U.A.E. Signs Pax Silica Declaration, Advancing U.S.–U.A.E. Partnership on AI and Supply Chain Security
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Left to Right: Jacob Helberg, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs and H.E. Saeed Alhajeri, U.A.E. Minister of State.

“If the 20th century ran on oil and steel, the 21st century runs on compute and the minerals that feed it,” said U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg at the signing event for the Pax Silica Declaration in the U.A.E.

The big picture:
The United Arab Emirates signed the Pax Silica Declaration on January 14, 2026 reinforcing its role as a key U.S. partner in advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and secure global supply chains—areas that sit at the center of the evolving U.S.–U.A.E. economic relationship.

What happened:

  • The signing took place at the newly opened Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi.
  • Attendees included U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, U.A.E. Minister of Foreign Trade H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, U.A.E. Minister of State H.E. Saeed Alhajeri, and U.A.E. Ambassador to the U.S. H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba.
  • President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council Danny Sebright attended in support of the agreement, which aligns closely with the Council’s work on advanced technology and supply chain partnerships.

Why it matters:
Pax Silica is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship effort to build a trusted economic security framework among allies and partners at a time when AI, compute, and critical minerals are reshaping the global economy.

H.E. Ambassador Al Otaiba noted, “Pax Silica reinforces the U.A.E.–U.S. technology partnership and contributes to a stable, secure foundation for the Silicon Age — one that supports long-term growth, opportunity and shared prosperity.” 

As Helberg added, “We are currently making the choices about who we partner with to rebuild the architecture of the global economy,” emphasizing the importance of trust in supply chains, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence systems.

Between the lines:
Helberg framed the agreement as a generational shift—from energy systems anchored in hydrocarbons to what he described as “Silicon Statecraft.”

Standing in Abu Dhabi, he underscored the strategic alignment between both countries, stating that “the United Arab Emirates is, and will be, a cherished partner of choice for the United States for decades to come.”

What’s next:
For the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, the U.A.E.’s signing of Pax Silica reinforces a shared agenda to deepen cooperation on trustworthy AI, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and resilient supply chains—mobilizing private-sector innovation to drive long-term growth and economic security across both economies.

For more information on the U.S.-U.A.E. Pax Silica initiative, please see Undersecretary Helberg’s full remarks and H.E. Ambassador Al Otaiba’s speech at the signing event. 

For more information on the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s technology programming, please contact Maggie Paddock at mpaddock@usuaebusiness.org. 

Left to Right: U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Eric Gaudiosi, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, U.A.E. Minister of State H.E. Saeed Alhajeri, U.A.E. Minister of Foreign Trade H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, and U.A.E. Ambassador to the U.S. H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba.