The United States and the United Arab Emirates held the first interagency meeting of the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership Working Group on March 26, according to an April 6 announcement. The session was chaired by Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg and UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Al Suwaidi, with participants joining both virtually and in person in Washington, D.C.
The working group aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to reshape global economic growth. The partnership is intended to secure global AI supply chains under the Pax Silica initiative.
The U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership agreement, signed in May 2025, serves as a flagship framework for collaboration on artificial intelligence between the two nations. Officials said that the working group will help establish clear expectations around export controls, investment screening, and technology protection measures necessary for advanced AI chip exports from the United States to the UAE.
During discussions, UAE officials reiterated their commitment to sustaining this partnership while emphasizing alignment with U.S. technology standards alongside maintaining their own sovereign decision-making authority. They also reaffirmed a $1.4 trillion investment commitment made since last May despite regional instability, noting ongoing investments by UAE entities into large-scale U.S.-based digital infrastructure projects.
On its part, the United States confirmed its commitments under the bilateral agreement remain “ironclad,” including continued access for UAE entities to U.S.-origin AI chips contingent upon security compliance measures. Both sides recognized progress made by G42—a key AI company—in developing its Regulated Technology Environment framework designed for managing sensitive technologies securely. G42 is also collaborating with American partners on creating a common operating picture within this environment to further enhance transparency and coordination.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson addressed attendees during a guest presentation, saying: “the U.S.-UAE partnership is highly valued in Congress and is strategic for both nations.” He highlighted that trusted partners are essential as America seeks to maintain leadership in artificial intelligence competition globally.
Looking ahead, both governments plan deeper technical exchanges focused on implementing export control regulations and improving licensing predictability related to joint initiatives such as G42’s work within regulated environments. Despite current challenges in the Gulf region, officials underscored their shared commitment by convening this working group session.
