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 MoU, signed during a high-profile ceremony attended by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, seeks to support Malaysia’s Madani Artificial Intelligence (MMAI) initiative. The partnership aims to leverage AI and advanced data analytics to improve national security, community safety, and operational efficiencies in both countries.
The agreement will promote technical cooperation in key areas, including 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 MoU was officially signed by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Malaysia’s Minister of Home Affairs.
Fostering Technological Innovation
Speaking at the event, Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi emphasized the importance of this collaboration in fostering 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 the 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.”
Building on CEPA
The MoU follows the confirmation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations in October 2024. The deal builds on the growing economic relationship between the UAE and Malaysia, with non-oil trade between the countries reaching $2.5 billion in the first half of 2024, marking a 7% increase from the same period in 2023.
Malaysia is the UAE’s 12th-largest trading partner in Asia and the fifth-largest among ASEAN nations. The UAE, in turn, is Malaysia’s second-largest trade partner in the Arab world, accounting for 32% of its trade with the region.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
In a separate development, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the latter’s official visit to Dubai. 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 emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral relations, with a focus on enhancing collaboration in sectors such as trade, investment, tourism, and innovation. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised the UAE’s remarkable achievements and expressed Malaysia’s interest in leveraging the UAE’s expertise in development, innovation, and sustainability.
Both leaders discussed expanding their strategic partnership in areas such as renewable energy, food security, technology, and data centres, sharing a commitment to advancing sustainable development and supporting mutual goals for future growth.
