UAE Spymaster’s US Visit Highlights AI Focus, Gaza War Sidestepped

UAE Prioritizes AI in US Talks, Shifts Focus Away from Gaza Conflict

UAE’s AI Investments and Strategic US Partnerships Are Highlighted by Sheikh Tahnoon’s Visit
During National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed’s visit to Washington, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) unveiled its priorities: Israel’s attack on Gaza is conspicuously absent from debates, while artificial intelligence (AI) takes center stage.

Tahnoon, a man of many roles—from intelligence chief to tech investor—met with former US President Donald Trump at a White House dinner, where he reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to investing in AI, technology, infrastructure, and healthcare. According to the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, his discussions with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent focused on deepening Emirati investments in AI.

UAE’s Expanding AI Influence and Investment Power

Tahnoon has substantial financial means to influence the direction of AI as the chairman of two sovereign wealth funds in Abu Dhabi with an estimated $1.4 trillion in assets. Microsoft has already invested $1.5 billion in AI data centers in the United Arab Emirates through his firm, G42.

The UAE has been actively working to position itself as a global AI powerhouse. In a previous visit to the US, Tahnoon even sent an Emirati official to a George Washington University professor, Jeffrey Ding, to obtain a sought-after book detailing AI’s role in shaping global economic growth.

AI has changed Washington’s perception of Abu Dhabi, notwithstanding earlier US worries about the UAE’s connections to China and Russia. Because of concerns about possible leaks to China, the Biden administration had limited exports of cutting-edge AI chips to the United Arab Emirates. Tahnoon’s visit, however, aimed to persuade the Trump administration that the UAE is not a geopolitical liability but rather a vital US ally in the AI race.

The $7 billion pledged by Abu Dhabi investment firm MGX to support Trump’s AI infrastructure program served as a reminder of this change. After the visit, US-based Energy Capital Partners and the Emirati sovereign wealth fund ADQ teamed together to invest more than $25 billion in energy projects that will enable AI data centers in the United States.

Geopolitical Realignments: UAE’s Position on Gaza and Gulf Relations

Notably missing from the high-level discussions was Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. The UAE has taken a more calculated stance, maintaining diplomatic ties with Israel, in contrast to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has publicly denounced Israel’s conduct.

Additionally, the UAE has broken with other Gulf countries by distancing itself from an Arab League-supported restoration plan for Gaza that Egypt had put out.
. In January, the UAE’s foreign minister even hosted his Israeli counterpart in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing ties established through the Abraham Accords.

US Vice President JD Vance underscored the UAE’s importance at a tech summit, praising its leadership in AI and energy production while taking a jab at European nations. “Leading in energy production is essential if you want to lead in artificial intelligence,” he said, expressing excitement at the UAE’s attendance.

The UAE’s significant investments in artificial intelligence and strengthening relations with Washington have solidified its standing as a crucial US ally while tactfully avoiding the Gaza conflict, indicating a change in regional priorities.