Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Director of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was awarded the first Gulf Cooperation Council Prize for Excellence in recognition of his pioneering efforts in elevating renewable energy as the key energy source of the 21st century.

"I am deeply honoured to be the recipient of this prestigious award and would like to thank the visionary guidance of UAE leaders," said Dr. Al Zeyoudi.

"Renewable energy offers great potential for socio-economic development while reducing carbon emissions, and I am delighted that I have been able to contribute to its deployment, both domestically and internationally."

Dr. Al Zeyoudi acknowledged H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan's continuous support in developing capacity of UAE nationals and providing opportunities to profile the UAE's leadership in international platforms on renewable energy and sustainability.

The prize was awarded to distinguished citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the fields of energy, politics, economics, environment, sustainability and other important topics at a ceremony held in Doha, Qatar. The ceremony was presided by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar and Chairman of the thirty-fifth session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, who praised the work of the winners and thanked them for their contributions to enhance the role the GCC countries and beyond.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi, first began his career as a reservoir engineer at Abu Dhabi Marine Oil Company, worked on advancing renewable energy technologies and solutions at Masdar, Abu Dhabi's future energy company. He later played a major role in the UAE's successful campaign in 2009 to host the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the first international organisation dedicated on renewable energy, at a time when renewable energy was still considered marginal to hydrocarbon resources.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi has been Director of DECC mandated to ensure consistent international representation of UAE positions on clean energy, climate change and sustainability since 2010, and is also the UAE Permanent Representative to IRENA since 2013.