ABU DHABI, May 15 – U.S. President Donald Trump, during a high-profile visit to the United Arab Emirates, unveiled a substantial set of business and technology agreements aimed at deepening economic and strategic ties between the two nations. The total value of the deals announced surpassed $200 billion, including notable developments in aviation, energy, and artificial intelligence.
During his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Trump emphasized the commitment of both nations to bolster cooperation in future-oriented sectors. Among the standout agreements was a commitment by Etihad Airways to purchase 28 Boeing (BA.N) aircraft—comprising the 787 and 777x models—with engines supplied by GE (GE.N) Aerospace. This investment alone totaled $14.5 billion and marks a major boost for the U.S. aviation and manufacturing sectors.
Deepening Technological Collaboration
Another significant outcome of Trump’s visit was the formal launch of a new artificial intelligence partnership. Both nations agreed to the formation of the “US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership,” a framework designed to promote innovation and joint development of AI technologies. As part of this agreement, the two leaders attended the unveiling of a new 5-gigawatt AI campus in the UAE, which is poised to be the largest AI research and development hub outside of the United States.
Insiders familiar with the matter revealed that the UAE is set to receive broader access to cutting-edge U.S. technology that had previously been subject to strict export controls due to security concerns. The agreement also includes a pledge by the UAE to align its national technology safeguards with U.S. standards, ensuring sensitive technologies are not diverted to unauthorized entities.
In addition, the UAE is reportedly set to begin importing up to 500,000 of the most sophisticated AI chips from the U.S. annually. These chips will play a critical role in powering large-scale data centers, enabling the Gulf nation to accelerate its ambitions in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
Massive Investment Commitments
The visit also provided an opportunity to enhance broader economic collaboration. A White House statement indicated that the deals signed during this visit amount to more than $200 billion in fresh commitments. Among them is a $4 billion investment by Emirates Global Aluminum to establish a new aluminum smelter facility in Oklahoma, a project expected to create thousands of jobs in the U.S.
Moreover, a consortium of American energy giants—including ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources—will partner with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in expanding oil and natural gas production. The total value of these energy-related agreements is estimated at $60 billion.
During a joint press statement, Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE’s interest in further strengthening its long-standing friendship with the United States, highlighting the mutual benefits of the agreements signed. “Your presence here today shows that this friendship is not only strong but growing,” Sheikh Mohamed told Trump during their meeting.
Trump, in turn, expressed appreciation for the UAE’s substantial $1.4 trillion investment plan in the U.S. over the coming ten years—an initiative initially highlighted during an earlier visit by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s national security adviser and head of major sovereign wealth entities.
At the Abu Dhabi airport, Trump was greeted personally by Sheikh Mohamed, and the two leaders later visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Trump commented on the rare closure of the mosque to visitors during his tour, stating it was a special tribute to the United States.
Broad Diplomatic and Economic Strategy
Trump’s UAE stop is part of a wider regional tour focused on strengthening strategic and commercial alliances across the Gulf. Before arriving in Abu Dhabi, he visited Doha, where he acknowledged Doha’s $10 billion investment in a U.S. military installation. In a speech to American troops stationed in the region, Trump noted that Qatar had also finalized $42 billion in defense purchases.
In other parts of the Gulf region, several significant deals were finalized. Qatar Airways committed to buying up to 210 Boeing widebody aircraft, and Saudi Arabia pledged to invest $600 billion in the U.S, along with a $142 billion arms deal. Trump said these investments reflect a renewed confidence in American industries and a shared interest in stability and prosperity in the region.
Trump’s conversations also touched on geopolitical developments. He suggested progress was being made toward a potential nuclear agreement with Iran, hinting that Tehran had tentatively accepted key U.S. terms. Additionally, Trump announced plans to lift long-standing sanctions on Syria and held talks with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. He encouraged Sharaa to initiate dialogue with Israel, signaling a shift in U.S. efforts to promote regional peace.
Trump also held informal discussions with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during the UAE visit, highlighting the importance of technology partnerships in shaping future U.S. policy in the Middle East.
As his regional tour concluded, Trump hinted at possible additional stops before returning to Washington, suggesting that talks related to Ukraine might lead him to Istanbul. “It’s almost destination unknown,” he joked, indicating ongoing behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
Through these engagements, Trump reaffirmed his administration’s focus on leveraging strategic alliances, boosting economic growth through foreign investment, and positioning the Gulf as a central player in global artificial intelligence development alongside the United States and China.