AI Diplomacy Emerges as a Key Factor in Gulf Foreign Policy

Key takeaways

• As Saudi Arabia and the UAE seek to diversify their economies beyond oil, both countries have identified artificial intelligence (AI) as central to future economic growth and a target sector for global leadership. The UAE is already among the global leaders in AI, while Saudi Arabia seeks to develop the foundations of an AI economy.
• In the context of U.S.-China technology tensions, the emphasis on AI leadership has begun to influence Emirati and Saudi foreign policy on key strategic issues. The UAE has committed to a significant – if precarious – reorientation away from China in exchange for access to advanced American technologies. Saudi Arabia is reportedly willing to offer a similar commitment in exchange for U.S. security and energy guarantees.
• While this space is evolving quickly, the domestic AI agendas in Saudi Arabia and the UAE increasingly have bearing on their diplomatic engagements abroad.
• Technology companies doing business in the region should stay abreast of diplomatic discussions to identify opportunities, minimize risk, and navigate the complexities of Saudi and Emirati relations with the U.S. and China.

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For additional information or to arrange a follow-up, please contact Ben Gordon and Jessica Kuntz.