Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has formally joined a global technology alliance launched in Washington in December last year by signing the Pax Silica Declaration in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. The new tech coalition aims to set standards and guardrails for the semiconductor sector to drive equitable growth and adoption of global artificial intelligence.
With the UAE’s accession to the pact, Pax Silica now has nine countries among its signatories.
Saeed Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State, welcomed the signing of the Declaration and said it marks a new chapter in international cooperation on technology, innovation and the future of artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the Sheikh Zayed National Museum, Al Hajeri and US Under-secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, spoke of the deep strategic ties between the two countries.
Al Hajeri said it was a day of pride for the UAE as it joined a global initiative that “reflects a shared commitment to shaping the future of artificial intelligence with responsibility, foresight and purpose”.
“The Pax Silica is a recognition that artificial intelligence is no longer a technology, but rather the lifeblood of the 21st century and a cornerstone of humanity’s future,” he said.
The minister emphasised the UAE’s choice to pursue collaboration through openness, reliability and vision, saying the declaration advances all three pillars.
The UAE remains open to international partnerships, honours its commitments and aligns with global standards while positioning itself at the heart of the global technology ecosystem.
He added said that the initiative comes at a time when governments and companies are racing to secure AI supply chains, as artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy and redefines supply chain security.
The minister stressed that Pax Silica will bring together capital, infrastructure and technology to strengthen resilience and minimise disruption amid growing global uncertainty.
“The UAE’s approach to international engagement has long been open, balanced and pragmatic,” Al Hajeri said, adding that this partnership was a natural extension of the UAE–US strategic relationship, which is grounded in advanced technology, innovation and investment.
The Pax Silica Declaration represents a “structural transformation in the economic order of this region,” signaling a shift from traditional hydrocarbon based frameworks to “silicon statecraft” in the age of advanced technology, the US under-secretary said.
Helberg also extended a formal invitation on behalf of President Donald Trump and Secretary Marco Rubio for the UAE government to participate in a ministerial meeting on critical minerals to be held in Washington, D.C., on February 4.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US Department of State lauded the UAE for its leadership in energy, investment, and technological innovation. The State Department said the UAE is an “indispensable partner in this coalition”. “Its commitment to building a world-class, secure AI ecosystem demonstrates a clear vision for harnessing technology to drive economic diversification and opportunity,” the statement added.
