Trump-UAE alliance prioritizes AI over Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza

UAE Prioritizes AI in White House Talks, Downplays Gaza Conflict

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently visited the White House, where National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed emphasized the UAE’s strategic priority on artificial intelligence (AI). His talks with former US President Donald Trump focused on economic investments, artificial intelligence, and technology, indicating a change in focus away from regional crises like the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, according to Middle East Eye.

According to the UAE’s official news agency WAM, Sheikh Tahnoon reiterated the UAE’s commitment to advancing AI, infrastructure and healthcare during the conference. The talks also highlighted the Gulf country’s long-term goals by discussing potential Emirati investments in these sectors.

Tahnoon: The AI Power Broker and ‘Spy Sheikh’

Sheikh Tahnoon is known for being a significant investor in cutting-edge technologies in addition to his position in national security. Known as the “Spy Sheikh” because of his intelligence experience, he also has a significant impact on the development of AI through his leadership of G42, an Emirati AI company that was able to get Microsoft to invest $1.5 billion in AI data centers in the United Arab Emirates.

In an effort to bolster bilateral investments in AI, he spoke with US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant during a visit to Washington. During a previous visit to the US, Tahnoon expressed keen interest in the global implications of AI, and tasked an Emirati official with finding a rare book by Jeffrey Ding, a professor at George Washington University, on the contribution of AI to economic growth.

UAE secures $25 billion deal amid US AI chip curbs

Tahnoon sought to convince US officials to reassess the Biden administration’s limits on selling cutting-edge AI chips to the UAE. He assured the Trump administration that the UAE is a key partner in the development of AI, rather than a security threat to China.

In the past, the UAE has kept its relations with big nations like the US, Russia, and China in balance. The Chinese military presence in the Emirates has already alarmed the United States. The UAE has remained a leader in technology innovation and artificial intelligence despite geopolitical obstacles.

UAE’s stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas

Israel has stepped up its military operations in Gaza, causing significant casualties and destruction as the conflict worsens after a two-month ceasefire broke down. The UAE has remained steadfast in its opposition to Hamas’s control of Gaza while tackling the current crisis.

The UAE has supported the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate governing body, and has stated during recent Arab diplomatic meetings that Hamas should not be allowed to participate in any future administration. This strategy is consistent with the UAE’s overarching diplomatic orientation, which places a high value on regional stability and orderly governance.

By emphasizing artificial intelligence and economic development, the UAE is emphasizing its role in the Israel-Hamas conflict, while demonstrating a clear intention to advance its technological goals.