UAE, US to strengthen ties in technology and innovation
UAE Minister Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi leads Las Vegas delegation to explore tech and investment opportunities

UAE, US Strengthen Strategic Ties in Technology and Innovation at CES 2025
The United States (US) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have pledged to deepen their strategic collaboration in the areas of innovation and cutting-edge technology, with talks centered on fortifying bilateral relations.
In Las Vegas, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, attended CES 2025, a major international technology conference, where he met with prominent US government officials and business executives. Through his involvement, the UAE demonstrated its dedication to strengthening its technical ties with the US and reaffirming its standing as a worldwide center for innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cutting-edge technologies.
The goal of the UAE delegation, which consists of corporate executives and government officials, is to investigate and broaden prospects for cooperation between the two countries. Enhancing long-term UAE-US technological relationships was the main topic of Al Zeyoudi’s conversations with influential people, including Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, executives from the US Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
Among the main subjects were joint venture exploration and promoting the UAE’s business-friendly ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, and skilled workforce as an attractive location for technology companies. The UAE is positioned as a gateway to high-growth markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East thanks to this environment.
Al Zeyoudi emphasized that US businesses looking to grow and enter quickly growing markets may benefit greatly from the UAE’s vibrant technology sector, which is bolstered by programs like NextGen FDI.
Additionally, he pointed out that the UAE has invested over $35 billion in the US, demonstrating the close economic links between the two countries. Through their expanding cooperation in cutting-edge technologies, both nations are seeking to expand commercial and investment prospects in order to promote innovation, generate employment, and accelerate the adoption of next-generation technology.
In addition to the business discussions, Al Zeyoudi participated in a panel addressing global geopolitical trends and challenges, where he spoke positively about global trade and the UAE’s role in facilitating seamless trade flows. Through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program, the UAE is actively strengthening its trade relations and enhancing connectivity with key international markets.
During his visit, Al Zeyoudi also met with top executives from leading tech companies specializing in AI, healthcare, and automotive technologies, such as Accenture, Qualcomm, the Consumer Technology Association, Skylo, and MGM Resorts International.
The US remains the UAE’s fourth-largest trading partner globally, accounting for 4.8% of the UAE’s total non-oil trade. In the first nine months of 2024, bilateral non-oil trade between the two countries reached $28.3 billion, representing a 46.2% increase compared to the same period in 2019. The UAE is also the US’ most significant trading partner in the Arab world, accounting for 27% of the US’ trade with the region.
Furthermore, the UAE is a major investor in the US, with over $35 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) as of the end of 2023. This represents more than half of the total FDI from Arab countries to the US. By the end of 2022, US investments in the UAE had surpassed $5 billion.
Furthermore, a joint statement released in September 2024 during His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed’s official visit to the US emphasized the expanding collaboration between the US and the UAE in a number of areas, such as defense, advanced technology, and global leadership. The leaders’ shared commitment to bolstering their defense, technology, and commercial ties was highlighted by this historic visit, which was the first time a UAE president had traveled to Washington.
By highlighting the necessity of ongoing cooperation in creating reliable technology ecosystems, promoting renewable energy projects, and boosting economic growth, both leaders reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership. They pledged to look for new ways to work together, especially in the fields of investment, technology, and peacebuilding in the Middle East and beyond.
This partnership which has been established over fifty years, highlights the longstanding ties between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which are centered on promoting world peace and stability, mutual prosperity, and security.