Qatar and the UAE are joining Pax Silica, a U.S.-led initiative to secure AI and semiconductor supply chains — covering critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and computing power. Qatar signed the declaration today and the UAE is expected to sign on Jan. 15. U.S. Undersecretary Jacob Helberg called Pax Silica a "coalition of capabilities," and the move coincides with Riyadh's Future Minerals Forum (Jan. 13–15).
Qatar and UAE Join U.S.-Led Pax Silica to Secure AI and Semiconductor Supply Chains
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led initiative designed to secure supply chains that power artificial intelligence and semiconductor industries — including critical minerals, advanced manufacturing and computing capacity. Reuters reported that Qatar signed the declaration today and that the UAE is expected to follow on Jan. 15.
The expansion brings Gulf partners into a grouping that already includes Australia, Britain, Israel, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Officials say Pax Silica is intended to diversify and strengthen access to essential inputs and production capabilities, and to reduce strategic dependence on rival states such as China.
Pax Silica is a 'coalition of capabilities,' said Jacob Helberg, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs, in comments reported by Reuters.
The announcement coincides with Riyadh's Future Minerals Forum (Jan. 13–15), where governments and industry leaders are discussing mineral policy, investment and industrial cooperation. Observers note that adding Qatar and the UAE could improve access to critical resources and private-sector partners, reinforcing alternative, trusted supply chains for advanced technologies.
Participation in Pax Silica does not necessarily preclude commercial ties with other countries, but it signals a coordinated effort by members to build more resilient, diversified sources for components and inputs vital to AI and semiconductor development.
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