The Middle East could emerge as the major beneficiary of U.S. President Donald Trump 's plan for higher H-1B visa fees.

The Gulf region's sustained push to become the next global artificial intelligence hub – which is drawing billions of dollars of investment from local sovereign wealth funds, global private equity and U.S. Big Tech – could see it outflank other geographies hoping to snap up foreign expertise caught up in the uncertainty.

Investors highlighted how governments are driving technology-focused national strategies – such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's National AI Strategy – and creating a business-friendly environment for tech firms with long-term golden visas for skilled professionals, reduced regulations and other incentives for entrepreneurs.

"Gulf count

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