Image Credit: X account @WhiteHouse
Trump Unveils $200B US-UAE Deals
U.S. President Donald Trump, during a high-profile visit to the United Arab Emirates, announced an extensive economic and technological collaboration valued at over $200 billion. The agreements include multi-sector investments, a landmark AI partnership, and a major aviation deal with Etihad Airways.
Aviation Deal Worth $14.5 Billion Finalized
Etihad Airways committed to purchasing 28 Boeing aircraft—comprising both the 787 Dreamliner and the next-generation 777X series—powered by GE Aerospace engines. The total deal is valued at $14.5 billion and is expected to significantly boost Boeing’s exports while expanding Etihad’s long-haul capabilities. Trump called it “a great moment for American aviation and our global partnerships.”
AI Acceleration Campus to Be Built in Abu Dhabi
As part of a broader technological initiative, the U.S. and UAE signed a “US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership.” Central to this plan is the construction of a 5-gigawatt artificial intelligence campus in Abu Dhabi, poised to be the largest of its kind outside the United States. This facility will focus on advancing large-scale AI computing and research, with contributions from both public and private sectors.
UAE Gains Access to Advanced U.S. AI Chips
Previously restricted from acquiring U.S.-made advanced AI chips over concerns of potential diversion to adversarial states, the UAE will now gain privileged access under strict regulatory alignment with U.S. export controls. The UAE has agreed to match U.S. national security protocols and adopt safeguards to prevent technology leakage.
In return, the UAE has pledged to co-invest in building AI data centers in the United States, with computing power equal to or greater than those in its territory. This agreement effectively positions the UAE as a trusted partner in the U.S. tech ecosystem.
Strengthening Economic and Diplomatic Ties
Trump emphasized that the deals reflect a continuation of close U.S.-UAE ties, citing a previously announced pledge by the UAE to invest $1.4 trillion in the United States over the next ten years. Investment sectors include artificial intelligence, defense technologies, and energy infrastructure.
The former President was formally received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The leaders visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where Trump remarked, “It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and I’m honored it was kept closed for me.”
A Strategic Shift in U.S. Middle East Engagement
These developments signal a shift in how the U.S. engages with strategic partners in the Middle East. The combination of industrial, technological, and regulatory cooperation reflects not just economic ambition, but a recalibration of trust and geopolitical alignment in a volatile global landscape.
