UAE and Malaysia Forge Collaboration Partnership Under The Advance Artificial Intelligence Initiative

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, along with His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE and Malaysia to explore investment opportunities and cooperation under the Advance Artificial Intelligence Initiative.

The Memorandum of Understanding aims to leverage artificial intelligence technologies and advanced data analytics to enhance community safety and operational efficiencies.

The two parties will work under the Memorandum of Understanding to enhance technical cooperation in several key areas, including the development of AI-supported protection systems and the establishment of high-performance computing data centres. This collaboration will contribute to improving customs tax collection mechanisms and enhancing operational efficiency. The memorandum also outlines the exploration of additional areas of cooperation between the two countries.

The Memorandum of Understanding for investment was signed on behalf of the UAE by H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, and on behalf of Malaysia by H.E. Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia.

On the sidelines of the MoU signing, discussions centred 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.

On this occasion, H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi stated: "Our cooperation with Malaysia reaffirms the strength of our bilateral relations and our mutual commitment to enhancing technological innovation, contributing to sustainable development. This Memorandum of Understanding represents an important step that translates the efforts of both countries to foster cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and operational efficiency, in pursuit of the well-being of our nations and improving the quality of life for our citizens.

H.E. continued: "The Memorandum of Understanding reflects both countries' focus on establishing purposeful partnerships that are future-oriented and mutually beneficial, while also contributing to addressing global challenges. We are confident that this new partnership will strengthen the ties between the UAE and Malaysia, bringing long-term benefits to both nations."

For his part, H.E. Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said: "This partnership with the UAE marks an important turning point in supporting Malaysia’s aspirations to become a global leader in the field of artificial intelligence. We aim to leverage advanced AI and data analytics to address complex challenges, such as public safety, while enhancing operational efficiencies."

H.E continued: "The UAE has achieved significant accomplishments in the field of artificial intelligence and technological innovation, recognized globally. This partnership allows us to benefit from its expertise and advanced capabilities in this field. It underscores the strength of the relationship between our two countries and embodies our shared commitment to innovation and mutual progress. We look forward to achieving tangible results together."

This MoU represents a significant leap following the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in October 2024. This achievement is built on the strength of the economic ties between the UAE and Malaysia, with non-oil trade between the two countries reaching USD 2.5 billion in the first half of 2024, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Malaysia is ranked as the 12th largest Asian trading partner of the UAE and the 5th largest among the ASEAN countries. In turn, the UAE is Malaysia's second-largest trading partner in the Arab world, accounting for 32% of Malaysia's trade volume with the region.