Trump’s UAE Tour: Billions in Deals and a New Era of AI and Energy Collaboration

President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East tour in the United Arab Emirates, securing significant business deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars. The visit focused heavily on economic cooperation, particularly in the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence and energy, solidifying the UAE’s role as a key strategic and economic partner for the United States.

Key Takeaways

• The UAE committed to a $1.4 trillion investment framework in the U.S. over the next decade, targeting sectors like AI, energy, and manufacturing.
• A major AI deal was struck, allowing the UAE to purchase advanced AI semiconductors from U.S. companies, with data centers to be managed by American firms.
• UAE energy investments in the U.S. are projected to reach $440 billion by 2035, a substantial increase from the current $70 billion.
• New agreements with ADNOC and U.S. energy companies could facilitate $60 billion in U.S. investments in UAE energy projects.

AI and Digital Transformation

The centerpiece of Trump’s visit was a landmark agreement on artificial intelligence. The deal paves the way for the UAE to acquire cutting-edge AI semiconductors from American companies, a move expected to generate billions in business and accelerate the UAE’s ambition to become a global AI hub. This collaboration underscores the Trump administration’s confidence in the secure management of these advanced technologies, with a stipulation that data centers be managed by U.S. companies.

Energy Sector Expansion

Energy cooperation also saw a massive boost. Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, pledged to increase its energy investments in the U.S. to an astounding $440 billion by 2035. This commitment was highlighted by Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of ADNOC, who noted that U.S. energy firms would also invest in the UAE. Specific agreements include:

• A landmark field development plan with ExxonMobil and INPEX/JODCO to expand Abu Dhabi’s Upper Zakum offshore field.
• A strategic collaboration agreement with Occidental to explore increasing the production capacity of the Shah Gas field.
• A new unconventional oil exploration concession awarded to EOG Resources Inc. in the Al Dhafra region.

These initiatives aim to enhance global energy security and stability, with a focus on sustainable production and the integration of AI-enabled remote operations and clean energy sources.

Broader Economic Ties

Beyond AI and energy, the visit reinforced the broader economic partnership between the two nations. The UAE has been the largest market in the Middle East and North Africa for American exports since 2009, with bilateral trade totaling $31.4 billion in 2023. The UAE’s policy reforms, including 100% foreign ownership in many sectors and numerous free zones, have positioned it as an attractive investment destination. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has actively supported this relationship, leading business delegations focused on climate solutions and space exploration, further diversifying the economic collaboration.

Sources

• Key Business Goals for UAE Highlight Presidential Visit, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
• Trump wraps up Gulf tour with AI and energy deals in UAE, Reuters.
• $60 billion in U.S. investments secured by ADNOC during UAE-U.S. business dialogue, Economy Middle East.
• Donald Trump updates: US president ends Middle East tour with more deals | Donald Trump News, Al Jazeera.
• LIVE: Trump joins US-UAE business meet, delivers key remarks on economic ties – The Economic Times Video, The Economic Times.