US President Joe Biden on Thursday issued the first-ever National Security Memorandum on the use of artificial intelligence, which lays out a roadmap to govern the technology and could have profound implications for Gulf countries, especially the United Arab Emirates.

The memo, or NSM, is framed as providing further direction on “appropriately harnessing” AI models and AI-enabled technologies in the US government, but also outlines numerous objectives and action items relevant to the global AI race — from cooperation with allies to guarding against risks associated with technology transfer and data localization requirements. 

“The NSM is a clear indication that Washington will proactively deploy export controls to safeguard its intellectual property,” said Mohammed Soliman, director of the Middle East Institute’s strategic technologies and cyber security program. The objective, he added, is to maintain AI leadership and prevent any spillover effects, particularly to China. That has implications for both the UAE and Saudi Arabia as they seek advanced chips to advance AI ambitions. 

Senior administration officials who briefed reporters ahead of the release of the memo said that under the document the Pentagon and intelligence agencies will be directed to “the most powerful AI systems and put them to use” while safeguarding the technology to curb competition from China and other rivals.