UAE, Malaysia ink agreement to collaborate on AI, tech

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing joint investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and advancing technological collaboration between the UAE and Malaysia.

The agreement, signed during a high-level ceremony attended by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, seeks to support the Malaysia Madani Artificial Intelligence (MMAI) initiative.

The partnership will leverage AI and advanced data analytics to enhance national security, community safety, and operational efficiencies across both nations.

The MoU will see the two countries promoting technical cooperation in several key areas.

These include the development of AI-driven national security systems, the establishment of high-performance computing data centres and national security operations centres, and improvements in customs tax collection and other operational processes.

The agreement was officially signed by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, the UAE Minister of Investment, and Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Malaysia’s Minister of Home Affairs.

In the presence of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and Tahnoon bin Zayed, the UAE and Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in artificial intelligence and use AI to enhance community safety and operational efficiencies. pic.twitter.com/Cxylw2PqxX

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) January 13, 2025

Fostering technological innovation

Speaking at the event, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi emphasised the importance of the collaboration to help foster technological innovation for sustainable development.

“This MoU represents a significant step toward enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and operational efficiency, contributing to the well-being of our societies and improving quality of life for our communities,” he said. “We are confident that this new partnership will deepen the connections between the UAE and Malaysia, delivering significant long-term benefits for both countries.”

Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted Malaysia’s ambition to become a global leader in AI. “This partnership with the UAE represents a crucial step in advancing Malaysia’s ambitions to become a key player in the global AI landscape,” he said. “By leveraging cutting-edge AI and advanced data analytics, we aim to address complex challenges, including public safety, while driving greater operational efficiencies.”

UAE-Malaysia MoU builds on CEPA

The signing of the MoU follows the confirmation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the countries in October 2024.

The deal builds on a growing economic relationship, with non-oil trade between the two nations reaching $2.5bn in H1 2024, marking a 7 per cent increase from the same period in 2023.

Malaysia is the UAE’s 12th-largest trading partner in Asia and fifth among ASEAN nations, while the UAE is the Asian country’s second-largest trade partner in the Arab world, accounting for 32 per cent of its trade with the region.

Malaysian PM meets Sheikh Mohammed

In other news, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also met with the Malaysian Prime Minister at Za’abeel Palace in Dubai, during the Malaysian leader’s official visit.

The meeting, attended by senior UAE officials including Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focused on strengthening the longstanding ties between the UAE and Malaysia. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the importance of deepening bilateral relations, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration in sectors like trade, investment, tourism, and innovation.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the UAE’s remarkable achievements and expressed his country’s interest in leveraging the UAE’s expertise in development, innovation, and sustainability.

Both leaders discussed expanding their strategic partnership, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, food security, technology, and data centres, with a shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and supporting mutual goals for future growth.