UAE And US Strengthen Technology Cooperation At CES 2025 Through Strategic Partnerships

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States are actively seeking to enhance their strategic collaboration in advanced technology and innovation. At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, engaged with key US officials and business leaders. These discussions underscored the UAE's commitment to strengthening technology ties with the US and establishing itself as a global leader in innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced technologies.

During his visit, Al Zeyoudi met with Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony and representatives from various organisations, including the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the Las Vegas Chamber. The focus was on enhancing long-term UAE-US technology partnerships, exploring collaborative opportunities, and promoting the UAE’s value proposition. This includes state-of-the-art infrastructure, a skilled talent pool, and a business-friendly ecosystem that serves as a gateway to rapidly growing markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

The UAE is a significant trading partner for the US in the Arab World. It accounts for 27% of US trade with the region. In 2024's first nine months, bilateral non-oil trade reached $28.3 billion, showing a 46.2% increase compared to 2019. The US ranks as the UAE’s fourth-largest trading partner globally, contributing 4.8% to its total non-oil trade.

Al Zeyoudi participated in a panel discussion addressing geopolitical trends and challenges. He provided an optimistic outlook on global trade while highlighting the UAE's role in connecting markets and facilitating seamless trade flows. Through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, the UAE is actively expanding trade ties and fostering greater connectivity with strategic global markets.

The UAE has invested over $35 billion in the US, representing more than half of all Arab countries' FDI in America by late 2023. Meanwhile, US investments in the UAE surpassed $5 billion by 2022's end. Al Zeyoudi highlighted that initiatives like NextGen FDI offer fresh opportunities for US companies aiming to scale operations and access high-growth markets.

During his three-day visit, Al Zeyoudi interacted with C-suite executives from leading tech firms specialising in AI, health, and automotive technologies. Notable industry players included Accenture, Qualcomm, Skylo, MGM Resorts International, and the Consumer Technology Association.

Al Zeyoudi stated: "The UAE’s dynamic tech ecosystem offers fresh opportunities for US companies looking to scale their operations and access high-growth markets." He added that both nations are working together to create additional opportunities for businesses and investors as they expand partnerships in advanced technology.

The discussions at CES 2025 emphasised fostering innovation through collaboration between both countries. The aim is to create jobs and accelerate next-generation technology adoption while solidifying long-term partnerships.

With inputs from WAM