Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 16, 2025 – United States President Donald J. Trump today departed the United Arab Emirates following a highly productive state visit that underscored the deep and expanding strategic partnership between Washington and Abu Dhabi. The visit, part of a broader tour of the Middle East, saw President Trump engage in extensive discussions with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, culminating in significant agreements poised to enhance bilateral cooperation across crucial sectors, from artificial intelligence and energy to defense and investment.
.jpg "His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Bids Farewell to President Trump") |
| His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Bids Farewell to President Trump |
President Trump's arrival in Abu Dhabi was marked by a ceremonial welcome befitting the strong ties between the two nations. Greeted by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential Airport, the US President was accorded full state honors, including a flyover by UAE military jets escorting Air Force One, a powerful symbol of the close security cooperation shared by the two countries. The warm reception extended to a cultural welcome, with young children waving US and UAE flags, highlighting the people-to-people connections that complement the official relationship.
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| His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Bids Farewell to President Trump |
Central to the visit were high-level talks held at Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace. The two leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions addressing a wide array of regional and global issues, reaffirming their shared commitment to promoting stability and prosperity. A key focus of the deliberations was the elevation of the economic partnership. President Trump and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan oversaw the signing of agreements and the announcement of commitments totaling hundreds of billions of dollars, signaling a new era of economic collaboration.
A standout announcement was the UAE's commitment to invest a staggering $1.4 trillion in the US artificial intelligence sector over the next decade. This landmark pledge highlights the UAE's ambition to become a global leader in AI and its confidence in the American technological landscape. The agreement includes creating a pathway for the UAE to acquire some of the most advanced AI semiconductors from US firms, a move that is expected to significantly accelerate the UAE's AI development capabilities and strengthen its position in the competitive global technology race. This technological partnership is viewed as mutually beneficial, providing US tech companies with significant investment and market access while enabling the UAE to rapidly advance its digital economy.
Energy cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. The UAE and the US affirmed plans to jointly invest $440 billion in the energy sector through 2035. This long-term commitment reflects the strategic importance of energy security and the potential for collaboration in both traditional and renewable energy sources. ADNOC, the UAE's state-owned energy giant, is expected to play a key role in realizing this investment, further solidifying the UAE's position as a reliable energy partner to the US.
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Beyond AI and energy, the visit yielded substantial agreements in the defense sector. The US announced a new weapons sale to the UAE valued at over $1.4 billion, part of a 10-year commitment. This reinforces the UAE's role as a key security partner in a complex region and underscores the US commitment to supporting its allies' defense capabilities. The defense agreements are seen as vital for regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts.
President Trump's visit also included a significant cultural engagement: a tour of the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This marked his first publicly known visit to a mosque as president and was a gesture acknowledging the rich cultural heritage of the UAE and the importance of interfaith understanding. Escorted by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President Trump expressed his admiration for the mosque's stunning architecture and described it as an "incredible culture." The visit, while brief, carried symbolic weight, particularly in the context of fostering mutual respect and dialogue.
Adding a personal touch to the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bestowed upon President Trump the Order of Zayed, the UAE's highest civil decoration. This honor is a testament to the deep respect and appreciation the UAE leadership holds for President Trump and his administration's efforts in strengthening bilateral ties. In accepting the award, President Trump reiterated the special relationship between the two countries and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality he received.
Addressing the media during his visit, President Trump highlighted the significant progress made in the US-UAE partnership during his time in office, particularly referencing the historic Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between the UAE and Israel. He praised the UAE's leadership and vision, emphasizing the shared goals of promoting peace, prosperity, and innovation in the region.
The visit to the UAE was the final leg of President Trump's Middle East tour, which also included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The tour focused heavily on economic partnerships and security cooperation, yielding substantial deals and reinforcing alliances. In Saudi Arabia, President Trump participated in investment summits and discussed regional security, while in Qatar, he addressed US troops stationed at Al Udeid Air Base and oversaw significant defense purchases.
President Trump's departure from Abu Dhabi marks the conclusion of a visit that has further solidified the robust strategic partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The raft of agreements signed and the significant investment commitments announced during the visit are expected to drive substantial growth in bilateral trade and investment, create jobs, and foster innovation in both countries. Beyond the economic sphere, the visit reinforced the shared commitment to regional security and stability, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation in addressing common challenges. The visit, while focused on tangible outcomes, also served to celebrate the enduring friendship and mutual respect that characterize the relationship between the American and Emirati people. As Air Force One lifted off from Abu Dhabi, the successful visit left no doubt that the strategic partnership between the US and the UAE remains a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the Mid
dle East and beyond.