Abu Dhabi [UAE], May 14 (ANI): UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy said energy has been “weaponized” due to the Strait of Hormuz effectively being “taken hostage,” while emphasizing that the United Arab Emirates continues to act as a responsible global player in the energy sector.
In an interview with ANI ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE, Al Hashimy said one of the reasons behind the UAE’s decision to exit OPEC was the country’s inability to produce crude oil at its full potential during a period of severe supply challenges linked to the conflict in West Asia.
“I think especially today, energy is compromised around the world because energy has also been weaponized by the Strait of Hormuz being taken hostage effectively, which is something the international community is also looking to address,” she said.
“By doing so, many people around the world — including in India — are struggling with basic household needs. That is certainly something that will feature in our conversations tomorrow,” she added.
Al Hashimy stressed that the UAE has consistently acted responsibly in the global energy market and said the country’s recent decision to leave OPEC was driven largely by concerns over production limitations.
“It is important to highlight that the UAE has always been, and continues to be, a responsible global player in the energy space,” she said.
“That also explains why the UAE decided to exit OPEC a couple of weeks ago. The primary reason was that we were not producing to the full potential of what we are capable of, particularly at a time when there are such major supply challenges. The UAE wants to continue playing a responsible global partnership role,” she added.
The comments come amid continuing tensions between the United States and Iran and ongoing instability in West Asia. The conflict, which began on February 28 involving the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, has disrupted global energy supply chains.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, carrying nearly 20 percent of global fuel supplies. The ongoing maritime tensions in the region have triggered concerns over energy security and supply disruptions worldwide.
Speaking about Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit, Al Hashimy described the Indian leader as an important symbol of friendship and partnership between India and the UAE.
“We are anticipating with great excitement the visit of Prime Minister Modi tomorrow, May 15, 2026. He is a key figure of friendship, of a longstanding partnership, and a true treasure to the leadership and the people of the UAE,” she said.
She noted that UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited India in January this year, while the UAE Crown Prince traveled to India in February for the AI Summit.
“Since Prime Minister Modi took office, the leaders have been meeting regularly several times a year. His visit tomorrow will continue that friendship and relationship, and we are very keen and excited to welcome him to the UAE,” she added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin a five-nation tour on May 15, starting with the United Arab Emirates, followed by visits to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. (ANI)
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