Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser and brother of the country’s president, is set to visit Washington next week to advocate for easier access to advanced American semiconductor technology. His efforts are focused on the export controls that currently limit the UAE’s ability to purchase cutting-edge chips, particularly from Nvidia, which are vital for powering artificial intelligence applications.
In meetings with senior Trump administration officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Sheikh Tahnoon aims to highlight the UAE’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in AI development. The UAE has heavily invested in data centers to support its AI ambitions.
However, restrictions placed on semiconductor exports to the UAE since 2023—coupled with pending regulations that will cap total computing power available to many nations—pose significant challenges. The Trump administration is reviewing the existing Biden-era regulations, which structure chip access into tiers based on geopolitical alliances and concerns.
During his trip, Sheikh Tahnoon is expected to emphasize the UAE’s substantial-tech investment plans, including the $100 billion AI infrastructure initiative that was unveiled during President Trump’s first week in office. As part of his efforts, he may also promote projects linked to his expansive $1.5 trillion business ventures, which encompass wealth funds and the prominent AI company G42.
His discussions come amid the sensitive backdrop of global chip control dialogue initiated by the Trump administration, which has drawn attention due to the Biden administration’s previously expanded curbs aimed primarily at China. The UAE has expressed frustration over being placed in a second-tier category for chip access, especially after making efforts to reassure the US regarding its ties with Beijing.
Sheikh Tahnoon’s visit, occurring during Ramadan, reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the UAE and the US amidst evolving trade and technology landscapes.
