UAE Focuses on AI Investments Over Gaza Concerns During US Visit

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed’s recent visit to the White House emphasized the UAE’s focus on Artificial Intelligence, moving away from the conflict in Gaza. He discussed significant investments in AI and technology with US leaders, indicating a strategic alignment with the US and a distancing from other Gulf states’ positions on Israel’s actions in Gaza.

During Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed’s recent visit to the White House, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) conveyed a strategic shift in its priorities, emphasizing a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deemphasizing the Israeli conflict in Gaza. Tahnoon, who is involved in various capacities including as a spymaster and tech investor, met with US President Donald Trump to reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to investing in technology, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors, particularly AI, as reported by the UAE’s official news agency, Wam.

In discussions with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Tahnoon sought to enhance Emirati investments in AI, demonstrating a strong interest in advancing this field. His dedication to AI is notable; previously, he had an Emirati official procure a book from professor Jeffrey Ding of George Washington University that analyzes AI’s potential for global economic growth.

As chairman of wealth funds valued at approximately $1.4 trillion, Tahnoon possesses unparalleled resources for AI investments, notably through his leadership of G42, which secured $1.5 billion from Microsoft for AI data centers in the UAE. His visit aimed to persuade the Trump administration to reconsider AI export restrictions imposed by the Biden administration, portraying the UAE as a crucial ally in artificial intelligence rather than a risk for US technologies.

The UAE has strengthened its relationship with the US, prioritizing American technology investments over Chinese, which has realigned the Gulf state closer to US geopolitical interests. The UAE’s investment firm, MGX, has pledged $7 billion for an AI infrastructure initiative, previously announced by Trump. Following Tahnoon’s visit, ADQ revealed plans to collaborate with US investors and invest over $25 billion in energy projects that will support American data centers.

Furthermore, US Vice President JD Vance recognized the UAE’s role in energy production during a tech summit, criticizing some European counterparts for not leading in this area. The substantial financial commitments from the UAE to the US significantly enhance its influence with the Trump administration.

Notably absent from the discussions during Tahnoon’s visit were any public references to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, despite its resurgence with renewed hostilities. This lack of discourse highlights the UAE’s growing divergence from its Gulf neighbors. Unlike Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who condemned Israel’s actions, the UAE continues its relationship with Israel, even lobbying against proposals for Gaza’s reconstruction that have Arab support. The normalisation of relations in 2020 under the Abraham Accords continues to guide the UAE’s positioning in regional matters.

In conclusion, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed’s visit to the United States underscores the UAE’s strategic pivot towards Artificial Intelligence, reflecting a shift in its foreign policy priorities. Emphasizing investment in technology, the UAE seeks closer ties with the Trump administration, all while distancing itself from key regional issues, such as the conflict in Gaza. This transformation in focus, alongside significant investments in American infrastructure and energy, indicates a redefined role for the UAE as a crucial ally in the tech and geopolitical spheres.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net