The leader of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, met with US President Joe Biden in Washington on Monday to discuss advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI). This meeting marks Sheikh Mohamed’s first official trip to the US in seven years and highlights his determination to gain White House support in transforming the UAE into an AI leader.
In addition to technology and trade discussions, Biden announced that the UAE would now have “major defense partner” status, along with India. This designation aims to strengthen security ties through joint military training and exercises. While the UAE is a crucial ally for the US in the Middle East, relations have faced challenges recently. Talks for a formal security pact have stalled, and Abu Dhabi was displeased with what it perceived as a lukewarm response from the US regarding attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen.
However, AI has injected new energy into this relationship. The UAE has made AI central to its plan of reducing dependence on fossil fuel exports and has strategically chosen to collaborate with cutting-edge technology companies based in the US.
Anwar Gargash, Sheikh Mohamed’s diplomatic adviser, emphasized that AI and other technological breakthroughs will reshape our world. He stated that if hydrocarbon revenues decline over time, alternative revenue streams must be pursued.
Nevertheless, last year saw restrictions imposed by the US on Gulf states’ ability to freely import advanced AI chips due to concerns about technology leaks to China. As a result, UAE companies seeking these chips must apply for licenses which have delayed their AI plans.
During their meeting, both leaders instructed officials to develop a memorandum of understanding on AI cooperation as part of formalizing their partnership. They also outlined several areas for collaboration such as supporting bilateral investment and streamlining licensing processes.
The UAE aims for progress before January’s upcoming US election so that it remains unaffected by potential changes in leadership. Efforts are underway by officials seeking changes in export designations that would facilitate easier access to chips.
Microsoft President Brad Smith expressed optimism about emerging clarity regarding export controls but acknowledged that it took several months of work. Microsoft is among several tech companies whose export applications are nearing completion.
Highlighting its commitment towards strengthening ties with American firms further, G42 – one of Abu Dhabi’s most important AI groups - announced its collaboration with Nvidia on a weather forecasting initiative last week.
US companies pursuing costly AI projects have also welcomed investments from Abu Dhabi’s petrodollars. MGX – an Abu Dhabi investment vehicle dedicated solely to AI – recently joined forces with BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, and Microsoft for launching a $30 billion fund aimed at investing in data centers and sustainable energy sources required for them.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan – national security adviser of the UAE and chairperson of G42 – visited Washington earlier this year leading efforts towards securing American support for their ambitious goals related to chipmaking projects financed by OpenAI founder Sam Altman.
