UAE Makes Headway in Accessing US AI Chips Following $1.4 Trillion Investment Pledge

The United Arab Emirates is making significant strides toward obtaining access to high-end AI chips currently restricted by US export controls, following its historic pledge to invest $1.4 trillion in the United States over the next decade.

Tangible Progress in AI Chip Access

According to Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, the UAE’s leading artificial intelligence firm, the Gulf nation is seeing “very good and tangible progress” in securing the advanced semiconductors it needs to pursue its ambitious AI development goals. The UAE remains classified in the second tier of the U.S. AI export control framework, which limits access to high-end chips such as those used in cutting-edge AI models and training systems.

Strategic Tech Investment Ties with Washington

The chip access discussions follow the high-profile meeting between President Donald Trump and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser and de facto tech czar. The meeting resulted in the UAE announcing a $1.4 trillion investment plan aimed at deepening its strategic partnership with the United States, particularly in the technology and energy sectors.

Included in this pledge is a $100 billion AI infrastructure venture spearheaded by MGX — the UAE investment firm chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon. This venture is part of a broader strategy to build AI and cloud infrastructure on U.S. soil, a move meant to underscore the Emirates’ pivot from Chinese alliances to US-led tech partnerships.

From China to Microsoft: UAE Reorients Global Tech Strategy

G42, which had previously collaborated with Chinese entities, including Huawei, announced last year it would divest from China as part of its alignment with U.S. regulatory expectations. This was followed by a new partnership with Microsoft Corp., positioning the UAE as a trusted AI ally to the U.S.

“We want it to be a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Peng Xiao, also a member of the Abu Dhabi Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, emphasizing that G42 is committed to expanding its U.S. presence in cloud, data, and AI infrastructure.

UAE Expands Global AI Ambitions

In addition to its U.S. plans, G42 executives revealed to Bloomberg that they are looking at new expansions in Europe, Africa, and the Gulf region. With increasing global interest in AI and semiconductors, the UAE’s investments are aimed not only at economic diversification but also at securing a leadership role in the global AI arms race.

Omar Al Olama, UAE’s Minister for AI and Digital Economy, stated:

“I don’t think the UAE is seen as just another player. The fact that there are joint investments between UAE and U.S. companies gives us a preferential position as a partner.”