President Donald Trump announced a landmark agreement with the United Arab Emirates during his visit to Abu Dhabi on Friday, securing over $200 billion in new commercial deals and accelerating a previously committed $1.4 trillion UAE investment framework focused on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
The "US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership"
The governments of the United Arab Emirates and the United States established a formal technology cooperation framework called the "US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership" to deepen cooperation in frontier technologies[3]. This partnership builds on a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment agreement that will contribute to America's growth in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, quantum computing, biotechnology, and manufacturing[1].
As part of this collaboration, both presidents attended the unveiling of Phase 1 of a new 5GW AI campus in Abu Dhabi[2]. The development includes the launch of a 1GW AI data center, which represents the first phase of a planned 5GW UAE-US artificial intelligence technology cluster designed to support regional computation demand while meeting robust US security standards[3].
Strategic Benefits for Both Nations
The agreement includes historic commitments by the UAE to further align their national security regulations with the United States, including strong protections to prevent the diversion of US-origin technology[1].
Key elements of the partnership include:
For the United States:
- The deals lay the foundation for investment, innovation and good-paying US jobs across multiple sectors including frontier technologies, aerospace, energy, and critical minerals[1]
- The UAE has committed to invest in, build, or finance US data centers that are at least as large and as powerful as those in the UAE[1]
- Enhanced national security through aligned technology regulations and protections
For the UAE:
- US facilitation of deeper technology cooperation, including the launch of the AI data center infrastructure[3]
- More efficient processes for UAE Investment Funds to make inward investments into the United States[3]
- Strengthened position in the global AI landscape
Implementation Timeline
The framework includes a pragmatic approach to execution with both governments agreeing to establish a working group within 30 days to implement, monitor and assess progress on the agreement[3]. This strategic partnership aims to ensure US security interests and dominance in AI while extending American technology capabilities to an important strategic partner in the Middle East[1].
President Trump's visit to the UAE concludes his Gulf tour, which has resulted in deals and investment commitments totaling over $2 trillion across the region[5][1].
