The UAE and Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support joint investments in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of the Malaysia Madani Artificial Intelligence (MMAI) initiative.
The partnership aims to leverage AI and advanced data analytics to enhance community safety, national security and operational efficiencies. Key areas of collaboration include developing AI-driven national security systems, establishing high-performance computing data centres and national security operations centres, improving customs tax collection, and optimising operational workflows.
The MoU was signed by UAE Minister of Investment Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi and Malaysia’s Minister of Home Affairs Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“Our collaboration with Malaysia underscores the strength of our bilateral ties and our shared commitment to advancing technological innovation in support of sustainable development,” Alsuwaidi said. He noted that the partnership focuses on “meaningful, future-oriented partnerships” that can address global challenges and improve quality of life.
The signing builds on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) finalised in October 2024. In the first half of 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Malaysia reached $2.5 billion, a 7% increase from the same period in 2023. Malaysia ranks as the UAE’s 12th-largest Asian trading partner and fifth among ASEAN nations, while the UAE is Malaysia’s second-largest trade partner in the Arab world, accounting for 32% of Malaysia’s trade with the region.
The discussions during the MoU signing also included strengthening bilateral political and economic ties and advancing the use of AI across various sectors to enhance living standards.
