Qatar, UAE Join US Led Tech Supply Initiative

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are set to become part of a US led effort to secure artificial intelligence and semiconductor supply chains.

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The expansion of the Pax Silica initiative marks a notable development in regional technology cooperation, bringing Gulf states into a broader framework focused on economic security and supply chain resilience. US Office of the Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs (E) Jacob Helberg said the programme is designed to safeguard critical areas such as advanced manufacturing, computing capacity, data infrastructure and access to key minerals.

According to Helberg, Qatar is expected to sign the Pax Silica declaration on January 12, followed by the United Arab Emirates on January 15. The initiative already includes Israel, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Britain and Australia. Helberg described the framework as “a coalition of capabilities,” noting that participation is based on industrial strengths rather than traditional alliances.

He said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on rival nations while accelerating the Middle East’s economic shift away from energy focused models. Discussions this year will centre on expanding membership, developing strategic projects and coordinating policies to protect critical technology infrastructure. Officials also expect further engagement around regional supply chain modernisation and artificial intelligence cooperation.