United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said that his country plans to invest $1.4 trillion in the U.S. during the next decade.
The announcement came during talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace, in Abu Dhabi.
Channeled through Emirati investment institutions, the investments target sectors of the new economy, energy, advanced technology, artificial intelligence and industry, he highlighted.
He emphasised that the U.S. is a strategic partner in the UAE’s space initiatives, including its Mars exploration program, astronaut missions and asteroid belt exploration project.
Addressing Trump, Al Nahyan said: “Last March, you stated that the UAE and the United States have always been strategic partners in supporting peace and security efforts in the Middle East and across the world. Today, I reaffirm that Abu Dhabi is committed to continuing our joint work with Washington to achieve peace and stability in our region and beyond.”
“I am confident that this visit will have a profound impact on the future of our bilateral relationship,” he added.
“I was pleased to welcome US President Donald Trump to Abu Dhabi,” Al Nahyan said later on X.
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“Together, we expressed our determination to continue driving investment in future-focused industries such as AI and advanced technology for the benefit of humanity.
“For over 50 years, the enduring UAE-US strategic partnership has served as a foundation of shared progress, and our nations remain committed to advancing prosperity, stability and development in our regions and worldwide,” he added.
Yesterday, Trump toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi alongside Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
Following visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the UAE is the third and final stop on Trump’s Gulf tour.
UAE-U.S. relations
The UAE is a critical US ally in the Middle East, often described as America’s most capable military partner in the Arab world.
The U.S. maintains three military bases in the UAE — Al Dhafra Air Base, Al Minhad Air Base and Fujairah Naval Base. A major military hospital is also under construction, operated jointly by the U.S. and UAE armed forces.
The UAE has been a key partner in the “War on Terror,” providing logistical support, port access, and overflight clearances for U.S. and coalition forces. It has deployed alongside the U.S. in six coalition missions, including “counterterrorism and stabilisation efforts” in Afghanistan, Libya and against ISIS.
In September 2024, President Joe Biden designated the UAE as a Major Defense Partner of the U.S.. This designation enhances joint training, exercises and military collaboration, strengthening cooperation in the Middle East, East Africa and the Indian Ocean regions.
In 2024, U.S. goods trade with the UAE reached $34.4 billion, with a $19.5 billion U.S. trade surplus. U.S. exports to the UAE were $27 billion (up 8.5% from 2023), while imports were $7.5 billion (up 12.9%).
The UAE has supported U.S.-led regional efforts, including the Abraham Accords normalising ties with Israel.
