A new era in partnership between the UAE and the US
By Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali*In a powerful signal of deepening ties, US President Donald Trump chose Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE as the destinations for his first official overseas tour from May 13 to 16. The choice reflected what he described as the "strategic and economic importance" of these nations to the United States, a recognition of their growing global role and leadership in achieving stability regionally and globally. This is increasingly referred to as the "Gulf Moment" in international affairs.Trump's GCC tour covered a wide array of key political, economic, and strategic issues for both sides. These included economic cooperation, energy policy, and artificial intelligence, as well as the US-Iran nuclear negotiations, defence deals, security guarantees, and broader regional and global concerns, chief among them the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. These topics were front and centre during the fifth GCC-US Summit, held in Riyadh on May 14, providing strong momentum for a renewed and strengthened strategic partnership.One of the most notable outcomes of the visit was the advancement of GCC-US economic relations, with trade volume reaching $120 billion in 2024. During the visit, total GCC investment commitments, economic agreements, and deals between the US and the three countries amounted to $3.2 trillion, with potential for further growth. These investments cover sectors including defence, energy, and artificial intelligence.Billion-dollar agreements were signed between the US and the three GCC states, with particularly significant investments in artificial intelligence. The UAE-US partnership stood out in this regard, highlighting the UAE's regional and global leadership in AI. During Trump's visit to the UAE, the two sides announced the establishment of the largest AI data centre campus outside the United States, with a capacity of 5 gigawatts, located in Abu Dhabi. They also launched a new bilateral AI Acceleration Partnership. This project, which was jointly inaugurated by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, (may God protect him), and Trump, represents a major strategic win for the UAE, which aspires to become a global player in AI. It also reflects the Trump administration's deep confidence in the UAE's capabilities and reliability as Washington's most trusted ally in the region.Trump's Gulf visit also reaffirmed the US commitment to the region's security, particularly through major advanced defence deals with the three GCC countries. These agreements helped dispel doubts that had arisen under previous US administrations and restored the Gulf's central place in Washington's global strategic priorities. Most notably, Trump's highly anticipated announcement in Saudi Arabia, his pledge to lift sanctions on Syria and meet with the country's president in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, sent a clear political message: the GCC states now have the power to reshape regional strategic trajectories. By leading efforts to reintegrate a "new Syria" into regional and global systems, these countries are positioning themselves as pivotal actors in Middle Eastern diplomacy.Trump's visit to the Gulf marks the beginning of a new chapter of a comprehensive partnership and strategic alliance between the United States and the GCC countries. This alliance not only serves the mutual interests of both sides but also contributes to the broader security and stability of the entire Middle East.
*The writer is the CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory
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