Former President Donald Trump's recent visit to the Gulf region has prompted a major shift in U. S. artificial intelligence (AI) policy, enabling the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia to emerge as new AI powerhouses. This marks a clear strategic realignment in American tech policy toward the Gulf, departing significantly from the Biden administration’s prior cautious approach. During his visit, Trump, supported by top technology CEOs, secured multimillion-dollar agreements granting these nations access to advanced AI chips and technologies. These components are expected to enhance the UAE’s and Saudi Arabia’s technological capabilities, supporting their ambitions to become leaders in AI innovation and application. This change reflects a broader U. S. strategic recalibration. Under Biden, the Gulf was approached with caution due to fears it might serve as a gateway for Chinese access to sensitive U. S. technology, emphasizing restrictions to prevent adversaries from infiltrating key AI sectors. In contrast, the Trump-led policy focuses on building direct partnerships with Gulf countries to strengthen U. S.

leadership in the global AI ecosystem. David Sacks, Trump's appointed AI czar, praised these agreements as a strategic breakthrough, stating that empowering the UAE and Saudi Arabia expands America’s global AI influence, reinforces its technological dominance, and fosters economic growth and innovation collaboration. Gulf leaders have welcomed these developments enthusiastically. With significant energy wealth, the UAE and Saudi Arabia seek to modernize and diversify their economies beyond oil and gas by adopting advanced AI technologies and partnering with leading U. S. firms. This aligns with national initiatives like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which prioritizes technological advancement for sustainable development. However, controversies have emerged. Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns over the lack of strong safeguards in these AI technology transfers, warning that inadequate security might allow hostile actors to access sensitive U. S. technologies through the Gulf, threatening national security and global tech leadership. The current White House administration aims to balance technology security with economic opportunity, asserting that engagement with Gulf partners can be managed to reduce risks without hindering innovation or growth. Meanwhile, some tech sector leaders caution against overly restrictive AI export regulations, arguing that excessive controls could weaken U. S. companies’ global competitiveness and inadvertently benefit China by limiting American firms’ strategic partnerships, thus ceding ground in the crucial AI race. This evolving situation highlights the complex tension among national security, economic interests, and technological innovation shaping AI policy. The strategic decision to empower Gulf nations with cutting-edge AI capabilities through renewed partnerships signals a significant U. S. foreign and technology policy shift with profound implications for global AI development and geopolitical dynamics going forward.