The global race for technological dominance has expanded beyond software and algorithms to encompass control over the essential raw materials powering the future – المعادن النادرة (rare earth minerals). These minerals, including neodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, are critical components in high-powered magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, advanced defense systems, and the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. The strategic importance of these resources, extending even to key US military technologies like F-35 fighters and missile systems, is driving a new wave of investment and partnerships, particularly within the Gulf region.
الإمارات والسعودية: قوى صاعدة في قطاع المعادن النادرة (UAE and Saudi Arabia: Rising Powers in the Rare Earth Minerals Sector)
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are aggressively strengthening their positions in the المعادن النادرة sector through strategic acquisitions and international agreements. This push isn’t merely about economic diversification; it’s a calculated move to secure supply chains and become key players in the industries of tomorrow. While China currently dominates the processing and refining of these vital materials, controlling a significant portion of the global supply, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are actively working to challenge that dominance, especially as the US seeks to reduce its reliance on Chinese sources.
الريادة الإماراتية في الاستثمار والتصنيع (UAE Leadership in Investment and Manufacturing)
The UAE’s interest in المعادن النادرة extends beyond consumption and investment, encompassing manufacturing and supply chain empowerment. This proactive approach has caught the attention of the US, leading to discussions about enhanced partnerships. Bloomberg reported in December that the US is pursuing agreements with eight allied nations, including the UAE, to bolster supply chains for both semiconductors and crucial minerals for AI technologies.
A significant milestone was reached in October with a $1.8 billion investment agreement, forged in partnership with Orion Resource Partners, to improve global access to essential minerals like lithium, copper, and, crucially, rare earth elements. This investment positions the UAE as a key participant in international efforts to reshape supply chains and lessen China’s control. The UAE has already established itself as a major partner with the US in AI, data centers, and broader technological advancements. Further demonstrating this commitment, Global Resource Holding, an Emirati company, acquired a 51% stake in the Mambilla mine in December 2023 for $1.1 billion. Ongoing Emirati investments across Africa aim to secure supply, diversify risk, and establish a robust presence in mineral-rich regions, as highlighted in a May 2025 report by the Rare Metals Exchange.
طموح السعودية في التعدين والتكرير (Saudi Arabia’s Ambition in Mining and Refining)
Saudi Arabia is equally determined to establish a strong foothold in the المعادن النادرة sector. In May 2025, the Saudi Mining Company, “Maaden,” signed an agreement with US firm MP Materials to build a fully integrated rare earth element supply chain within Saudi Arabia, covering everything from mining and extraction to separation and magnet manufacturing.
This initial memorandum evolved into a binding agreement in November 2025, launching a joint venture with the participation of the US Department of Defense. The goal is to construct a refinery in Saudi Arabia dedicated to processing rare earth minerals. Saudi Arabia’s ambition is fueled by the presence of one of the world’s most valuable rare earth element deposits – the Jabal Sayid deposit. According to the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, this deposit holds the fourth-largest reserves globally, containing 552,000 tons of heavy rare earth elements and 355,000 tons of light rare earth elements.
Griseline Pascarian, Director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted in November 2025 that these reserves are of “significant importance to the United States, especially in light of the fierce competition and Chinese monopoly on exporting these minerals.” Saudi Arabia aims to contribute to reshaping global supply chains by reducing China’s dominance in mid-stream processing. The Kingdom’s advantages include low-cost energy, an investment-friendly regulatory framework, and a strategic location that facilitates the processing of rare earth minerals and raw materials.
استراتيجيات متنوعة لدول الخليج (Diverse Strategies for Gulf States)
While both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing heavily, their approaches differ. Saudi Arabia focuses on minority stakes in international mining companies, relying on external expertise for operations, while the UAE prioritizes majority ownership, granting it direct operational control. This difference in strategy reflects each nation’s broader economic and industrial goals.
However, the pursuit of المعادن النادرة isn’t limited to these two powerhouses. Qatar is also actively seeking to establish its presence in this vital sector. In November 2025, the Qatar Investment Authority signed a framework cooperation agreement with Canada to develop the supply of “critical minerals” from mines operated in South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, demonstrating Doha’s commitment to securing strategic raw material resources outside the Gulf region.
Similarly, Oman is pursuing entry into the sector through a series of agreements, including the signing of two key concession agreements in October 2024 to develop areas with high indicators of abundant deposits of chromium, copper, silica, and other minerals.
In conclusion, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and increasingly, Qatar and Oman, are making substantial investments and forging strategic partnerships to secure their positions in the global المعادن النادرة supply chain. This proactive approach is driven by the recognition that these minerals are not just commodities, but essential components of future economic and national security. As these nations continue to develop their capabilities, they are poised to become increasingly influential players in the evolving landscape of critical mineral resources, potentially reshaping global supply chains and challenging existing power dynamics. The coming years will be crucial in observing how these investments translate into tangible results and solidify the Gulf region’s role in the future of technology and defense.
