POLITICO Tech ‘Compute, not crude’: How American AI is defining the new Middle East
25 snips
May 15, 2025 Mohammed Soliman, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, unpacks the evolving relationship between U.S. tech companies and Gulf states. He highlights a monumental shift from oil-driven partnerships to a focus on AI and innovation, spurred by new leadership in countries like Saudi Arabia. The discussion covers the lucrative $600 billion opportunities in tech, the competitive dynamic with China, and the strategic importance of navigating risks in tech ties. Soliman emphasizes how this transformation is crucial for the U.S. to maintain its global edge.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Gulf: New AI Compute Hub
- The Gulf region is becoming central to AI because it provides a combination of compute essentials: energy, data centers, and microchips.
- This marks a major strategic shift from focusing on oil to focusing on technological infrastructure for AI.
Energy Bottleneck in AI Compute
- Compute for AI hinges on a triangle of ships, energy, and data centers, with energy as the bottleneck.
- The Gulf is critical due to its abundant, low-cost energy and investment in large-scale AI infrastructure.
AI Defines U.S.-Gulf Relations
- The U.S.-Gulf relationship is evolving from oil and security to AI and technology partnerships.
- Tech executives seek investment, customers, and partnership in the Gulf to fuel AI infrastructure.