Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, the UAE National Security Adviser and chairman of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and ADQ, undertook a visit to Washington where he engaged in important discussions with his U.S. counterpart, Jake Sullivan, at the White House. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the strategic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the United States, encompassing a wide array of topics ranging from technology development to regional and global issues of mutual concern.
A key focus of the conversation was the recent collaboration between the UAE and the world’s largest economy in the realm of technology. Earlier this year, Abu Dhabi secured a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft for its local artificial intelligence champion, G42, with the backing of the Biden administration. This move has solidified the UAE’s commitment to advancing technological innovation and bolstering its relationship with the U.S.
Sheikh Tahnoon stressed the significance of delving into shared insights and interests on various regional and global issues during his discussions with Sullivan. The Emirati leader expressed his eagerness to further strengthen the partnership between the two countries, emphasizing the UAE’s dedication to closely collaborating with the U.S. on matters of common interest.
In addition to the meeting at the White House, Sheikh Tahnoon and a delegation comprising other Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund executives also met with Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell at the State Department in Foggy Bottom. Their discussions revolved around the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in driving economic growth both bilaterally and in regions such as Africa and India.
Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, reiterated the UAE’s pursuit of a harmonious collaboration with the United States in the field of technological advancements. In an interview with the Financial Times, he articulated the UAE’s aspiration to establish a robust partnership with the U.S., emphasizing the mutual benefits that such an alliance would bring in terms of technological progress and innovation.
The high-level diplomatic engagements in Washington reflect the UAE’s proactive approach to fostering bilateral cooperation with the United States on key strategic and technological fronts. This concerted effort towards enhancing the partnership between the two countries further underscores the UAE’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic and societal advancement.
In conclusion, Sheikh Tahnoon’s visit to Washington and the substantive discussions held during the meetings underscore the significance of technology in shaping the strategic alliance between the UAE and the U.S. The mutual interests and shared vision for technological advancement serve as a cornerstone for further collaboration, setting the stage for continued bilateral cooperation and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence.