Crucially, AI diplomacy will sit at the centre of every panel. Consequently, Gulf policymakers hope to translate research into influence and market access. Meanwhile, analysts watch the venue because massive infrastructure deals now shape alliances. TRENDS Research & Advisory, backed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, is orchestrating the conversations. Moreover, strategic partner G42 symbolizes the region’s homegrown compute ambitions. This article unpacks the agenda, context, and stakes for executives evaluating MENA tech strategies.

Event Sets Strategic Stage

TRENDS announced the programme on 6 November 2025 during a press briefing. However, media syndication via WAM quickly gave the story global reach. The forum will unfold inside the TRENDS Grand Conference Hall in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the UAE Cybersecurity Council provides government heft, while G42 supplies technical muscle. Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and CrowdStrike appear on the partner roster. In contrast, think-tank participation from CSIS ensures Washington’s perspective is heard. Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali called the dialogue a qualitative milestone for regional policymaking. He stressed that emerging technologies now shape economics, security, and international relations simultaneously.

Together, these elements craft a high-visibility platform for policy influence. Stakeholders recognise the symbolism of convening global and regional heavyweights under one roof. Subsequently, attention shifts to the three curated sessions that will drive substantive debate.

Sessions Spotlight Regional Power

The agenda features three sessions designed to capture different vectors of influence. Firstly, “Powering Progress” examines United States–Gulf cooperation across innovation and security. Consequently, officials expect fresh discussion on export controls and joint R&D deals. Secondly, the “Navigating the geopolitics of AI” panel addresses power balances and regulatory models. Moreover, participants will dissect supply chains, compute access, and standards battles. Thirdly, “Soft Power Through AI” links advanced infrastructure to national branding and talent attraction. Awadh Al Breiki confirmed that each panel will produce policy recommendations for publication. Therefore, observers anticipate concrete proposals on data governance and inclusive growth. The session mix mirrors the region’s multifaceted technology ambitions. Debate will move seamlessly from alliances to image management. Meanwhile, underlying investment figures illustrate why the dialogue resonates with markets.

Investments Shape Digital Infrastructure

Capital flows are redefining the regional compute map. Microsoft and G42 recently pledged to add 200 MW of UAE data-centre capacity. Furthermore, the plan carries a price tag exceeding US$15 billion through 2029. At LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia showcased US$14.9 billion in fresh AI infrastructure promises. Consequently, MENA tech ecosystems now compete on latency, energy, and talent. In contrast, smaller states pursue niche cloud offerings to remain relevant. Key numbers underscore the scale:

• US$7.3 billion: Microsoft UAE investment by end-2025
• US$7.9 billion: additional Microsoft commitment for 2026–29
• US$14.9 billion: LEAP 2025 announced regional AI funding
• 200 MW: new capacity planned for UAE data centres

Such figures feed directly into AI diplomacy calculations over hosting sensitive workloads. Moreover, energy demand spurs questions about sustainability and grid resilience. Investors watch regulatory clarity on carbon reporting and renewable incentives. Record funding demonstrates that infrastructure is foreign policy by other means. Financial commitments give negotiators concrete leverage in standard-setting talks. Consequently, regional actors search for win-win opportunities amid rising competition.

Opportunities For Gulf Stakeholders

Substantial upside awaits governments, firms, and researchers. Firstly, expanded compute promises faster model training and local innovation cycles. Secondly, international labs can pilot services closer to emerging user bases. Additionally, AI diplomacy encourages skill transfer through fellowships and joint centres. Professionals can upskill via the AI Government Specialist™ certification. Moreover, academia gains access to industry datasets and compute credits. Thus, research output and citation metrics could accelerate. MENA tech startups may also secure earlier investment rounds by aligning with trusted standards. Key benefits include:

• Higher regional data sovereignty
• Improved cross-border compliance alignment
• Greater investor confidence in governance

Collectively, these benefits strengthen the region’s innovation flywheel. Companies anticipate faster paths from prototype to production. Nevertheless, the upside comes with palpable risks requiring coordinated oversight.

Risks And Governance Challenges

Rapid growth also exposes structural vulnerabilities. Data protection regimes remain fragmented across Gulf and North African jurisdictions. In contrast, supply-chain dependencies on US or Chinese chips raise strategic dilemmas. Furthermore, energy-hungry data centres intensify sustainability debates in arid climates. Scholars warn that unchecked expansion could erode privacy and civil liberties. The geopolitics of AI may polarise standards if blocs harden. Consequently, AI diplomacy must embed safeguards, transparency, and inclusive design principles. Regional regulators explore joint sandboxes to vet high-risk applications. Moreover, independent audit frameworks could increase public trust. The governance gap threatens to undermine investment momentum. Transparent, interoperable rules offer the best antidote to fragmentation. Therefore, academic insights become pivotal for balanced policy crafting.

Scholars Offer Framework Guidance

Recent academic work frames tech diplomacy as essential for MENA’s regulatory evolution. Cambridge University researchers highlight infrastructure alliances as vectors of normative influence. Additionally, the study argues that domestic regulators internalise external standards through funding ties. AI diplomacy can thus operate as soft power without provoking overt confrontation. The geopolitics of AI intersects with this process by rewarding compute access with policy alignment. Meanwhile, global partnerships diversify options, mitigating dependency on a single bloc. Researchers recommend balanced procurement strategies that involve multiple cloud architects. Such diversification supports resilience against supply shocks. Academic evidence reinforces the dialogue’s relevance beyond headline deals. Theory and practice converge inside the Abu Dhabi forum. Subsequently, stakeholders will measure success by post-event deliverables.

Looking Ahead To Outcomes

Participants hope concrete memoranda or joint statements will surface on 13 November. However, even absent signatures, networking may seed future global partnerships in cloud security and research. AI diplomacy thrives on repeated engagement that builds trust incrementally. Consequently, the announcement’s international coverage already advances soft power goals. MENA tech observers will track whether new funds target talent programs or green infrastructure. Furthermore, investors want clarity on export-control compliance for sovereign AI compute clusters. The geopolitics of AI makes such assurances critical for cross-border capital flow. Global partnerships could deliver shared transparency templates and auditing tools. Nevertheless, mismatched domestic regulations might slow adoption unless harmonisation advances quickly. AI diplomacy practitioners will therefore monitor policy timelines alongside technical milestones. Outcome clarity will guide future budget allocations and workforce planning. The dialogue’s ripple effects could reshape regional supply chains for years. In summary, the Abu Dhabi forum signals a maturation of regional technology statecraft. AI diplomacy will frame infrastructure, regulation, and talent strategies across the Gulf. Moreover, the discussions align with mounting capital inflows and escalating sustainability debates. Executives monitoring MENA tech ecosystems should track published recommendations and subsequent funding moves. The geopolitics of AI ensures that every compute decision also carries strategic weight. Consequently, forging resilient global partnerships will remain a boardroom priority. AI diplomacy practitioners can deepen their expertise through ongoing education and certification. Therefore, consider enrolling in the AI Government Specialist™ program to stay competitive. Taking proactive steps today positions professionals to influence tomorrow’s standards and markets. Ultimately, sustained AI diplomacy will define who leads and who follows in the coming decade.