intelligence in partnership with Borouge.
He also highlighted that the UAE has become a key destination for developing technologies related to emissions management and artificial intelligence applications aimed at improving facility performance and workforce productivity through digitalization. These advancements are particularly significant as the global energy sector faces a skills gap, with more than 50 percent of its workforce aged over 45.
Through technology, training of young talent can be accelerated, and accumulated expertise can be transferred to the next generation, ensuring continuous development and effective operation in the sector. Bou Mitri concluded that energy investments across the region are witnessing strong momentum, expected to exceed US$130 billion this year in oil and gas alone, alongside major expansions in clean energy investments such as hydrogen, LNG, and carbon capture projects, underscoring the region's growing role in driving the global energy transition.