The UAE’s $150 billion investment in its gas sector will lead to economic benefits, gas self-sufficiency by 2030, increased feedstock for petrochemicals, and expanded artificial intelligence capabilities. The plan, led by ADNOC, will increase gas output by 50% over five years, with a net surplus of 25%. The focus will be on the Ghasha offshore gas concession.

The UAE’s gas surplus will be focused on LNG production, crucial for energy security. LNG can be quickly bought and shipped, making it ideal for emergencies like the current energy crisis. With China securing long-term LNG contracts before the crisis, AI, cloud, and data center demand will drive future gas consumption.

The UAE’s strategic position makes it an ideal energy hub, attracting the attention of global powers. The country’s close relationship with India and potential as a link to challenge Chinese influence in the Asia-Pacific region has made it a key player in global geopolitics. ADNOC’s role in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves highlights its importance in the energy market. China has been building a secret military facility in and around the UAE port of Khalifa, as revealed by classified satellite imagery and human intelligence data. UAE authorities were unaware of China’s activities, with the relationship showing strain under U.S. President Joe Biden. U.S. institutions are helping finance the UAE’s gas projects while UAE firms are involved in gas projects in Iraq and Syria.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: The UAE’s $150 Billion Gas Bet Could Upend Global LNG Markets