Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ National Security Adviser and brother to President Mohamed bin Zayed, is set to visit Washington. His agenda includes advocating for relaxed U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors essential for artificial intelligence development and exploring investment opportunities within the United States.
The U.S. government has recently tightened export restrictions on AI chips produced by companies like Nvidia, limiting access for nations such as China, while granting exemptions to close allies like Japan and the United Kingdom. The UAE aspires to obtain similar access to these advanced technologies to bolster its burgeoning tech industry. However, U.S. officials have expressed concerns regarding the UAE’s close ties with China, which could complicate such agreements.
Sheikh Tahnoun’s visit underscores the UAE’s strategic emphasis on AI and technology. As chairman of MGX Fund Management Limited, a state-owned investment firm established in 2024 with the ambition to manage $100 billion in assets, he has been instrumental in positioning the UAE as a global AI leader. MGX has actively pursued significant investments in the tech sector, including a $2 billion stake in the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. This investment aligns with the UAE’s goal to become a hub for digital assets and reflects its broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil dependence.
The UAE’s pursuit of advanced AI technologies is part of a broader vision to transform Abu Dhabi into a leading AI superpower. Sheikh Tahnoun’s control over tech conglomerate G42 has been pivotal in this endeavor. G42 has shifted its focus from Chinese collaborations to strengthening ties with U.S. tech companies, especially after U.S. restrictions on exporting Nvidia GPUs to the Middle East. This strategic pivot aims to secure the necessary technology for the UAE’s AI advancements while aligning more closely with U.S. interests.
However, the UAE’s deepening relationship with China has raised concerns among U.S. officials. Instances such as the U.S. Treasury’s action against UAE-based companies for potential sanctions violations highlight the delicate balance the UAE must maintain in its foreign relations. Additionally, U.S. intelligence reports have indicated efforts by the UAE to influence American foreign policy, further complicating the dynamics between the two nations.
