Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser, is set to visit Washington next week to discuss easier access to U.S. technology and potential investment opportunities in the U.S., according to Bloomberg News. Sheikh Tahnoon, who is also the brother of the UAE’s president, is expected to meet with key officials from the Trump administration, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The participation of President Trump is still uncertain.
The UAE’s push for greater access to American technology comes amid tighter restrictions on the export of artificial intelligence chips imposed by the U.S. government at the start of 2025. This includes Nvidia chips, essential for advanced AI development, with some countries, like Japan, Britain, South Korea, and the Netherlands, receiving exemptions from the new rules. However, countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore will face some caps on access.
The UAE, seeking to develop its own advanced technology sector, is particularly eager to acquire cutting-edge American innovations. However, the U.S. concerns about the UAE’s close ties to China have raised obstacles to deeper cooperation. Sheikh Tahnoon’s visit is reportedly at the request of the Trump administration, as both nations continue to navigate their strategic technology and trade relations.
