We need to keep energy above politics: Al Kaabi

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 12, 2026

Qatar's Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, called for a new global energy framework that separates energy issues from political conflicts during the 17th International Energy Forum in Riyadh. He highlighted that ongoing Middle East conflicts have disrupted about 20% of global hydrocarbon supplies, emphasizing the critical link between energy security and geopolitical stability.

The Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, HE Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, emphasized the need for a new global energy framework that prioritizes keeping energy matters separate from political conflicts. He made these remarks on October 12 during the 17th International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The forum convened under the theme “Energy Security - A Shared Responsibility: Market Fundamentals, Supply Chain Resilience, and the New Dynamics of Demand and Supply.” It was inaugurated by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, and brought together energy ministers, government representatives, industry leaders, and delegates from international organizations.

Al Kaabi began by affirming Qatar’s strong support for Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people during challenging regional circumstances. He outlined the severe impact of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, attributing the current situation to “by far, the world’s worst energy crisis.” According to Al Kaabi, disruptions have affected roughly 20 percent of global hydrocarbon supplies due to targeted attacks on multiple energy infrastructures across the region. These actions have inflicted tens of billions of dollars in damages and contributed to heightened volatility in international energy markets.

Highlighting the broader implications, Al Kaabi stressed that the recent developments underscore the intrinsic link between energy security and geopolitical stability. “If there is one lesson we have learned from the past few months, it is that energy security, as critical as it is to the global economy, remains highly vulnerable and inseparable from geopolitical security,” he said.

The minister’s remarks reflect growing concerns among international energy stakeholders about the risks posed by regional conflicts to global supply chains. The forum in Riyadh focused on exploring collaborative approaches to enhance market fundamentals and improve resilience within energy supply networks amid evolving demand and supply dynamics worldwide.

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