During his May 2025 tour of the Middle East, President Donald Trump unveiled a transformative shift in U.S. foreign policy by prioritizing artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships with Gulf nations. This strategic pivot aims to deepen technological ties, particularly with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, positioning the region as a burgeoning hub for AI development.

In Abu Dhabi, Trump and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan finalized a landmark agreement granting the UAE expanded access to advanced U.S. AI chips. This deal, reversing previous restrictions tied to Chinese affiliations, facilitates collaborations between U.S. tech giants like Nvidia and Emirati firms such as G42 and MGX. The agreement also includes mutual commitments to safeguard technology, especially in areas linked to computing, cloud services, and chip supply chains. 

In Saudi Arabia, the focus centered on “sovereign AI” initiatives. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman introduced Humain, a national AI company aiming to develop a multimodal Arabic large language model and establish state-controlled data centers. The venture secured significant partnerships with U.S. firms, including Nvidia and AMD, and is part of the broader $100 billion “Project Transcendence” to position Saudi Arabia as a global AI leader. 

These developments reflect a broader U.S. strategy to intertwine AI technology with international trade and diplomacy. Trump’s administration has eased export controls, replacing stringent AI diffusion rules with a case-by-case approval system. This approach has facilitated major AI chip deals with Gulf nations, aligning with Trump’s trade ambitions and resulting in substantial investments from countries like Saudi Arabia. 

However, this policy shift has raised concerns among national security experts. Critics argue that exporting advanced AI technologies to nations with close ties to China could compromise U.S. leadership in AI and support authoritarian regimes. Additionally, the looser export controls may slow compliance with safeguards against Chinese technology influence. 

Despite these concerns, the burgeoning AI cooperation between the U.S. and Middle Eastern nations signifies a new era of digital diplomacy. By fostering technological partnerships, the U.S. aims to maintain strategic relevance in the region through digital infrastructure and innovation, marking a departure from traditional military and economic ties. 

As the global race for AI dominance intensifies, the U.S.’s engagement with the Middle East underscores the importance of strategic alliances in shaping the future of technology and international relations.