The President of China, Xi Jinping, has announced a significant commitment to enhancing cooperation with Arab countries by establishing ten joint laboratories. These laboratories will operate in vital areas such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, green development, modern agriculture, space technology, and information. This announcement was made during his keynote address at the Tenth Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.
Economic relations between China and the Middle East have witnessed a strong presence, including an increase in non-oil trade and massive energy shipments. In just the past year, a deal worth 50 billion yuan was concluded between China and the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
China is steadily progressing towards prosperity, and its success in attracting massive international investments annually has made it a significant player in the field of artificial intelligence development. In response, the Middle East has shown interest in Chinese AI companies, seeking strategic partnerships to tap into new markets and enhance regional influence.
In the Middle East, major technological companies with strong government ties are leading the development of artificial intelligence technology. For instance, Huawei’s partnership in Bahrain with the University of Bahrain and the Sheikh Nasser Center for AI Research and Development demonstrates flourishing cooperation in AI. Similarly, Huawei has established a data center in Riyadh and pledged over 400 million dollars in cloud computing in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, SenseTime is collaborating with Saudi Arabia on developing smart cities, digital tourism, and surveillance infrastructure for the billion-dollar NEOM project.
The essential role of academic cooperation between universities in China and the Middle East is evident in close relationships with institutions like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). These partnerships are crucial for advancing the field of artificial intelligence in the region.
The establishment of joint laboratories between China and Arab countries is a strategic step through which China aims to strengthen its diplomatic and economic relations with Arab nations, particularly in sectors of mutual interest and potential for development. By focusing on areas such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, and green development, both sides can leverage their strengths to address common challenges.
