TRENDS Dialogue Emphasises Strengthening Cooperation In AI And Tech Diplomacy For Sustainable Development

Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies are now crucial for economic growth, digital transformation, and technological security. Experts from global think tanks and tech companies highlighted this at TRENDS’ 2nd Annual Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi. The event, titled Tech Diplomacy in the MENA Region, was organised by TRENDS Research & Advisory with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and 23 other institutions.

The dialogue attracted representatives from major organisations like Google, OpenAI, and Khalifa University. They discussed AI's role in reshaping global power dynamics and its influence on supply chains, energy, and digital governance. The U.S.–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership was cited as a key initiative to enhance cooperation in advanced technologies.

Participants stressed the need for international cooperation in tech diplomacy to ensure responsible innovation. They proposed forming a global alliance to manage emerging technology risks and opportunities. Suggestions included creating "digital embassies" and linking AI with sustainable energy to encourage green data centers.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali of TRENDS emphasised that technology has evolved beyond technical tools to become instruments of soft power. He noted that new U.S. partnerships with regional countries are strategic tools for re-engineering regional order through AI and digital infrastructure.

Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti highlighted the importance of digital diplomacy alongside traditional diplomacy. He called for a sustainable international framework to build trust in cyberspace, noting that technological strength is now a key measure of diplomatic standing.

Elyazia Al-Hosani moderated a panel where Ziad Jammal from Google Cloud discussed technology's impact on regional diplomacy. Jammal noted that digital infrastructure is crucial for national influence today, highlighting Google's efforts to localise AI for Arabic through the Gemini model.

US-Gulf Relations and Technological Innovation

A session moderated by Enas Refaei explored evolving U.S.–Gulf relations from technological innovation to strategic cooperation. Bilal Saab stated that these relations are shifting focus from oil facilities to data centers and AI infrastructures, with security remaining central.

Mona Yacoubian described the region as experiencing a defining moment with technology at the heart of economic diversification strategies. She noted that President Donald Trump's administration focuses on using technology as a tool for influence and development.

Geopolitical Implications of AI

A panel moderated by Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi examined how AI is reshaping international cooperation and competition. Dr. Ebrahim Saeed Al-Hajri outlined six pillars supporting the UAE’s leadership in AI, including clean energy initiatives and attracting global talent.

Sophia Kalantzakos compared the U.S.–China race for AI dominance to the space race, highlighting energy demand as a central geopolitical factor. Henrietta Levin noted that while the U.S. focuses on developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), China aims for rapid practical applications.

AI as a Tool of Soft Power

The concluding session explored how AI redefines soft power and global diplomacy. Speakers cited initiatives like the "Stargate Initiative" between the UAE, OpenAI, and Microsoft as models balancing partnership with digital independence.

The dialogue concluded that artificial intelligence has become a new source of geopolitical power, surpassing natural resources and military strength. Experts warned about "sharp power," where major powers impose digital dependency through opaque models.

The UAE's experience in AI was highlighted as a balanced model combining sovereign capabilities with global partnerships. Its flexible regulatory environment provides a safe testbed for new technologies, enhancing international confidence in its digital ecosystem.

Speakers agreed that future power will depend on nations' ability to build local capacities and adopt transparent governance. They stressed that artificial intelligence is no longer just technology; it is now a language of diplomacy shaping an equitable international order.

With inputs from WAM