Trump secures $200 billion in UAE deals; Burj Khalifa lights up in US flag colors

US President Donald Trump announced commercial agreements worth over $200 billion between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, as part of his ongoing Middle East visit. With this, the total value of US investment agreements in the Gulf region has crossed $2 trillion. Trump arrived in Abu Dhabi following earlier stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and was received at the airport by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

As per a statement from the White House, Etihad Airways has committed $14.5 billion for the purchase of 28 Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. The White House noted that the inclusion of the next-generation 777X in Etihad’s fleet plan will support US manufacturing, increase exports, and contribute to 60,000 American jobs. Meanwhile, Emirates Global Aluminium announced a $4 billion investment to establish a primary aluminum smelter in Oklahoma—one of the first in the United States in 45 years—which is expected to create 1,000 jobs and double US aluminum production capacity.

In the energy sector, ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) has partnered with ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources to expand oil and gas production through a joint investment of $60 billion. This collaboration aims to lower energy costs and create skilled employment opportunities in both countries. Additionally, Holtec International and IHC Industrial Holding Company signed a cooperation agreement to build a fleet of Holtec’s SMR-300 small modular nuclear reactors in the United States. This includes an initial $10 billion commitment for Michigan's Palisades site and another $20 billion for future projects across the country.

The White House also confirmed the launch of a US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, supported by a 10-year, $1.4 trillion UAE investment framework. The agreement covers infrastructure in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data centers, biotechnology, quantum computing, and manufacturing. According to the statement, “The US and UAE signed an AI agreement today that supports the $1.4 trillion investment commitment secured in March. This includes the UAE committing to invest in, build, or finance US data centers that are at least as large and as powerful as those in the UAE.”

The agreement also includes provisions for national security cooperation. As stated, “The agreement also contains 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.” During the visit, Burj Khalifa was illuminated in the colours of the American flag, and streets across Dubai were decorated with US and UAE flags to mark Trump’s arrival. Trump was also awarded the Order of Zayed, the UAE's highest civilian honor, during a ceremony at Qasr Al Watan.