Global experts and technology leaders gathered in Abu Dhabi for the second annual “Artificial Intelligence Dialogue” to address the growing influence of AI on international relations, economic growth, and security. Organised by TRENDS Research & Advisory in partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council, the event featured representatives from Google, OpenAI, G42, and the US Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), alongside prominent academic institutions.
Fostering Global Tech Partnerships
Participants affirmed that artificial intelligence has become a central pillar of economic development and a critical component of national security. A key theme was the strengthening of US-Gulf partnerships in advanced technology, with speakers highlighting the UAE–US AI Acceleration Partnership as a model for cooperation. Bilal Saab, Senior Managing Director of TRENDS’ US Office, noted that the focus of security collaboration is shifting from protecting oil facilities to safeguarding data centres and AI infrastructure.
Mona Yacoubian from CSIS described the region as being at a “defining moment,” with technology now at the heart of economic diversification strategies. This sentiment was echoed by business leaders who see the digital disruption turns smart food and beverage factories a reality in the Middle East and other sectors. Alexis Bonnell from OpenAI stressed that successful innovation partnerships depend on trust, a shared vision, and a focus on building human capacity alongside technical progress.
AI’s Role in Global Power Dynamics
The dialogue explored how AI is reshaping the global balance of power. In a pre-recorded opening address generated by AI, Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, stated that rapid technological developments have become “instruments of soft power” capable of reconfiguring traditional power structures. This new geopolitical landscape includes an “intense competition” between the US and China for dominance, as described by Professor Sophia Kalantzakos of New York University Abu Dhabi.
Henrietta Levin from CSIS compared the current climate to the “space race,” observing that the US is driven by capital markets to develop Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), while China focuses on rapid, practical applications to achieve productivity gains. The consensus was that a nation’s technological strength is now a primary measure of its diplomatic standing.
The UAE’s Vision for AI Leadership
Speakers praised the UAE’s proactive approach to AI governance and innovation. Dr Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE Government, explained that digital diplomacy has become an essential complement to traditional foreign policy. He highlighted the UAE’s pioneering role in the cyber and technology fields, which has strengthened its international position.
Dr Ebrahim Saeed Al-Hajri, President of Khalifa University, outlined six pillars that have enabled the UAE’s leadership in AI: clean energy, a dedicated AI ministry, sovereign language models, global talent attraction, flexible test environments, and the conversion of research into economic ventures. The “Stargate Initiative” between the UAE, OpenAI, and Microsoft was cited as a model for balancing sovereign capabilities with global partnerships. Such collaborations are becoming more common as the Huawei MEA Ecosystem Summit 2025 aims to deepen ties between Middle East and global markets.
Charting a Course for Responsible Innovation
A unanimous call was made for greater international cooperation to manage the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies. Recommendations included establishing a global alliance for AI governance, adopting comprehensive regulations based on protection and innovation, and forming joint task forces to develop digital resilience standards.
Experts also warned of emerging threats, including sophisticated cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and what they termed “sharp power,” where some nations seek to impose digital dependency by exporting opaque technological models. Yassin Wetlal of CrowdStrike cautioned that malicious actors are already using AI in cyberattacks, requiring a careful balance between innovation and effective risk management.
The dialogue concluded that AI is the new source of geopolitical power, surpassing traditional metrics like natural resources and military strength. The future of global influence, speakers agreed, will be determined by a nation’s ability to build local capacity, adopt transparent governance, and use technological partnerships as a diplomatic tool to help shape a more balanced international order.
