Today's Edition
Awadh Al Breiki*
The recent visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the US marks a pivotal moment in the relations between the two nations. As the UAE Ambassador to Washington Yousef Al Otaiba aptly stated: “We are charting the course for the next 50 years of cooperation.” In an increasingly multipolar world, the revitalisation of the UAE-US partnership is not just timely, it is essential.
This visit comes at a critical juncture. With the US on the cusp of what may be its most consequential election in recent history, and with the UAE President making his first official visit to the US, both countries have an unprecedented opportunity to redefine their relationship. While His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has engaged with US presidents as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, this official visit sets a new foundation for collaboration, emphasising continuity and growth.
The historic visit by the UAE President has three clear and distinct messages:
A Partnership Rooted in Institutions
One of the visit's key takeaways is the institutional nature of the UAE-US relations. This partnership runs deep, with ties embedded in the very fabric of both governments. During his visit, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with key figures such as President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and bipartisan members of the Senate. Additionally, His Highness held discussions with both presumptive presidential candidates, Vice President Harris and former US President Donald Trump. These engagements reaffirm the enduring nature of the UAE-US strategic partnership, grounded in mutual interests and a shared vision for the future.
The breadth of these discussions, and repeated references to a strategic partnership, underscores a vital truth: This relationship transcends individual administrations. The UAE-US partnership is not only historical but also sustainable and institutionalised, promising continuity even amid changing political landscapes.
Beyond Defence and Security: A Multifaceted Relationship
Traditionally, Middle Eastern nations have approached Washington primarily with defence and security in mind. This narrow focus has often limited the scope of engagement. However, the UAE is breaking this mould. While the relations may have initially been framed through a lens of defence, they are evolving into a more comprehensive partnership that encompasses economic collaboration, technological innovation, and shared prosperity.
The UAE's recent investments in sectors such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies illustrate this shift. During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met with leaders from major corporations, including BlackRock, Microsoft, and Nvidia, to explore innovative avenues for cooperation. Notably, Microsoft’s significant investment in UAE-based G42 signifies a burgeoning commitment to advancing AI capabilities and infrastructure. His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, also met with Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos shortly after.
Moreover, the UAE’s partnerships extend beyond technology, with collaborations in space exploration and clean energy. As a founding member of the Artemis Accords, the UAE plays a crucial role in NASA’s planned Gateway, highlighting the multidimensional nature of the relationship. It is a 360-degree relationship, as noted by Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Prosperity and Development
As President Biden emphasised, both nations share a forward-looking ethos. The UAE is not merely a partner in energy and defence; it is a nation of trailblazers, always seeking new opportunities. The private sectors of both countries are joining forces to foster innovation and drive economic growth. Initiatives such as the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP) and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) illustrate a commitment to transformative integration and connectivity.
In Africa, the UAE and US are collaborating through Microsoft and G42 on digital transformation initiatives in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, to enhance international and local connectivity investments. In sub-Saharan Africa, the private sectors of both countries are joining forces to combat energy poverty through UAE-based companies like Averi Finance, AMEA Power, and Phanes, all part of the US-led Power Africa Initiative. This collaboration not only addresses immediate energy needs but also lays the groundwork for sustainable development, showcasing how strategic partnerships can create lasting impact.
Additionally, the UAE and the US are collaborating on the US-UAE Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy (PACE), signalling a mutual commitment to sustainable practices. As both nations work together to address global challenges, they also recognise the importance of responsible AI use, laying the groundwork for ethical innovation.
In conclusion, the next 50 years of the UAE-US strategic relationship promise to be inextricably linked by economic logic and a shared vision for the future. As His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated in 2015, when the UAE celebrates the last barrel of oil, the UAE-US relationship will have reached new heights of certainty and credibility. Together, the UAE and the US are not just navigating the present, they are shaping a prosperous future.
*Awadh Al Breiki is a Senior Researcher specialising in American politics at TRENDS Research & Advisory, where he also heads the TRENDS Global Sector
