Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the National Security Adviser of the United Arab Emirates and brother of President Mohamed bin Zayed, is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C. His visit aims to advocate for relaxed U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors, which are vital for the development of artificial intelligence, and to explore potential investment opportunities within the United States.

Recently, the U.S. government has imposed stricter export restrictions on AI chips manufactured by companies like Nvidia. These restrictions limit access for countries such as China, while offering exemptions to close allies, including Japan and the United Kingdom. The UAE seeks to gain similar access to these advanced technologies in order to enhance its growing tech industry. However, U.S. officials have raised concerns over the UAE’s strong ties with China, which could complicate these negotiations.

Sheikh Tahnoun’s visit highlights the UAE’s strategic focus on AI and technology. As the chairman of MGX Fund Management Limited, a state-owned investment firm launched in 2024 with a goal of managing $100 billion in assets, he has played a crucial role in positioning the UAE as a frontrunner in the global AI landscape. MGX has pursued significant investments, including a $2 billion stake in the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, reflecting the UAE’s ambition to become a central hub for digital assets and to diversify its economy beyond its reliance on oil.

The UAE’s quest for advanced AI technologies is part of a broader strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as a leading AI superpower. Sheikh Tahnoun’s leadership at tech conglomerate G42 has been critical in this initiative. G42 has shifted its focus from partnerships with Chinese firms to fostering stronger connections with U.S. technology companies, especially in light of U.S. restrictions on Nvidia GPUs exported to the Middle East. This strategic redirection aims to ensure access to essential technology for the UAE’s AI advancements while aligning more closely with U.S. interests.

Despite these efforts, the UAE’s increasing relationship with China has raised flags among U.S. officials. Notable actions, such as the U.S. Treasury’s measures against UAE-based companies for possible sanctions violations, underscore the complex balance the UAE must navigate in its international relations. Furthermore, U.S. intelligence reports have suggested that the UAE is attempting to influence American foreign policy, adding another layer of complexity to the interactions between the two nations.