Abu Dhabi pitches for global role in AI

Significance

Prior to the meetings, UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan signed a USD100bn AI investment agreement with US partners. This expanding cooperation highlights Abu Dhabi’s ambition to champion AI, with stronger ties to Washington playing a pivotal role.

Impacts

• The September visit should ensure that the AI relationship will not be affected by the outcome of the US election.
• The UAE and its US partners will create a platform for the development of AI systems across the Middle East and Africa.
• The scaling up of AI in the UAE will dovetail with plans for a massive expansion of solar energy capacity.
• Saudi Arabia may respond to the UAE’s advances by deepening its relationship with China in AI.