United States and United Arab Emirates promote cooperation on artificial intelligence

Overview

On September 23, 2024, the United States (U.S.) White House issued a statement announcing that the U.S. and United Arab Emirates (UAE) intend to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies and develop a government-to-government memorandum of understanding on the development of AI between the U.S. and UAE.

Both governments recognize the tremendous potential of AI and how it can be used in a positive manner to accelerate economic growth, transform education and healthcare, create new jobs, and fund environmental sustainability. However, there are certain challenges and risks involved with using this emerging technology, and the U.S. and UAE mutually recognize and agree that it is important to put certain safeguards in place.

Common Principles for Cooperation

The U.S. and UAE will focus on collaboration in the following areas:

• Advance safe, secure, and trustworthy AI: The U.S. and UAE want to increase acceptance of international AI frameworks, principles, and standards to help ensure consistent responsible and reliable development of AI technologies. The development and use of AI should be explainable and equitable, safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms, and incorporate best practices.
• Align regulatory frameworks to strengthen innovation ecosystems: By aligning both governments’ regulatory frameworks and rules for AI technologies, the U.S. and UAE wish to promote development of new AI technologies that will safeguard national security interests, enable trusted investments and entrepreneurship, and facilitate cross-border innovation.
• Promote ethical AI research and development: The U.S. and UAE seek to ensure that businesses conduct ethical AI research that addresses bias, discrimination, and ensures fairness in AI algorithms.
• Broadening and deepening cooperation in AI protection and cybersecurity: Both governments wish to create an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable cybersecurity environment and cyber incident response strategy that protects critical infrastructure and manages technology risks.
• Facilitate opportunities for trusted trade and investment: The U.S. and UAE are interested in supporting and facilitating bilateral investment and efficient licensing opportunities for developing robust and secure AI infrastructure.
• Talent development and exchange: Both governments are interested in fostering talent development to increase knowledge exchange and provide joint training programs and workshops for AI researchers, engineers and policymakers.
• Promote clean energy for the AI future: The U.S. and UAE would like to build on their ongoing collaboration through the U.S.-UAE Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) to meet the energy demands of AI systems with clean energy sources, consistent with their shared commitment to combat climate change.
• Support AI for sustainable development in developing countries: Both governments are interested in fostering inclusive, responsible, and sustainable capacity building with respect to AI and infrastructure to close digital divides globally and across the Middle East and North Africa.

Conclusion

The collaboration between the U.S. and UAE represents a significant step in the shaping of cross-border AI development and providing companies with stronger frameworks and guidance for building sustainable, safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.