By Staff Reporter
WASHINGTON, October 5, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates and the United States are moving to deepen cooperation in advanced technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space and quantum computing following high-level meetings in Washington, DC.
UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology Omran Sharaf led a UAE delegation in meetings with senior US government officials, research institutions, think tanks and technology companies aimed at expanding the strategic technology partnership between the two countries.
The delegation included UAE Government Cybersecurity Council head Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Advanced Technology Research Council Executive Director for the Research and Development Ecosystem Dr Mohamed Alkhemairi, and representatives from the UAE Space Agency and Space42.
Sharaf met Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, to discuss developments in science and technology and opportunities to advance cooperation in areas of shared interest.
He also held talks with US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jacob Helberg and Ambassador-at-Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Adam Cassady.
The discussions covered artificial intelligence, quantum and secure technologies, cybersecurity and trusted digital infrastructure, including preparations for emerging technologies such as post-quantum cryptography.
The UAE delegation also met officials at the US Department of Commerce to discuss trade and technology cooperation, export administration and the recent US decision to elevate the UAE to Country Group A:5 status under the Export Administration Regulations.
Sharaf and the delegation also held discussions with the Hudson Institute, Center for Strategic and International Studies, US-UAE Business Council, Software & Information Industry Association and quantum computing company IonQ.
The meetings focused on creating new partnerships between governments, research institutions and the private sector in strategic technology sectors.
Sharaf separately participated in a Johns Hopkins University discussion titled “Technology, Power and the New Global Order,” which examined the growing influence of emerging technologies on international relations and the global economy.
He said the UAE-US relationship remained anchored in innovation, scientific advancement and long-term investment, while reaffirming the UAE’s ambition to remain an open, responsible and trusted technology partner.
The visit comes as both countries seek to expand cooperation in strategic technologies with implications for economic growth, national security and the future global technology landscape.
