TRENDS’ 2nd Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence: Tech Diplomacy in the MENA Region

November 13, 2025 • 12:30 – 7:00 am EST
Streaming from Abu Dhabi

Brought to you by

Middle East Program

Building on recent landmark partnership announcements between the United States and countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, this conference brought together leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore how technology is reshaping diplomacy, strategic alliances, and economic investment in the region. 

Mona Yacoubian and Will Todman participated in two in-depth panels on evolving U.S.-Gulf relations and the growing role of AI and digital infrastructure in shaping soft power.

Panel 1: Powering Progress: The New Era of U.S.-Gulf Partnerships

This session examined the evolving priorities driving U.S.-Gulf relations – from technological innovation to defense cooperation and deepening investment ties. Panelists explored how shared interests and new challenges are reshaping the partnership, and what this means for the future of global engagement.

Panelists:

Mona Yacoubian, Senior Adviser and Director, Middle East Program, CSIS

Talal Al Kaissi, Group Chief Global Affairs Officer, G42

Alexis Bonnell, Head of AI Adoption and Deployment and US National Labs Partnership, OpenAI for Governments

Bilal Y. Saab, Senior Managing Director, TRENDS US   

Enas Refaei (Moderator), Assistant Editor in Chief, The National

Panel 3: Soft Power Through AI and Digital Infrastructure

Focusing on the intersection of technology and diplomacy, this session addressed how AI and digital infrastructure are redefining soft power by enabling new forms of diplomatic engagement and cross-border cooperation. Panelists discussed the role of technology in strengthening relationships and expanding influence through shared innovation and connectivity.

Panelists:

Will Todman, Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program, CSIS

Dr. Saeed Aldhaheri, Director, Center for Futures Studies at the University of Dubai and GC REAIM Commissioner 

Sami Haddadin, Vice President of Research and Professor of Robotics, MBZUAI

Najla AlMidfa, Researcher, TRENDS Research & Advisory

Paula Naoufal (Moderator), Senior Reporter, CNN Business Arabic

This event was made possible by TRENDS Research & Advisory.

Tags

Middle East, The Gulf, Artificial Intelligence, Geopolitics and International Security, and Defense and Security

Hosted By

Contact Information

Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program

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