Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are expected to join a U.S.-led initiative aimed at securing AI and semiconductor supply chains, according to Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg. Moreover, the inclusion of both countries stands out given the region’s history of political divisions and signals a push to align Israel and Gulf states within a shared, technology-focused economic framework.
Additionally, the programme, known as the Pax Silica initiative, seeks to protect the full technology supply chain. It therefore covers critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, computing capacity, and data infrastructure. As a result, the initiative has emerged as a central pillar of Washington’s economic statecraft strategy, designed to reduce reliance on rival nations while deepening cooperation among allied partners.
“The Silicon Declaration isn’t just a diplomatic communiqué,” Helberg said. “It’s meant to be an operational document for a new economic security consensus.”
Pax Silica initiative and the Silicon Declaration
The Pax Silica initiative already includes Israel, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Qatar is expected to sign the declaration on January 12, while the UAE is set to follow on January 15. Consequently, the framework will formally bring key Middle Eastern economies into a broader technology security grouping.
Supply chain security and economic diversification
Unlike traditional alliances, the Pax Silica initiative functions as a “coalition of capabilities,” with participation shaped by each country’s industrial strengths and leading companies, Helberg said. However, the initiative also carries wider economic ambitions beyond security coordination.
Helberg added that the framework could accelerate the Middle East’s shift away from energy dependence. Therefore, it aims to support a transition toward more diversified, technology-driven growth models across the region.
“For the UAE and Qatar, this marks a shift from a hydrocarbon-centric security architecture to one focused on silicon statecraft,” he said.
Strategic projects under the Pax Silica initiative
The planned expansion comes as Saudi Arabia hosts the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh from January 13 to 15. Meanwhile, the Pax Silica group will focus this year on widening membership, advancing strategic projects to secure supply chains, and coordinating policies to protect critical infrastructure and technology.
The group met in Washington last month and expects to convene several times this year. Additionally, discussions are underway on projects to modernise trade and logistics routes, including the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, using advanced U.S. technology to strengthen regional integration.
U.S. and Israeli officials also plan to launch a Pax Silica-linked Strategic Framework. As part of this effort, the “Fort Foundry One” industrial park in Israel aims to accelerate industrial projects. AI cooperation will be discussed through a memorandum of understanding, tentatively planned for January 16.
