Shaikh Abdullah, who is on an official visit to China, also revealed that his country has embarked in recent years on alternative energy sources in a bid to provide clean energy.

"The UAE’s oil sector has seen significant strides in recent years. Our current production is over 2.5 million bpd and the country is set to increase output to over five million bpd within the next seven years," Shaikh Abdullah said in remarks during a meeting with Chen Deming, vice chairman, National Development and Reform Commission.

"We are planning to set up a solar energy plant soon. This plant, which is expected to provide about 500 megawatt of power, would be established in cooperation with Tokyo University," he said. Two sides also discussed bilateral cooperation on economic and industrial areas, particularly in the area of renewable energy.