Qatar and UAE Join U.S.-Backed ’Pax Silica’ Tech Pact in Middle East Shift

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are set to join the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative within days, marking a significant geopolitical realignment in the Middle East. The agreement, spearheaded by TRUMP administration official Jacob Helberg, aims to foster technological collaboration between Israel and Arab Gulf states—a notable development given the region's historical divisions.

The pact, also known as the Silicon Declaration, spans the entire technology supply chain—from raw materials to advanced manufacturing and data infrastructure. Qatar will sign on January 12, followed by the UAE on January 15, joining existing members including Israel, Japan, and Britain. "This isn't a diplomatic formality," Helberg emphasized. "It's an operational framework for economic security."

The initiative reflects Washington's strategy to reduce reliance on adversarial nations while strengthening ties with allies through tech-driven partnerships. Unlike traditional alliances, Pax Silica functions as a "coalition of capabilities," with participation determined by industrial strengths rather than political alignment.