One does not need to be a computer expert to understand how much of modern life revolves around advanced technology. From autonomous cars and navigation systems to AI-enabled household gadgets and Chat GPT, millions of people are influenced by the digital revolution on a daily basis.
Key to these transformative technologies is what powers them. So important have some small components become that they are subject to export controls and high-level trade negotiations. In the case of today’s powerful microchips, such as those made by US tech manufacturer Nvidia, they sit on government lists alongside other sensitive technologies such as military hardware and advanced lasers.
The indispensability of such crucial technology was once again highlighted on Monday when US tech giant Microsoft announced that amid its plans to invest $15.2 billion in the UAE by 2030, it would be able to obtain licences from the US government to supply the Emirates with thousands of Nvidia graphics processing units.
“Washington doesn't hand out these licences lightly,” Mohammed Soliman, technology analyst and senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told The National. “It means they're confident in the safeguards, the operator and the bilateral relationship."
Microsoft also feels the UAE is the right place to do business.
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