Geopolitical Briefing: United Arab Emirates
19 May 2025
- UAE and U.S. finalize a deal permitting the import of 500,000 Nvidia AI chips annually, bolstering Abu Dhabi’s AI infrastructure ambitions.
- Iran proposes a regional uranium enrichment consortium with the UAE and Saudi Arabia to alleviate nuclear tensions.
- UAE expands its Golden Visa program to include five new professional categories, aiming to attract global talent.
- Wynn Resorts advances construction of the UAE’s first casino resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, with plans to open in 2027.
- Disney announces plans for its first Middle East theme park, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, to be developed on Yas Island.(New York Post, The Guardian, The Times of India, Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
On 15 May 2025, the United States and the United Arab Emirates reached a preliminary agreement allowing the UAE to import 500,000 of Nvidia’s advanced AI chips annually starting in 2025. This deal, part of a broader $200 billion AI partnership, includes the construction of a 10-square-mile, 5-gigawatt AI campus in Abu Dhabi, led by Emirati firm G42 in collaboration with U.S. tech companies. The agreement also stipulates that G42 will build comparable data centers in the U.S., reflecting a deepening of strategic and technological ties between the two nations. While this move positions the UAE as a global AI hub, it also underscores its alignment with U.S. geopolitical interests, potentially at the expense of deeper integration with Muslim-majority nations. (Reuters, New York Post)
In a significant diplomatic development, Iran proposed forming a regional uranium enrichment consortium with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The initiative aims to mitigate U.S. concerns over Iran’s nuclear program by involving Gulf states as stakeholders and funders, granting them access to Iranian technology and the opportunity to send engineers for increased transparency. The consortium would operate at Iran’s existing facilities and restrict enrichment to 3.67%, the limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal. This proposal, if accepted, could enhance regional cooperation among Muslim-majority countries and reduce external political pressures. (The Guardian)
The UAE announced an expansion of its Golden Visa program on 14 May 2025, adding five new professional categories: healthcare, education, digital content creation, e-sports, and luxury yacht ownership. This strategic move aims to attract global talent and diversify the professional pool within the country, enhancing its global competitiveness. While this initiative supports economic growth, it may also introduce cultural influences that could challenge traditional Islamic societal norms. (The Times of India)
Wynn Resorts reported significant progress in constructing Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first casino resort, located in Ras Al Khaimah. Scheduled to open in early 2027, the resort will feature 1,542 hotel rooms, a 20,900-square-meter casino, and various luxury amenities. This development marks a notable shift in the UAE’s cultural landscape, potentially impacting the nation’s adherence to Islamic values. (Wikipedia)
On 7 May 2025, Disney announced plans to develop Disneyland Abu Dhabi, its first theme park in the Middle East, on Yas Island. The project, a collaboration between Disney and the Miral Group, aims to blend Disney’s entertainment offerings with Emirati cultural elements. While the park is expected to boost tourism and economic diversification, it may also introduce Western cultural influences that could affect the UAE’s traditional societal framework. (Wikipedia)
