Sultan al-Jaber Denies Using COP28 for Oil Deals, Steps Down as ADNOC CEO

As the United Nations COP28 climate talks approach, the president-designate, Sultan al-Jaber, has vehemently denied allegations of using the summit to facilitate oil and gas deals. Al-Jaber, who is also the CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC), announced plans to step down from his ADNOC role to address concerns about his suitability to lead the talks.

In a news conference, al-Jaber described a BBC report alleging the Emirates’ plan to discuss fossil fuel deals with 15 nations as “false” and “incorrect.” He emphasized the UAE’s commitment to transparency in the COP process and its achievements in renewable energy. The BBC has not responded to these comments.

This decision comes amid concerns raised about the effectiveness of his role if he maintained his ADNOC affiliation. ADNOC has plans to increase oil production, which has been a point of contention among activists.

Al-Jaber, a trusted aide of Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and a veteran climate envoy, has been instrumental in the UAE’s renewable energy investments. His role in the climate talks, however, has been criticized due to the UAE’s political climate, marked by restricted speech and a ban on political parties and labor strikes.