The UAE is taking steps to deepen its technology partnership with the United States, as highlighted during CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, led discussions with US officials and business leaders to explore new opportunities in innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced technologies.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi met with Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony, along with representatives from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the Las Vegas Chamber. Talks revolved around enhancing long-term partnerships and showcasing the UAE’s strong business ecosystem, which features cutting-edge infrastructure and access to growing markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Speaking at the event, Al Zeyoudi highlighted the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative, which aims to attract US companies seeking to expand globally. He noted that UAE investments in the US have already surpassed $35 billion, while bilateral non-oil trade between the two nations hit $28.3 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a 46% increase from 2019.

Additionally, Al Zeyoudi joined a panel discussion on global trade trends, emphasizing the UAE’s efforts to connect international markets and support seamless trade through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme.

During the three-day visit, he engaged with executives from major tech firms, including Accenture, Qualcomm, and MGM Resorts International, focusing on AI, health, and automotive technology.

The US remains the UAE’s fourth-largest trading partner, with their trade representing 27% of US-Arab trade. The UAE has also become the largest Arab investor in the US, accounting for over 50% of Arab foreign direct investment in the country.

(Source: WAM)