Trump-UAE new alliance: AI takes precedence over Israel-Hamas war in Gaza

The UAE sent a clear message during National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed’s visit to the White House on Tuesday that the artificial intelligence is a top priority for the Arab nation, while Israel’s war on Gaza is not, media outlet Middle east eye reported

During his meeting with US President Donald Trump, he emphasised the Gulf country’s focus on AI and technology. During the meeting, the UAE reaffirmed its interest in investing in AI, technology, infrastructure, and healthcare, according to the UAE’s official news agency, WAM.

Tahnoon, the spy sheikh

Tahnoon holds multiple roles—from spy chief to tech investor and chess grandmaster. He is also nicknamed the ‘spy sheikh.’ Trump also hosted Tahnoon at a dinner in White House.

Tahnoon also held meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss strengthening Emirati investment in AI.

During a previous visit to the US, he even sent an Emirati official to obtain a rare book by George Washington University professor Jeffrey Ding. The book, in which Tahnoon showed his keen interest, explores AI’s role in global economic growth.

According to report from Middle east eye, He also leads AI group G42, which secured a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft for AI data centres in the UAE.

UAE announces $25bn deal amid AI chip restrictions

Earlier, The pervious Biden administration imposed restrictions on exporting advanced AI chips to countries like the UAE. During his visit to Washington, Tahnoon aimed to convince the Trump administration to reconsider these limits, assuring the US that the UAE is a valuable ally in AI development, not a security risk for China.

In the past, the UAE balanced its ties between the US, Russia, and China, even prompting US concerns over an alleged Chinese military facility in the Emirates.

Israel-Hamas war

​The conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated again with greater force, following the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire. Israel has resumed airstrikes and ground operations in the Gaza Strip, resulting in substantial casualties and destruction.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a firm stance against Hamas’s involvement in Gaza’s governance.

In recent discussions among Arab leaders, the UAE advocated for the exclusion of Hamas from any future administrative roles in Gaza, favoring the Palestinian Authority as the sole legitimate governing body