On the final stop of his Gulf visit, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. had reached an agreement allowing the Gulf nation to purchase cutting-edge AI semiconductors from American firms—a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence.
Trump ended his tour—which also included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar—with a substantial pledge from the UAE to increase its energy sector investments in the United States to $440 billion over the next ten years. The tour focused heavily on securing business and financial partnerships that could benefit the American economy and job market.
During a meeting in March with senior Emirati officials, the UAE committed to a $1.4 trillion, decade-long investment package targeting U.S. sectors such as energy, AI, and manufacturing—part of a broader push to deepen bilateral economic ties.
“We’re seeing real momentum with the $1.4 trillion the UAE plans to invest in the United States,” Trump stated in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the economic goals of his four-day tour, which largely avoided discussions on regional conflicts, such as the war in Gaza.
Trump’s limited engagement with political issues included a meeting with Syria’s interim leader, following a controversial move to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria, reportedly influenced by Saudi Arabia. This marked a major departure from past U.S. policy in the region.
The AI semiconductor deal represents a strategic balancing act for the UAE, which maintains close economic ties with both the U.S. and China. The agreement includes safeguards ensuring data centers handling the chips will be managed by American companies.
“Yesterday, we agreed on a pathway for the UAE to acquire some of the most advanced AI chips from U.S. companies. This is a huge contract,” Trump said. “It will bring in billions in business and speed up the UAE’s development as a major player in AI.”
Among the new agreements, the UAE announced over $200 billion in deals, including a $14.5 billion order by Etihad Airways for 28 Boeing aircraft made in the U.S.
Energy Sector Commitments
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) CEO Sultan Al Jaber revealed that the total value of UAE investments in U.S. energy would rise to $440 billion by 2035, up from the current $70 billion. He also noted that American energy companies would be investing in the UAE as well.
“Our partners have committed an additional $60 billion in investments, focusing on both traditional and unconventional oil and gas opportunities,” Al Jaber said. A presentation displayed logos of ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources, highlighting joint projects.
XRG, ADNOC’s international investment arm, is also planning a major push into U.S. natural gas, according to Al Jaber, who also serves as XRG’s executive chairman and the UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology.
Developments on Syria and Iran
The removal of sanctions on Syria opened the door for a deal between the Syrian government and Dubai-based DP World, with an $800 million agreement to redevelop the port of Tartous, according to Syria’s state news agency.
Trump acknowledged that he had not consulted Israel before deciding to recognize Syria’s new leadership, despite long-standing tensions between the two countries. “I didn’t ask them. I just believed it was the right move,” he said. “We want Syria to thrive.”
He also encouraged Syria’s President Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel and join the Abraham Accords, the series of U.S.-brokered agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.
On Iran, Trump confirmed that Tehran had received a new U.S. proposal for a nuclear deal. “They’ve got it. And more importantly, they know they need to act fast—or things could go badly,” he warned.
