The Gulf states, notably the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, are making substantial investments in artificial intelligence (AI) with support from the United States. The UAE has launched Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI to develop local talent, foster startups, and serve as the nation’s AI research and development hub. Additionally, the UAE will integrate AI education into school curricula starting in the 2025–2026 academic year to equip the next generation with AI skills and bolster its leadership in innovation. Saudi Arabia, backed by US technology firms, plans to establish an "AI ZONE" featuring advanced infrastructure, industry clusters, and 500 megawatts of AI-focused factories to accelerate AI development. This collaboration reflects a strategic partnership aimed at maintaining technological dominance, with figures such as former President Donald Trump and companies like OpenAI expressing strong commercial interest in the region's AI initiatives.