Trump’s Historic UAE Visit Culminates in $1.4 Trillion AI Deal and Highest National Honor

President Trump strengthens America’s global leadership through unprecedented economic and technological partnership with the Emirates

Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 16, 2025 – President Donald Trump concluded his landmark state visit to the United Arab Emirates today with a spectacular royal ceremony where Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bestowed the nation’s highest honor upon the American leader. The prestigious recognition capped off a transformative diplomatic mission that secured massive artificial intelligence investments and strengthened America’s strategic position in the Middle East.

Historic $1.4 Trillion Investment Commitment

In what economic analysts are calling “a deal of unprecedented scale,” the UAE has committed to investing $1.4 trillion in America’s artificial intelligence sector over the next decade. This extraordinary economic pledge comes alongside agreements to develop what will become the world’s largest AI data center complex outside the United States.

“I have absolutely no doubt that the relationship will only get bigger and better,” President Trump stated during his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “What we’ve accomplished together in just these few days will create thousands of American jobs and secure our technological leadership for generations.”

Massive AI Data Center to Power Global Innovation

The centerpiece technological agreement, announced Thursday during President Trump’s visit, establishes a partnership to build a colossal data center complex in Abu Dhabi. This cutting-edge facility will begin with a 1-gigawatt AI data center—enough power to sustain a major American city—but will eventually expand to encompass 10 square miles with 5-gigawatt capacity.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the strategic importance of the project: “By extending the world’s leading American tech stack to an important strategic partner in the region, this agreement is a major milestone in achieving President Trump’s vision for US AI dominance.”

The presence of NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang at President Trump’s UAE meetings suggests potential involvement from the American chipmaking giant, though the company has declined to comment officially.

Bilateral Technology Exchange Benefits Both Nations

In a masterstroke of diplomatic negotiation, President Trump secured commitments from the UAE to build or finance data centers within the United States that will match or exceed the scale and power of those being developed in the Emirates.

This reciprocal arrangement ensures that while American technology expands its global reach, domestic infrastructure also receives significant foreign investment—creating a win-win scenario that strengthens both economies.

$200+ Billion in Additional Commercial Deals

Beyond the transformative technology agreements, President Trump announced commercial deals totaling more than $200 billion between American and Emirati enterprises. A standout agreement involves a $14.5 billion commitment among Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Etihad Airways for the purchase of 28 US-made Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by American-built GE engines.

“With the inclusion of the next-generation 777X in its fleet plan, the investment deepens the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fueling American manufacturing and driving exports,” the White House stated.

Royal Welcome and Highest Honor

The Emirati leadership welcomed President Trump with extraordinary pageantry, including honor guards, traditional drumming, dancing, and a grand tour of the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The ceremonial aspect of the visit culminated with Sheikh Mohammed bestowing the nation’s highest honor upon President Trump—a gesture of profound respect that underscores the special relationship between the two nations.

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Regional Security and Strategic Partnership

President Trump’s UAE visit represents the final leg of his three-country Gulf tour, which has already yielded spectacular results in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In Qatar, the President secured agreements totaling $1.2 trillion and announced a $10 billion investment for upgrades to the Al Udeid Air Base, where he personally thanked American troops for their service.

The Middle East tour has demonstrated President Trump’s unique ability to strengthen America’s strategic alliances while simultaneously negotiating historic economic deals. By combining military cooperation with massive commercial partnerships, the President is creating a more secure and prosperous future for Americans and our allies alike.

UAE’s Technological Vision Aligns with American Leadership

The Emirates have expressed ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031, with UAE Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri highlighting the nation’s desire to diversify its economy through investments in AI and technology.

President Trump’s diplomatic initiative has expertly aligned these aspirations with America’s technological strengths, creating a partnership that positions both countries at the forefront of the AI revolution while securing the region’s post-oil future.

A New Era of American Economic Diplomacy

As President Trump returns to Washington, he brings home not just promises but concrete agreements that will generate jobs, expand American technological influence, and strengthen our nation’s position as the world’s preeminent economic and technological superpower.

“What we’ve accomplished on this trip will make history,” the President remarked before departing Abu Dhabi. “When America leads with strength and vision, the whole world benefits—and I’m proud to have secured deals that put American workers and American innovation first.”

President Trump visited a mosque on Thursday as well — his first publicly known visit to a Muslim house of worship during his time in office.

His visit to the United Arab Emirates’ Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was just one stop on a larger diplomatic tour through the Middle East, the first major foreign trip of his second term.

Trump removed his shoes during his visit, as is customary in mosques, and was escorted by Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

“Isn’t this beautiful? It is so beautiful,” Trump said. “This is an incredible culture.”

The landmark mosque is known for its white marble domes and Italian-marbled floors with colored flower inlays. It is a popular cultural destination for tourists, politicians and celebrity visitors to Abu Dhabi.

Yousif al-Obaidli, the director general of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, accompanies President Trump on a tour of the mosque in Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2025.

Brendan Smialowski/AFP

On the eve of the president’s visit to the Middle Eastern nation, the State Department also announced a $1.4 billion sale of CH-47 F Chinook helicopters and F-16 fighter jet parts to Abu Dhabi. 

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