UAE Minister Announces Plans for Exclusive AI Deals with US

The United Arab Emirates and United States are set to deepen their partnership in the field of artificial intelligence, with both countries committing to increased investments in AI technology. This strategic move comes as the UAE aims to position itself as a global leader in AI, diversifying its economy away from reliance on oil.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s state minister for AI, highlighted the importance of the partnership between the two countries during an event in Dubai. He stated that the U.S. is now considering the UAE as a strategic partner, and in turn, the UAE views the U.S. in the same light. This mutual recognition is expected to lead to more collaborative deals and investments in the AI sector.

One significant development in this partnership is Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in G42, a government-backed firm in the UAE. This investment will give Microsoft a minority stake in G42 and a board seat, allowing for closer collaboration between the two companies in the development and deployment of AI applications. The use of Microsoft cloud services by G42 for its AI initiatives is expected to further strengthen the ties between the U.S. and UAE in the AI space.

The growing focus on AI partnerships between the U.S. and UAE comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are impacting the global tech industry. The U.S. recently added four Chinese companies to an exports blacklist due to concerns over their involvement in supplying AI technology to China’s military. In contrast, the UAE remains open to global tech investments, maintaining a neutral stance in its business dealings with different countries.

Al Olama emphasized the importance of a diversified energy mix, including nuclear energy, in attracting AI investments to the UAE. Discussions about the potential use of small modular nuclear reactors for powering data centers are underway, although concrete plans have yet to be finalized. The UAE currently operates a nuclear plant built by South Korea and is planning to tender for four more nuclear reactors in the near future.

During a visit to Abu Dhabi, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire expressed openness to the UAE investing in France’s nuclear energy industry. He also announced plans for the two countries to sign a strategic partnership agreement in the field of AI, further solidifying the growing collaboration between the UAE and international partners in advancing AI technology.

Overall, the increased investments and partnerships in AI between the UAE and the U.S. signal a commitment to driving innovation and technological advancement in the region. With a focus on diversifying the economy and embracing cutting-edge technologies, the UAE is positioning itself as a key player in the global AI landscape.