UAE, US Strengthen Tech Ties at CES 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States (US) continue to bolster their strategic partnership in advanced technology and innovation.

At CES 2025, a premier global technology event in Las Vegas, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, held discussions with senior US officials and business leaders. The talks underscored the UAE’s commitment to enhancing technology ties with the US and positioning itself as a global hub for innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced technologies.

The UAE delegation, comprising government officials and business leaders, focused on strengthening long-term UAE-US technology partnerships and promoting collaboration. Al Zeyoudi met with key figures, including Nevada Lt. Governor Stavros Anthony and representatives from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the Las Vegas Chamber.

The discussions highlighted the UAE’s value proposition, which includes world-class infrastructure, a skilled talent pool, and a business-friendly ecosystem that connects companies to high-growth markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi emphasized the opportunities for US companies, stating: “The UAE’s dynamic tech ecosystem, bolstered by initiatives like NextGen FDI, offers fresh opportunities for US companies looking to scale their operations and access high-growth markets. Total UAE investment in the US already tops $35 billion, and officials from both countries are working together to create additional opportunities for businesses and investors. As we expand our partnerships in advanced technology, we aim to foster innovation, create jobs, and accelerate the adoption of next-generation technologies.”

During his visit, Al Zeyoudi also participated in a panel discussion on geopolitical trends and challenges, offering insights into global trade and highlighting the UAE’s pivotal role in bridging markets and facilitating seamless trade flows. Through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, the UAE is actively expanding trade relations with strategic global markets.

Al Zeyoudi’s engagements extended to C-suite executives from major tech companies specializing in AI, health, and automotive technologies, including Accenture, Qualcomm, Skylo, the Consumer Technology Association, and MGM Resorts International.

The UAE is the US’ fourth-largest trading partner globally, contributing 4.8% to its total non-oil trade. From January to September 2024, bilateral non-oil trade reached $28.3 billion—a 46.2% increase from the same period in 2019. The UAE also remains the US’ top trading partner in the Arab world, accounting for 27% of the US’ trade with the region.

In terms of investments, the UAE holds over $35 billion in FDI assets in the US, more than half of all Arab investments in the country. Conversely, US investments in the UAE exceeded $5 billion by the end of 2022.

This strengthened collaboration at CES 2025 marks another milestone in the UAE-US partnership, reflecting their shared vision for innovation and economic growth in the tech-driven era.