U.S. and UAE Initiate Cooperation through AI Partnership Working Group

In a significant advancement for tech collaboration, the United States and the United Arab Emirates convened for their first session of the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership Working Group. This pivotal meeting took place on March 26 in Washington, D.C., featuring key officials from both nations.

Co-chaired by U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Al Suwaidi, the gathering drew representatives from various U.S. departments including State, Commerce, Energy, and Treasury, as well as officials and enterprises from the UAE.

Key topics of discussion included enhancing collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies. Both nations acknowledged the rapid transformation AI brings to the global economy and recognized the imperative to work collectively to secure AI supply chains, fostering safe and responsible technological advancements.

This working group emerges from a broader AI partnership agreement established in May 2025, aimed at promoting cooperation, building trust, and ensuring clarity on vital matters including export controls, investment scrutiny, and technology safeguarding. Such measures are deemed crucial for the secure sharing and exporting of advanced AI innovations, particularly high-end computer chips.

During discussions, UAE officials reiterated their dedication to the partnership, underscoring intentions to closely align with U.S. technology protocols while preserving their own decision-making autonomy. They also confirmed substantial long-term investment plans in the United States, committing $1.4 trillion across various sectors, notably in digital infrastructure.

On the U.S. front, officials affirmed their strong commitments under the partnership. They guaranteed continued access to U.S.-sourced AI technologies for the UAE, contingent on rigorous security and compliance standards. U.S. representatives acknowledged the progress achieved by UAE-based AI firm G42 in establishing a secure framework for managing sensitive technologies.

Remarks by Mike Johnson highlighted the significance of U.S.-UAE cooperation. He emphasized that robust partnerships with trusted allies are crucial to maintaining AI leadership and global competitiveness.

Both countries concluded by agreeing to persist in technical discussions and enhance coordination on matters such as licensing and regulatory environments. They also expressed intentions to seek innovative avenues for increasing transparency and collaboration in managing advanced technologies.

Overall, the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership Working Group demonstrates an increasing recognition of the necessity for international collaboration in technology. Despite regional complexities, both nations are firmly committed to fostering a secure and innovative future through advancements in AI and other technologies.