UAE Joins US-Led Pax Silica Initiative, Boosting Global AI and Semiconductor Supply Chains
UAE Joins US-Led Pax Silica Initiative
Move reinforces Abu Dhabi’s strategic partnership with Washington and supports its ambition in order to become a global AI hub for advanced technology and artificial intelligence.
The United Arab Emirates has joined Pax Silica formally, a United States-led international initiative aimed at strengthening and securing global supply chains for artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, in a move that further deepens technological and economic ties between Washington and Abu Dhabi.
UAE Joins US-Led Pax Silica Initiative to Boost Global Technology Security
The programme is a central pillar of the Donald Trump administration’s economic statecraft strategy, mainly designed to reduce dependence on rival nations and promote closer cooperation among trusted allies in critical technology sectors. Along with the UAE, the Pax Silica group includes Britain, Israel, Australia, Qatar, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, bringing together some of the world’s most influential technology partners and economies.
Talking to Reuters, Jacob Helberg, the US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs, said the initiative focuses on strengthening each major link in the technology supply chain. “Ultimately we want to focus on the arteries of the supply chain, the muscle of the supply chain, primarily logistics, via industrial capacity, and fuel of the supply chain, primarily energy and capital,” said Helberg. “And we view UAE as a comprehensive partner that can make important and meaningful contributions in all three of those areas.”
Initiative to Reduce Global Semiconductor Dependence
The inclusion of UAE reflects its emerging role as an investment partner and strategic technology for the US, particularly in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductor- based industries and data infrastructure. Over the past few years, the Emirates has committed billions of dollars in developing a strong domestic ecosystem of AI, positioning itself as a leading hub for advancement in computing, digital transformation and innovation in the Middle East and beyond.
Helberg confirmed that President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has invited the UAE to participate in a ministerial-level meeting next month based on critical minerals in Washington. The meeting is expected to bring together a vast group of countries involved in Pax Silica and also related supply-chain initiatives, focusing on securing the raw materials needed to support the semiconductor industries and global technology.
The UAE’s strategic push into high-tech infrastructure and AI and is closely tied to its strong relations with Washington. The country has been looking for greater access to advanced US technologies, embracing some of the world’s most sophisticated and powerful computer chips that are important for training and running modern AI systems. In favor of this goal, Abu Dhabi has already signed a multibillion-dollar agreement with US technology partners to build one of the world’s largest data-centre hubs in the capital of UAE, significantly boosting its computing and digital capacity.
Inscribing questions about potential trade tensions, Helberg was asked whether President Trump’s warning of tariff of 25 per cent on US trade with countries that do business with Iran — a group that includes the UAE also — could affect the bilateral relations. He responded that he was “very confident in the depth and strength of USA’s relationship with UAE,” signaling that strategic cooperation in security and technology remains robust.
Meanwhile Qatar has also joined the Pax Silica initiative, Saudi Arabia — another regional power with goals to become a hub of global AI — is not currently part of the programme. Helberg said he held an starting round of discussions with Saudi officials earlier this week, adding that the Saudi Arabia and United States have already negotiated a significant bilateral AI agreement, showing ongoing engagement between the two sides.
With its entry into Pax Silica, the UAE further marks its position as a key player in the evolving global technology landscape, aligning its economic diversification strategy with the US-led efforts in order to build secure, resilient and trusted AI and semiconductor supply chains.
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