Abu Dhabi: H.H. 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, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, have witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE and Malaysia to support joint investment in artificial intelligence (AI), as part of the Malaysia Madani Artificial Intelligence (MMAI) initiative.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership aims to utilize AI and advanced data analytics to enhance community safety, national security, and operational efficiencies. As part of the MoU, both nations will continue collaborating to promote technical cooperation in several key areas, including the development of AI-driven national security systems, establishing high-performance computing data centers and national security operations centers, enhancing customs tax collection, and improving operational efficiencies.
The Investment MoU was officially signed by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, the UAE Minister of Investment, and Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Malaysia's Minister of Home Affairs. On the sidelines of the MoU signing, discussions focused on ways to strengthen bilateral political and economic relations between the UAE and Malaysia. Talks also addressed the latest developments in leveraging advanced technology and artificial intelligence across various sectors, particularly those that positively impact living standards and quality of life.
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi remarked on the collaboration, highlighting the strength of bilateral ties and a shared commitment to technological innovation for sustainable development. He emphasized that the MoU represents a significant step toward enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and operational efficiency, contributing to societal well-being and improving community quality of life. The partnership aims to create meaningful, future-oriented partnerships with mutual benefits and address global challenges.
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail noted that the partnership is crucial for advancing Malaysia's ambitions to become a key player in the global AI landscape. By leveraging AI and advanced data analytics, the collaboration aims to address complex challenges, including public safety, while driving operational efficiencies. The partnership with the UAE, recognized for its strides in AI and technological innovation, strengthens this collaboration by bringing expertise and advanced capabilities.
The Investment MoU marks a significant step forward following the confirmation of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in October 2024. This milestone builds on the strong economic relationship between the UAE and Malaysia, which in the first half of 2024 saw non-oil trade reach US$2.5 billion, reflecting a 7 percent increase from the same period in 2023. Malaysia is the UAE's 12th-largest Asian trading partner and fifth among ASEAN nations, while the UAE is Malaysia's second-largest trade partner in the Arab world, accounting for 32 percent of Malaysia's trade with the region.