
UAE Eyes Major Leap in AI with Potential Nvidia Chip Deal
This potential deal marks a notable shift from the stringent export controls implemented during the Biden administration, which aimed to limit the proliferation of advanced AI technologies to certain regions. The Trump administration's consideration of this agreement aligns with its broader strategy to bolster alliances and counterbalance China's growing technological influence.
G42 has been at the forefront of the UAE's AI ambitions, developing a bilingual Arabic-English large language model named Jais and collaborating with global tech giants to enhance its capabilities. The firm's efforts to sever ties with Chinese entities and comply with U.S. regulations have been pivotal in facilitating this prospective deal.
The U.S. Department of Commerce's introduction of the Validated End User program has further streamlined the export process for advanced technologies to trusted partners. Under this program, foreign data centers that meet rigorous security and compliance standards can receive AI chips without the need for individual export licenses. This initiative aims to safeguard national security while promoting international technological collaboration.
Nvidia's advanced chips, particularly the H100 and the newer GB300 Blackwell models, are integral to the development of cutting-edge AI applications. The company's collaboration with Saudi Arabia's AI startup, Humain, to deliver 18,000 AI chips underscores the region's commitment to becoming a global AI hub. These chips are set to power a 500-megawatt data center in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Gulf's substantial investments in AI infrastructure.
See also stc Group Named Leading Workplace for Growth in Saudi Arabia
The UAE's strategic partnerships extend beyond Nvidia. A notable collaboration between Microsoft and G42 has received U.S. approval, allowing the export of advanced AI chips to a Microsoft-operated facility in the UAE. This partnership is part of a broader U.S. effort to counter China's Digital Silk Road initiative by strengthening technological ties with Gulf nations.
Despite these advancements, concerns persist regarding the potential for U.S. technologies to be accessed by adversarial nations. The U.S. government has imposed strict conditions on these deals, including prohibitions on the use of exported chips for model training by individuals from countries under U.S. arms embargoes, such as China. Regular audits and compliance checks are mandated to ensure adherence to these restrictions.
The UAE's pursuit of AI sovereignty is evident in its initiatives to develop indigenous AI capabilities and infrastructure. Core42, a subsidiary of G42, has established a 'regulated technology environment' to deploy Nvidia's H100 Tensor chips securely within the country. This setup ensures that sensitive technologies are handled under strict guidelines, aligning with the UAE's objectives to safeguard data and maintain control over its AI systems.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Al Ain to host Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship
International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) has announced that the inaugural Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 will take place from August 1 to 3, 2025, at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. This initiative is held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and under the banner of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP). The event aims to cater to the surging global demand for combat sports, particularly grappling, one of the world's fastest-growing disciplines. The championship will feature hundreds of male and female athletes from over 20 countries, welcoming participants of all skill levels from youth and amateurs to masters and professionals. Across three action-packed days, the event will showcase elite competition, further cementing Al Ain Region's status as a premier destination for world-class combat sports. Saeed AL Dhaheri, Destination Management Department Director at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'As Abu Dhabi grows in prominence as a hub for major global sporting events, combat sports have emerged as an increasingly important pillar of our sport and entertainment vision for the emirate. Joining such IPs as Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC Fight Nights, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, we are proud to welcome the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship to our portfolio of leading events. We look forward to new audiences in Al Ain Region and across Abu Dhabi being introduced to this exciting and increasingly popular sport.' Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of International Vision Sports Management, said: 'We are proud to launch the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship, the first of its kind globally, in Al Ain Region, Abu Dhabi. This event underscores the UAE's leadership in hosting elite combat sports, offering a platform for athletes worldwide to excel. 'With the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, we aim to deliver unparalleled competition and establish a lasting legacy for grappling in the region.' As part of the AJP Tour, the championship will adhere to the highest international standards. Competitors of all nationalities can participate across age divisions (U14, U16, U18, 18+, and 35+) in both amateur and professional categories. Winners will earn 2,000 ranking points and substantial cash prizes, ensuring fierce competition and top-tier performances. The event's opening day will focus on professional bouts up to the semi-finals, followed by youth and amateur competitions on the second day. The championship will conclude with third-place playoffs and thrilling finals.


Al Etihad
3 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Modon Holding posts Dh2.1 billion profit in H1
28 July 2025 22:42 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Modon Holding delivered a net profit of Dh2.1 billion for the first half of 2025, marking a 4.2-fold increase compared to the same period last year (excluding one-off items), on the back of strong real estate sales, improved recurring income, and strategic Abu Dhabi-headquartered holding company also saw its revenue triple year-on-year to Dh6.5 billion, supported by high demand for new property launches and a growing portfolio of income-generating assets across hospitality, events, and asset management segments. Group EBITDA rose 4-fold to Dh2.9 billion, with margins expanding to 44%, driven by synergies, efficiency gains, and a more balanced portfolio mix.A key highlight was the company's record Dh10 billion in real estate sales, fuelled by strong uptake of flagship developments on Reem and Hudayriyat Islands. The firm's total revenue backlog reached Dh33 billion, providing strong forward visibility. Total assets climbed to Dh85 billion, up 12% from end-2024, while equity rose to Dh53 Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi said the first-half results marked 'another pivotal chapter' in Modon's transformation. 'Exceptional commercial performance and strategic delivery continue to accelerate our transformation, enabling us to scale across high-impact sectors. We remain focused on long-term value creation while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for investment, innovation and sustainable urban development.'Group Managing Director Abdullah Al Sahi highlighted the disciplined execution of Modon's strategy. 'Continued expansion into priority markets such as the UK and North America, alongside targeted growth across Egypt and Spain, reflects our commitment to building a future-ready portfolio with global reach.'Group CEO Bill O'Regan attributed the strong results to Modon's diversified model and focused execution. 'Revenue and EBITDA grew significantly, driven by high-demand real estate launches, stable recurring income and disciplined capital deployment. Record sales of Dh10 billion and a robust development pipeline reinforce forward visibility.' Modon also advanced its international footprint with investments in the UK and Egypt, including the launch of Gridora, a new infrastructure platform, and the acquisition of global events firm Arena. With Dh5.5 billion in sales already recorded in July through its Wadeem residential plot launch, Modon enters the second half with strong momentum.


Gulf Today
5 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Gold falls on US-EU trade deal agreement
Gold fell to a near three-week low on Monday as a US-European Union trade accord lifted the dollar and risk sentiment, while investors awaited fresh cues on rate policy from this week's Federal Reserve meeting. Spot gold fell 1% to $3,304.87 per ounce as of 10:10am, touching its lowest level since July 9. US gold futures were down 0.6% at $3,320.20 per ounce. The US dollar index rose to a one-week high, making bullion more expensive for overseas buyers. A weekend deal between US President Donald Trump and the European Commission imposed a 15% tariff on EU goods, half the rate initially threatened, easing fears of a broader trade war. That pact came on the heels of last week's US-Japan agreement, while US and Chinese officials will resume talks in Stockholm on Monday, aiming to extend their trade truce by another 90 days. However, a US trade representative said no major breakthrough was expected with China, noting discussions would focus on monitoring and implementing existing commitments. The US Federal Reserve is expected to keep its benchmark rate in the 4.25%-4.50% range when its two-day meeting concludes on Wednesday. Markets, meanwhile, continue to price in a potential September rate reduction. Gold tends to do well in a low-interest-rate environment. Elsewhere, spot silver was down 0.2% at $38.05 per ounce, while platinum fell 1.8% at $1,375.88 and palladium gained 0.5% to $1,226.25. Reuters