Tech Industry's Engagement with Gulf Monarchies and Shifting Silicon Valley Ideologies

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The chapter explores the growing involvement of Gulf monarchies in the tech sector, particularly Saudi Arabia, and the concerns about potential misuse of advanced technology. It delves into the complexities of relationships with Gulf countries, the alignment with US interests, and the collaboration with China amid uncertain landscapes. Additionally, the chapter discusses the evolving ideologies in Silicon Valley towards nationalism, American interests, and partnerships with the government, reflecting on the industry's identity crisis amidst global tensions and supply chain issues.

Paris Marx is joined by Nitasha Tiku to discuss how US tech companies are flocking to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to fund their expensive AI ambitions.

Nitasha Tiku is a tech culture reporter at the Washington Post.

Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.

The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Read the pieces Nitasha contributed to on Silicon Valley getting funding from Saudia Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and its embrace of the US military.
Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul in 2018. There’s still be no accountability.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman met with many Silicon Valley CEOs months before Khashoggi’s murder.
The United Arab Emirates launched its own AI strategy in 2018.
The UAE also put Pegasus spyware on the phone of Khashoggi’s wife months before his murder.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was photographed signing a woman’s chest on June 4.
Many Arab Americans in Silicon Valley have reported being scared to speak out in support of Palestinians for fear of retaliation.