UAE National Security Advisor H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon Visits Washington

Discussions with US Enhance UAE-US Strategic Partnership, Deepen Cooperation on Regional Issues, Accelerate Collaboration on Advanced Technologies.

WASHINGTON, DC (June 5, 2024) – UAE National Security Advisor H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan completed a three-day visit to Washington, DC today, where he met with his counterpart, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and with other senior US government officials and members of Congress.   

Discussions focused on deepening UAE-US strategic relations and on regional and global issues of mutual concern. The meetings also emphasized expanding two-way and regional trade, investment and technology flows. New commercial, research and educational initiatives between the two countries have confirmed artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies as the fastest growing areas of bilateral commerce and cooperation.

With more than $1 trillion currently invested in the US economy, UAE companies and institutions are making a significant contribution to American innovation, growth and job creation in semiconductors, AI, space, clean energy and other cutting-edge sectors. 

For the 15th straight year, the UAE is the US’ largest export market in the Middle East region, totaling $24.8 billion in 2023. Driving this growth are US companies and institutions that are boosting investments and expanding partnerships in the UAE to gain access to Emirati and regional know-how and markets. 

To maintain this momentum, the UAE and US are working to finalize a common policy and regulatory framework that protects intellectual property and data, facilitates commercial partnerships, secures national interests and encourages innovation. The two governments are also working together with the private sector to broaden access to AI and other advanced technologies in Africa and across the Global South. 

“The UAE is transforming into an AI and advanced technology hub, a clean energy powerhouse and a launch pad for the space economy,” said UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba. “The United States is our partner of choice in these and other advanced technologies. Already, we have forged major partnerships with US companies and institutions and have ambitious plans to do even more in and with the US.”  

With global attention focused on the war in Gaza, Sheikh Tahnoon also stressed in his meetings the importance of cooperation between the UAE, US and Arab states to secure an immediate ceasefire and to dramatically increase the flow of critical humanitarian assistance. Alongside the US, global aid organizations and local partners, the UAE has worked intensely to expand aid deliveries into Gaza through all available channels.  

Sheikh Tahnoon’s other meetings in Washington included US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security Amos Hochstein, White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk, Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy Dan Shapiro, Senator Chris Coons and Senator Mark Warner.

Sheikh Tahnoon also had a productive discussion with former President Barack Obama on joint efforts to leverage technology to transform educational systems, foster scientific progress and provide lasting benefits for future generations.

UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Alsuwaidi, Executive Affairs Authority Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Supreme Council for National Security Secretary-General Ali Al Shamsi, National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority Chairman Ali Al Neyadi, and Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council Member Peng Xiao accompanied Sheikh Tahnoon in the official delegation.