While Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung Semiconductor have not stated that they are in talks to explore building factories in the UAE, their interest could contribute to the Gulf country's AI ambitions.
TSMC told The National on Monday that it is "always open to constructive discussion on ways to promote development of the semiconductor industry", but declined to comment on a report in The Wall Street Journal on Sunday stating its intent.
The company, whose clients include bellwethers Apple, Nvidia, AMD, Qualcomm and Intel, said it "remain[s] focused on our current global expansion projects and have no new investment plans to disclose at this time".
Seoul-based Samsung did not respond to a request for comment.
Nonetheless, the companies' alleged interest is another signal of the UAE's growing technology influence, potentially providing a boost to global manufacturers' supply chains and their strategic plans.
TSMC and Samsung are the second and fifth biggest chipmakers by market capitalisation, respectively.
Their entry "would signify a monumental shift for the global chip industry and could catalyse the Middle East's evolution as a formidable tech hub", Ziad Nasr, general manager of cyber security firm Acronis Middle East, told The National.
It could also provide a strategic advantage, as the UAE offers a regional base with supply-chain resilience and supports growing demand for advanced computing, he said.
"This move reflects the UAE's ambition to diversify its economy and position itself at the forefront of the global technology landscape, particularly in the artificial intelligence and semiconductor industries."
For the global chip industry, it would create a "new power centre" in AI and advanced computing, with the Middle East potentially transitioning from being a technology consumer to a major producer and innovator, said Andreas Hassellof, chief executive of Dubai-based tech firm Ombori.
"Geopolitically, this move could reshape tech alliances and ease supply chain pressures around chip manufacturing. If successful, we're looking at the potential emergence of a new global AI superpower, with the UAE as a gatekeeper for AI innovation ... attracting further investments and partnerships," he told The National.
The UAE has been investing in the semiconductor industry as it positions itself as a technology hub and prepares for the economy of the future. In the past year alone, it has struck a number of international deals to accelerate this strategy.
The most notable was the $1.5 billion investment Abu Dhabi AI company G42 received from Microsoft in April. G42 last week teamed up with Nvidia to develop AI solutions aimed at enhancing the accuracy of weather forecasting globally.
G42, at last year's Gitex Global tech exhibition in Dubai, also signed an agreement with ChatGPT maker and generative AI driver OpenAI, as the latter sought to expand its presence in the Middle East.
Also last week, Microsoft teamed up with Abu Dhabi-based technology company MGX, BlackRock and Global Infrastructure Partners to launch an AI infrastructure investment partnership that aims to mobilise up to $100 billion.
In May, the UAE and France joined forces for an AI investment partnership that will include developing talent and the creation of semiconductors.
Abu Dhabi's strategic investment arm, Mubadala Investment Company, already has a stake in the New York-based chipmaker GlobalFoundries.
Demand for advanced chips currently outstrips supply, making the UAE's move to become a manufacturing hub "strategically brilliant", Mr Hassellof said.
"With open-source AI models advancing rapidly, the competitive edge in AI now lies in access to valuable data, cutting-edge hardware and energy resources," he said. "This aligns the UAE with the new realities of AI competition. With their financial resources for data acquisition and energy infrastructure, adding preferential access to state-of-the-art chips could catapult the UAE to the forefront of AI innovation."
There are challenges that need to be addressed, including the requirement for advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce to support such complex operations, said Karim Azar, regional vice president for the Middle East and Turkey at California-based software firm Cloudera.
"Nonetheless, if successful, the UAE could solidify its status as a tech powerhouse, creating a ripple effect across the region and fostering further innovation in the Middle East," he told The National.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
UAE central contracts
Full time contracts
Rohan Mustafa, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Usman, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid
Part time contracts
Aryan Lakra, Ansh Tandon, Karthik Meiyappan, Rahul Bhatia, Alishan Sharafu, CP Rizwaan, Basil Hameed, Matiullah, Fahad Nawaz, Sanchit Sharma
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results:
6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 2,410m | Winner: Bin Battuta, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer)
7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Al Hayette, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
7.40pm: Handicap (T) | $145,000 | 1,000m | Winner: Faatinah, Jim Crowley, David Hayes
8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) | $200,000 | 1,200m | Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) | $200,000 | 1,800m | Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor
9.25pm: Handicap (T) | $175,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Another Batt, Connor Beasley, George Scott
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Company%20Profile
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
