Expanding bilateral relations in blockchain infrastructure and AI innovation—two areas widely viewed as crucial in determining global leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution—was the main focus of the discussion. The conversation focused on the United States and the United Arab Emirates’ common goal of leading the way in digital transformation via innovation, governance, and ecosystem growth.
Sheikh Tahnoun emphasized the expanding momentum in economic cooperation between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, pointing to digital assets and artificial intelligence as essential pillars for creating a robust, future-ready digital economy. “We are concentrating on coordinating strategic frameworks to facilitate intelligent, sustainable development that satisfies the desires of coming generations,” he said.
David Sacks described the exchange as “meaningful,” noting the urgent need for strong global partnerships to set standards in fast-moving sectors such as AI and blockchain. “The nation that builds its tech alliances fastest will emerge strongest,” Sacks said, underscoring the importance of AI diplomacy and regulatory clarity. He also cautioned that while the U.S. maintains a lead in innovation, rivals like China are rapidly closing the gap.
Sacks, a vocal advocate for blockchain transparency and reform, reiterated his call for building trust in digital asset frameworks. He also referenced a recent speech by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance in Paris, reinforcing the need for the U.S. to become the “partner of choice” for global allies in tech innovation—or risk ceding ground in strategic industries.
For Sheikh Tahnoun, the meeting continued his broader efforts to position the UAE as a hub for forward-looking investment and digital advancement. He emphasized the economic opportunities at the intersection of AI and cryptocurrencies, noting that visionary partnerships would be key to driving sustainable impact across industries.
This discussion comes after a string of high-level meetings between U.S. officials and the United Arab Emirates. A $7 billion investment in the “Stargate” project, which intends to construct a network of AI-driven data centers in the US, was launched in March by MGX, an initiative purportedly supported by Sheikh Tahnoun.
Sheikh Tahnoun also recently met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss ways to increase IT investment and commerce between the two nations.
The most recent conversations with David Sacks reinforce a common dedication to influencing the global AI and blockchain landscape via collaboration, ingenuity, and strategic policy alignment.
