“Global economic warfare”: UAE’s Jaber condemns attacks on energy infrastructure

UAE Industry and Advanced Technology Minister and ADNOC CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf threatened not only regional security but also global economic stability, after recent strikes by Iran hit facilities in the region.

“Energy infrastructure should never be a target,” Jaber said in a LinkedIn post, adding that “critical energy infrastructure across our region has come under attack, including ADNOC’s.”

He described the facilities as civilian sites “operated by civilian engineers” that sustain economies and daily life far beyond the Gulf.

Jaber said the attacks were “an unjustified, unprovoked and illegal attack on a peaceful nation,” and warned that “it is not just a regional issue, it is global economic warfare.

Energy flows are being weaponised.” He added that “energy security is global economic stability” and called for attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure to stop.

His comments came as the Middle East conflict entered its third week and after repeated attacks disrupted Gulf energy operations, including the suspension of output at the UAE’s Shah gas field and damage at other regional facilities.

The fighting has also compounded risks around the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and LNG trade.

In remarks to the Wall Street Journal cited by regional media, Jaber said any disruption to navigation through Hormuz would amount to “global economic warfare” because it would raise inflation, slow growth and increase living costs.

He said the UAE was working to limit the damage and would remain a reliable energy supplier able to restore output quickly once the conflict eases.

The attacks have already pushed Brent crude above $100 a barrel and intensified concerns over a broader inflation shock, as governments weigh steps to help stabilize energy markets and secure maritime routes.