The UAE US partnership was the focus of a UAE delegation visit to Washington, DC. The delegation was led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology. The visit centered on advanced science and technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space, and quantum computing.

The delegation held a series of meetings with senior US government officials. It also met with heads of research institutions, think tanks, and technology companies.

The delegation included Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council. Dr. Mohamed Alkhemairi, Executive Director of the Research and Development Ecosystem at the Advanced Technology Research Council, also joined. Representatives from the UAE Space Agency and Space42 were part of the group as well.

Sharaf met with Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The two discussed opportunities to advance the technological partnership between both countries. They also exchanged views on rapid developments in science and technology and on ways to support shared interests.

Sharaf then met with Jacob Helberg, Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. He also met with Adam Cassady, Ambassador-at-Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy at the US Department of State.

These meetings addressed ways to expand cooperation in advanced artificial intelligence, quantum and secure technologies, cybersecurity, and trusted digital infrastructure. In addition, they covered information sharing and preparedness for future technologies, including post-quantum cryptography.

Meetings with the US Department of Commerce focused on trade and technology cooperation. They also covered trade facilitation and export administration. Furthermore, the talks addressed the recent US decision to elevate the UAE to Country Group A:5 status under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

The visit also included meetings with US think tanks, research institutions, and private-sector companies. These included the Hudson Institute, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the US-UAE Business Council, and the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). The delegation also met IonQ, a quantum computing company.

Discussions explored ways to build the UAE US partnership in advanced technologies. They also looked at strengthening cooperation among government entities, research institutions, and the private sector in both countries.

Sharaf also took part in a discussion hosted by Johns Hopkins University. The session was titled “Technology, Power and the New Global Order.” It examined the growing role of emerging technologies in shaping international relations and the global economy. Participants also highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space, critical minerals, and strategic technologies in the period ahead.

Sharaf affirmed that the UAE and the United States share a strong and enduring strategic partnership. He said it is grounded in innovation, scientific and technological progress, and long-term investment. He also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its position as an open, responsible, and trusted technology partner.

Finally, he stressed the importance of continued dialogue and coordination between the two countries. He also underscored the need for stronger partnerships among governments, research institutions, and the private sector. In his view, this would turn technological opportunities into practical and sustainable initiatives that expand the UAE US partnership across priority sectors.

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