AI-hungry Middle East nations retreat from China to please U.S.

UAE, Saudis want American tech, but need other partners like Japan

20250102N Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates is investing heavily in advanced fields like AI and space technology. © Reuters

TAKESHI KUMON, Nikkei senior staff writer

TOKYO -- Oil-rich Middle Eastern countries seeking technology from the U.S. and elsewhere are rethinking their ties with China, looking to Japan and other nations as President-elect Donald Trump's return to office this month heralds intensifying tensions with Beijing.

The United Arab Emirates has a long history of economic ties with Japan, exporting energy and importing automobiles. The areas of cooperation have expanded rapidly in recent years, covering decarbonization, space, semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

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