The UAE hosted COP28 in December 2023. Credits: GettyImages/Chris Jackson

Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris next week, as he embarks on his first diplomatic trip to the US.  

The leaders are set to discuss the developments in Gaza, escalating regional conflict between Israel and Lebanon, oil and, most importantly for Emirati officials, economic realignment.  

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Anwar Gargash, a senior advisor to the Sheikh, said that “the purpose of the visit is really from an Emirati perspective, it’s investing in our future […] through an economic lens.” 

Bilateral trade between the UAE and the US was worth $31.4b in 2023, according to the UAE Embassy in Washington D.C. 

The UAE is interested in collaborating in the artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, climate and space sectors.

Tech interest

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, said earlier this year that the UAE could serve as the world’s “regulatory sandbox” when it came to testing AI. He said that “the UAE would be set up to be a leader in the discussions about [regulating AI].” 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Microsoft made a $1.5b investment into the UAE’s top AI firm, G42 in April.  

BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, Microsoft and the Abu-Dhabi backed MGX investment firm also announced the Global AI Infrastructure Partnership. It is aimed at investing in data centres and supporting the infrastructure needed for the future of tech.  

The visit comes soon after Australia and the UAE reached a trade deal that will eliminate over 99% of tariffs on Australian products entering the UAE.  

The small gulf country, backed by a sizeable sovereign wealth fund, seems eager to continue to make moves in the FDI space.