CIA Didn't Just Spy On UAE, It Helped US Secure A Landmark AI Deal To Counter China

Published 20 July 2026 · world

CIA Didn't Just Spy On UAE, It Helped US Secure A Landmark AI Deal To Counter China Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 17:22

CIA Didn't Just Spy On UAE, It Helped US Secure A Landmark AI Deal To Counter China Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 17:22 IST A report reveals how the CIA quietly helped shape the UAE's access to advanced US AI technology as Washington sought to counter China's growing influence in the global AI race. CIA Secretly Helped UAE Secure America's Most Advanced AI Technology (Photo: Reuters) Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technology trend. It has emerged as a strategic asset comparable to oil or even nuclear technology, with governments increasingly treating access to advanced AI systems as a matter of national security. The United States is now using intelligence, diplomacy and export controls to decide which countries gain access to its most advanced AI capabilities, while also trying to slow China’s technological rise. A report by The Wall Street Journal shows how those efforts played out behind the scenes as Washington evaluated whether the United Arab Emirates could be trusted with cutting-edge American AI technology. CIA officer sent to assess UAE leadership According to the report, the CIA assigned veteran officer Jonny Gannon to Abu Dhabi in 2023 to assess Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser and one of the country’s most influential figures. His original task was to determine whether Sheikh Tahnoon could be trusted with access to some of America’s most advanced AI technology. However, the assignment reportedly evolved beyond intelligence gathering.

Instead of simply reporting back to Washington, Gannon became an important link between US officials and the UAE as both sides tried to address concerns surrounding G42, the Emirati artificial intelligence company seeking access to Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips. G42’s China links raised concerns Washington’s biggest concern centred on G42’s relationship with China. US intelligence agencies believed Beijing could use its ties with the company to gain access to American AI technology and research. G42’s chief executive, Peng Xiao, also attracted scrutiny because of his previous links to DarkMatter, a cybersecurity company that US investigators later connected to surveillance operations. The company had reportedly worked on AI-powered surveillance systems, while several former American contractors later became part of a federal investigation into hacking activities. These concerns led many officials in Washington to question whether the UAE should receive access to America’s most advanced AI chips. From intelligence gathering to diplomacy Rather than limiting his role to intelligence reporting, Gannon reportedly developed close relationships with both Sheikh Tahnoon and Peng Xiao. As US intelligence uncovered concerns over G42’s China links, he is said to have quietly alerted Emirati officials so they could address the issues. G42 later removed Huawei equipment from its systems, strengthened its compliance measures and worked to reassure Washington that it was distancing itself from Chinese technology. The approach divided opinion within the US government. Some policymakers believed stronger cooperation with the UAE would bring an important Middle East partner closer to Washington while reducing China’s influence in the region.