US Views UAE as Key Partner in the Global Energy 'Arms Race'
As-salamu alaykum. The US says the world is in an “arms race” to build the energy systems needed to run AI, according to US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, speaking before a gathering of global energy leaders in Abu Dhabi this week.
“This is the first time in history that you can take a kilowatt of electricity and actually convert it directly into intelligence,” he said, stressing the need for rapid power build-out to support what he described as the biggest productivity and innovation shift many of us will see.
Mr Burgum called the push to power AI the start of a “next industrial revolution,” saying AI will transform both digital and physical sectors, shape where investment goes, and drive GDP growth in countries that can supply the necessary energy and capital.
American and Chinese firms are competing to create the best AI tech and infrastructure at competitive prices. As the US aims to be a leader in that competition, Mr Burgum said America is strengthening ties with the UAE.
“Both the UAE and the United States are on the same page,” he said, noting investment and cooperation between the two countries in energy and tech. He added that the UAE has a high rate of AI adoption among its population and is applying AI to its energy industries while also investing sovereign wealth into the next generation of technologies.
Ahead of signing an agreement to accelerate energy and AI collaboration, Mr Burgum reminded listeners that AI needs three things: energy, capital, and visionary leadership. He said the partnership can help both nations boost their roles in energy and technology while protecting long-term economic and national security interests for future generations.
“If we don't have the power, we're going to lose the AI arms race,” he warned, noting that even with strengths in chips and software, those technologies require growing amounts of electricity - and that is where the real contest lies.
May Allah grant wisdom to leaders working on these issues and help guide developments toward benefit and justice for people everywhere.
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