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In the 21^st century’s technological wave, artificial intelligence has become a core driving force for global economic growth and social progress. In the Middle East, particularly the UAE, notable progress has been made in the field of AI, thanks to forward-thinking and innovative spirit. However, this progress is not isolated but is closely related to cooperation with a global technological powerhouse-China.

Opportunities and Challenges in AI Collaboration Between China and the UAE

Ⅰ. Opportunities

On July 6, 2024, amidst the fervent atmosphere of the World AI Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, the China-UAE AI Industry Financial Cooperation Forum, hosted by the China-UAE Innovation Center (CIC), was grandly convened in Shanghai. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of international cooperation in advancing the field of AI in his opening speech, setting the tone for subsequent international dialogues and collaborations. This forum focused on creating a high-end platform for AI industry exchanges and cooperation between China and the UAE, aiming to deepen collaboration in this cutting-edge technological field. One of the highlights of the forum was the signing ceremony, where the China-UAE Innovation Center signed Memorandums of Understanding with Beijing Rongxin Digital Technology Co.,Ltd. and Shanghai Fudian Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., marking substantial steps in AI industry cooperation between China and the UAE. Beijing Rongxin Digital Technology Co.,Ltd. was honored with the title of “Top Ecological Partner of the China-UAE Innovation Center” at the forum, showcasing its leading position in China-UAE AI cooperation.

From May 29 to 31, 2024, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan paid a state visit to China, marking the deepening of exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of information technology, artificial intelligence, and digital economy. It can be seen that the current cooperation between China and Arab States has reached the highest level in history, and the cooperation in scientific and technological fields such as artificial intelligence and 5G communication is also constantly strengthened.

As early as 2019, Abu Dhabi announced the establishment of the world’s first graduate-level research AI university—Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). Global cooperation and knowledge sharing are at the core of MBZUAI. Andrew Chi-Chi Yao, Dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University, is a member of the university’s board. Dr. Wan Limin, Chief Machine Intelligence Scientist at Alibaba, is a member of the university’s advisory board. By placing AI at the forefront of academia, MBZUAI aims to gather expertise from around the world. The university provides equipment and empowerment to students, businesses, and governments to propel AI as a force for positive global progress. During the same period, Chinese AI unicorn UBTECH Robotics signed an agreement worth $362.4 million to strengthen AI laboratories for students in the UAE. Supported by Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings, UBTECH Robotics signed this agreement with a royal strategic partner under Abu Dhabi Capital Group. Another Chinese AI pioneer, SenseTime Group Limited, has also established a center in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, as its regional R&D center for expansion in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This Chinese facial recognition company, backed by Alibaba Group Holding Limited, began its R&D center operations this year and has established AI capabilities in seven industries, including healthcare, remote sensing, and education.

Ⅱ. Challenges

In January 2024, a committee of the U.S. Congress expressed serious concerns about the close ties between G42, a major Emirati tech company, and China, calling for a comprehensive investigation to determine whether trade restrictions should be imposed. G42, a leader in AI and other cutting-edge technologies in the UAE, is controlled by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, the UAE’s National Security Advisor. The company has established partnerships with U.S. tech giants like Microsoft and Dell. The U.S. government believes that G42’s relationship with China could pose a threat to U.S. national security, prompting demands for the UAE government to sever ties between G42 and China. In this context, the U.S. Congress committee requested the Department of Commerce to conduct a thorough investigation of G42 and its subsidiaries and affiliates and consider imposing trade restrictions. In February of the same year, G42 adjusted its investment strategy. For instance, its $10 billion tech investment fund, 42XFund, has withdrawn all its investments in China.

UAE’s AI Development: China’s Role is Indispensable

As the innovation and economic hub of the Middle East, the UAE is actively seeking to take a leading position in the forefront of artificial intelligence. In this process, Chinese enterprises are playing an increasingly important role with their advanced technology and expertise in AI.

The UAE has set the ambitious goal of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence, investing substantial resources and efforts to achieve this. Concurrently, China has made significant advancements in AI research and development, accumulating a wealth of experience and solutions. When the UAE cannot access AI technology from the Western world, China becomes almost the only option. This mutual interest and complementarity have made AI cooperation between China and the UAE both possible and progressively deepening.

In terms of technology transfer, Chinese companies have established close collaborations with UAE entities. Through joint ventures and technology transfer agreements, the parties have shared advanced knowledge and expertise in areas such as facial recognition, smart cities, and medical AI. This cooperation has not only accelerated the pace of AI applications in the UAE but also promoted joint technological innovation and industrial upgrading. Additionally, Chinese companies are actively involved in AI-driven infrastructure projects in the UAE. For example, Chinese technology and solutions in smart grids and intelligent transportation systems have strongly supported the UAE’s modernization efforts. The successful implementation of these projects has not only elevated the level of urban intelligence in the UAE but also brought more convenient and efficient lifestyles to the local residents.

Moreover, the financial support from Chinese investors to AI startups and projects in the UAE is significant. By injecting capital and resources, Chinese investors have revitalized the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, pushing for deeper cooperation and innovation in AI between the two sides. Chinese tech giants like Huawei, Hikvision, and Alibaba have made significant impacts in the UAE. Huawei’s collaboration with Dubai has achieved remarkable results in smart city solutions, strongly supporting Dubai’s smart transformation. Hikvision, with its leading surveillance technology, has participated in several important security and surveillance projects in the UAE, contributing to local security and stability. Meanwhile, Alibaba Cloud has established a cloud data center in the UAE, providing efficient and reliable AI-driven services to local businesses. Additionally, the “Dubai 10X” initiative implemented in collaboration with Huawei and the joint venture established between Abu Dhabi and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation are exemplary models of China-UAE cooperation. These projects have not only driven cooperation in smart cities and AI between the two sides but also laid a solid foundation for future strategic collaborations.

Through extensive involvement in technology transfer, infrastructure development, investment, and research and development, Chinese enterprises have provided robust support for the advancement of artificial intelligence in the UAE. Although the UAE has adjusted its collaboration with China for certain reasons, China remains an indispensable partner. As cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence between China and the UAE continues to deepen, both parties will persist in their collaborative efforts.

Disclaimer. The views and opinions expressed in this analysis are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MEPEI. Any content provided by our author is of his opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.