UAE joins US-led Pax Silica initiative to bolster technology supply chain

The UAE has joined the US-led Pax Silica initiative that seeks to secure the AI and semiconductor supply chain, following the signing of a declaration at the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The coalition focuses on the advancement and innovation of compute, silicon, minerals and energy as shared strategic assets. 

It was signed by UAE Minister of State Saeed Al Hajeri and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg in the presence of UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

Al Hajeri highlighted how the UAE is among the first countries invited to join the declaration, having attended the launch of Pax Silica in Washington last December.

He added that the UAE looks forward to work with the US and other signatory members to ensure that AI remains a driver for promoting prosperity. 

Helberg emphasised on the significance of the strategic partnership as a representation of the structural shift in the economic system of the region, indicating the Gulf’s transition to a structure based on the foundations of sustainability. 

He also extended an official invitation signed by US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the UAE to participate in the Ministerial Meeting on Critical Minerals scheduled to be held in Washington in February.