
Sarawak govt mulls opening office in Abu Dhabi for closer ties with Middle East
KUCHING (Nov 6): The Sarawak government is considering establishing an office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enhance strategic cooperation and foster closer ties with the Middle East, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier said the primary focus for the office, the location of which has yet to be finalised, would be on collaboration in the energy and technology sectors.
If established, he said the office would be managed by Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).
“The office aims to promote stronger collaboration not only with Middle Eastern countries but also with our Aseam neighbours. Abu Dhabi has advanced renewable energy infrastructure, including a data centre powered by solar energy, which is shared with investors,” he told a press conference following his visit to Masdar City in Abu Dhabi yesterday, according to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
“If we can find synergies between Sarawak and the Middle East, it could pave the way for a broader partnership between Asean and the region.”
The Abu Dhabi office would operate similarly to Sarawak’s trade and tourism office in Singapore (Statos), Brunei (Statob), and Kalimantan, focusing on economic and technological collaboration with the region.
Among those travelling with Abang Johari are Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan; Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; and SEB Group CEO Datuk Sharbini Suhaili.
They were welcomed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (or Masdar) CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi.
-Agency