The UAE and the US have agreed to create a bilateral task force to accelerate the development of artificial intelligence tools for military purposes.
U.S. Central Command announced Tuesday that Task Force Talon Synapse is expected to begin “in the coming weeks.”
Based in Abu Dhabi, it will be comprised of approximately 20 U.S. and Emirati employees specializing in AI, data and cybersecurity.
“Both we and our Emirati partners share a strong commitment to deploying AI applications that drive innovation at speed and scale,” said Admiral Brad Cooper, Director of Centcom.
“This will be a historic milestone as we work with one of our most capable regional partners to rapidly deliver evolving AI advances to warfighters.”
According to Centcom, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, floated the idea of establishing an AI and military task force last year.
Centcom said “AI industry leaders and Emirati defense officials” met last month during a trip to the region to discuss details.
The UAE is striving to establish itself as a regional leader in AI. In 2019, the country announced the establishment of a university specializing in this technology, the Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.
The UAE was also one of the first countries to appoint an AI Minister, Omar Al Olama, who currently serves as Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
Plans for a 5GW UAE-US AI campus were announced during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE in 2025.
After a long effort to win permission from the United States to obtain powerful Nvidia chips considered essential for building AI, the UAE received its first shipment of semiconductors in June.
In early July, the United States said it would “significantly improve” the UAE’s export status in recognition of the UAE’s defense assistance, including during the war with Iran.
Bilateral trade between the United States and the UAE reached $34.4 billion last year, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
