United States President Donald Trump concluded a transformative four-day visit to the Gulf region on Friday, after marking a pivotal moment in US foreign economic engagement by securing investment pledges and landmark trade agreements.
Departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport for Washington, President Trump wrapped up discussions with senior leadership across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Unlike previous diplomatic ventures, this tour remained primarily focused on economic cooperation, rather than security alliances. As a result, the visit yielded significant financial commitments designed to invigorate the US economy and stimulate employment growth.
Speaking to journalists before boarding his return flight, Trump declared a sweeping success for American diplomacy and commerce. “We’re making great progress on the $1.4 trillion the UAE has committed to investing in the United States across sectors such as energy, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing,” stated Trump. He asserted that foreign investment into the United States could reach as high as $13 trillion due to the tour’s outcomes.
Among the agreements disclosed, the most prominent involved a framework allowing the United Arab Emirates to acquire advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors from American firms. The deal, hailed as a strategic triumph for Abu Dhabi, advanced its aspirations to emerge as a global artificial intelligence hub. The agreement included provisions requiring that data centres involved in the initiative be managed by US-based companies, reflecting American confidence in Emirati regulatory competence.
“Yesterday, the two countries agreed on a pathway for the UAE to purchase some of the world’s most advanced AI chips from US firms. This is a huge contract,” Trump explained. “It will generate billions in business and accelerate the UAE’s trajectory in AI.”
The tour also culminated in substantial energy sector commitments. Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Sultan Al Jaber, met Trump to announce the UAE’s target to expand its energy investments in the United States to $440 billion by 2035, increasing from the current figure of $70 billion. Al Jaber reported reciprocal ventures planned by US energy corporations into Emirati territories.
“Our partners have pledged $60 billion in new investments, particularly in upstream oil and gas as well as unconventional energy opportunities,” stated Al Jaber, highlighting projects with ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources.
In the aviation sector, national airline Etihad Airways disclosed a $14.5 billion agreement for the purchase of 28 Boeing aircraft. This contract formed part of a broader $200 billion package of commercial arrangements between the UAE and the United States.
Trump’s visit also signalled a shift in regional diplomacy. He confirmed the United States’ decision to lift sanctions on Syria, thereby facilitating international investments. This development followed Saudi Arabia’s efforts towards regional pacification and was succeeded by an $800 million memorandum of understanding between the Syrian government and Dubai-based logistics conglomerate DP World, aimed at reconstructing the Port of Tartous.
When questioned about coordination with Israel regarding the recognition of the Syrian interim government under President Sharaa, Trump responded candidly, “I didn’t ask them. I thought it was the right thing to do. We want Syria to succeed.” He further remarked that he had encouraged Damascus to normalise ties with Israel and to accede to the Abraham Accords, which were brokered during his initial presidential term and include the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco.
On the issue of Iran, Trump disclosed that a fresh nuclear agreement had been proposed to Tehran, and stressed the urgency of the regime’s response. “They’ve got the proposal. More importantly, they know they need to act quickly, or something bad—something bad’s going to happen,” he warned.
