Biden Hosts Emirati President in First UAE Leader Visit to U.S. in Years

On September 23, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with President Joe Biden at the White House. This marked the first visit by an Emirati leader to the United States since the UAE’s establishment in 1971.

The two leaders engaged in discussions covering various topics such as trade, technology, artificial intelligence, space exploration, energy, and climate action, as reported by the Emirates News Agency. They also tackled the escalating tensions in the Middle East, especially concerning the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, while underscoring their “strategic partnership.”

Prior to their meeting, President Biden highlighted the significance of their longstanding relationship, stating, “Today, we honor that legacy to carry our relationship forward as the UAE is a nation of trailblazers, always looking to the future.” He emphasized the need for both nations to continue making substantial commitments to one another.

During their conversation, Sheikh Mohammed expressed his “unwavering commitment to work with the United States to deepen the strategic partnership between our two nations,” as conveyed by an interpreter present in the Oval Office.

One significant outcome of their meeting was an agreement on advancing artificial intelligence and associated technologies. A statement from the White House indicated that both leaders recognized the “tremendous potential for AI for good,” which includes fostering economic growth, transforming education and healthcare, creating job opportunities, and driving sustainable practices.

However, they also acknowledged the challenges and risks posed by emerging technologies and stressed the importance of implementing safeguards and protections regarding these advancements.

Sheikh Mohammed and President Biden agreed to collaborate on promoting ethical AI research and development and enhancing efforts related to cybersecurity. They also planned to focus on talent development and exchange while promoting clean energy to support an AI future, particularly in developing regions.

Later on, Sheikh Mohammed was set to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris to further discuss the war in Gaza. The UAE has expressed its dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in reaching a cease-fire agreement amidst ongoing hostilities that have persisted for nearly a year.

In a notable statement last week, the Emirates declared it would not support any post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza unless there was a clear path to establishing a Palestinian state.

“The UAE is not prepared to endorse the aftermath of the Gaza conflict without addressing the need for a Palestinian state,” asserted Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s foreign minister, via social media.

Furthermore, during the discussions, Biden intended to bring attention to the crisis in Sudan. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned the necessity of escalating efforts to establish humanitarian assistance routes and secure a cease-fire in the region.

In light of the ongoing crisis in Sudan, Biden had last week urged the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, to cease their aggressive actions, which have severely impacted Sudanese civilians. The Emirates has been noted for providing weapons to factions in the ongoing conflict, which has led to a declared famine following 18 months of warfare.

Sheikh Mohammed’s visit aims to transform the U.S.-Emirates relationship beyond the historical emphasis on oil trading. “We are looking to realign our relationship with America for the next decade,” noted Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic advisor to the president.

Gargash emphasized that despite occasional discussions about tensions, the primary narrative is that the UAE-U.S. partnership remains vital. “This is our most important strategic relationship, regardless of fair or foul weather,” he added.