The United States Department of Commerce has authorized the export of up to 70,000 advanced AI chips – specifically NVIDIA Blackwell GB300s – to artificial intelligence companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. G42, based in the UAE, and HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s national AI firm, will each receive approvals for up to 35,000 chips, representing deals potentially worth billions of dollars.
A Shift in Export Policy
This decision marks a notable departure from previous US restrictions on exporting high-end AI chips to Gulf nations. Since their release approximately a year ago, NVIDIA’s GB300 chipsets have been subject to tight export controls. The approvals granted to G42 and HUMAIN represent the first exception for these countries, confirming their infrastructure development strategies and demonstrating how geopolitical partnerships can unlock access to otherwise restricted technologies. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the only two countries outside the US Tier 1 export list to receive GB300 approvals.
Strategic Alignment with US AI Goals
The move aligns with the US President Donald Trump’s July 2025 AI Action Plan, designed to promote American dominance in artificial intelligence and global technological leadership. The approvals follow recent landmark AI partnership agreements between the US and both Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Security and Compliance Measures
The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security will closely monitor compliance. Both G42 and HUMAIN must meet rigorous security and reporting requirements, with ongoing engagement from the Bureau to ensure adherence. This underscores the US commitment to controlling the flow of advanced technology while still fostering strategic partnerships.
Regional Implications
The announcement was made during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington, DC, reinforcing the timing as a deliberate signal of strengthened ties. Beyond these initial approvals, the US Commerce Department intends to continue supporting AI technology exports to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other allies globally.
Company Reactions
G42 welcomed the decision as a key step in deploying its UAE-US AI corridor, emphasizing trust and commitment to secure AI infrastructure. The company plans to use the chips for its Stargate UAE project, part of a larger 5-gigawatt AI campus. HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin expressed delight, stating the approvals will accelerate the next phase of their AI infrastructure build-out.
The US decision signals a new era of technology transfer, balancing geopolitical interests with the desire to maintain American leadership in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The move underscores the increasing importance of strategic alliances in securing access to critical technologies, even amid broader export control frameworks.
