UAE and US issue joint statement on cooperation on artificial intelligence

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and his US counterpart Joe Biden met on Monday in the US during an official visit by the Emirati leader. The visit marks the leaders’ fourth bilateral meeting in the Biden-Harris administration.

During the discussions, Mohamed bin Zayed and Biden affirmed the enduring UAE-US strategic and defence partnership, strengthened areas of deepening cooperation in advanced technology and investments, and discussed global and regional matters.

The leaders pledged to pursue opportunities to bolster their partnership, promote peace and stability across the Middle East and beyond, and deliver global leadership on issues of shared importance. The five decades of UAE-US relations have a strong foundation.

UAE-US cooperation on artificial intelligence

Building on the vision of MBZ and Biden to advance safe artificial intelligence, UAE national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed and US assistant to the president for national security affairs Jake Sullivan have reaffirmed cooperation on technology.

The joint statement also signals both sides’ shared commitment to develop a government-to-government memorandum of understanding on artificial intelligence. They recognise the importance of deepening bilateral ties and strengthening partnerships.

The UAE and US understand the tremendous potential of artificial intelligence for good. But simultaneously, the countries also recognise the challenges and risks of the emerging technology and the need for safeguards and protections.

UAE and US have great plans for artificial intelligence

1. Ensure safe and secure technology

The UAE and the US seek to collaborate closely on advancing safe and secure artificial intelligence. They intend to foster acceptance of international rules, principles and standards to help ensure the responsible and reliable development and use of technologies.

2. Safeguard national security interests

Both sides aim to further the alignment of regulatory rules for different technologies, including artificial intelligence, to safeguard national security interests, enable trusted investments and entrepreneurship, and facilitate cross-border innovation.

3. Promote ethical research and cybersecurity

The UAE and the US seek to conduct ethical research in artificial intelligence by addressing bias, and discrimination and ensuring fairness in algorithms. The countries also aim to promote an open, secure and reliable cybersecurity environment.

4. Talent development and exchange

Both sides intend to foster talent development to enable information exchange and development through joint training programs for researchers, engineers and policymakers. They also seek to support opportunities for trusted trade and investment.

5. Promote clean energy and sustainable development

The UAE and the US have an objective to foster inclusive, responsible and sustainable capacity building in terms of artificial intelligence to address some of the most pressing global challenges and close digital divides.