Trump, Sheikh Tahnoon advance UAE-US $1 trillion economic ties in talks on AI, energy investments
US President Donald Trump hosted Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, at the White House for discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations in technology, energy and economic development.
The high-level talks, which included a dinner attended by senior officials from both countries on Tuesday evening, highlighted the 'long-standing ties and bonds of friendship' between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, according to a statement posted by Trump on social media.
'UAE and the US have long been partners in the work to bring peace and security to the Middle East and the world,' Trump wrote. 'Discussions also included ways for our countries to increase our partnership for the advancing of our economic and technological futures.'
Sheikh Tahnoon conveyed greetings from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and expressed gratitude for the 'warm welcome and hospitality' during the White House visit.
'Our discussions focused on the future of the long-term strategic partnership between our two nations and reinforcing our shared vision for prosperity and progress,' Sheikh Tahnoon wrote on social media platform X.
I conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to U.S. President Donald Trump during the dinner at the White House, which was attended by senior U.S. and UAE officials, thanking him for the warm welcome and hospitality.
Our discussions… pic.twitter.com/6QxGrlxF3k
— Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (@hhtbzayed) March 19, 2025
The meetings come as the UAE and US continue to expand what the UAE embassy in the US described as a '$1 trillion economic relationship' that benefits all 50 states across sectors including aerospace, energy, manufacturing, technology, life sciences and healthcare.
The UAE delegation, which included Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Yousef Al Otaiba, Minister of State and UAE Ambassador to the US, also met with Vice President JD Vance on Monday.
According to the UAE embassy in Washington, these meetings centred on 'deepening UAE-US collaboration on supporting energy investment and abundance, technological leadership, and unleashing unprecedented economic growth.'
Artificial intelligence featured prominently in the discussions, reflecting the UAE's ambitions to become a global leader in AI research and development. The Gulf nation has made significant investments in this sector, including partnerships with major US technology companies.
Microsoft has invested $1.5 billion in Abu Dhabi's G42, while Abu Dhabi's G42 and California-based Cerebras Systems delivered Condor Galaxy, which they describe as the world's largest and fastest AI supercomputer.
Trump has secured two major investments from the UAE since winning the presidential election, including a pledge of up to $20 billion from Damac Properties to build data centres in the United States.
Additionally, UAE-based technology firm MGX joined BlackRock, Microsoft and Global Infrastructure Partners as an initial equity funder in the Stargate project, a new AI joint venture in Texas with an initial investment of $100 billion, expected to increase to $500 billion over the next four years.
Bilateral trade between the United States and UAE totalled $34.4 billion last year, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative, with US exports to the Emirates making up nearly $27 billion. The UAE represents the US's third-largest trade surplus globally.
During his visit, Sheikh Tahnoon also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday for discussions on strengthening partnerships in economy, finance and advanced technology.
The UAE has signalled its intention to accelerate investments in 'artificial intelligence, advanced technology, infrastructure, energy and healthcare,' which Sheikh Tahnoon described as 'key pillars for sustainable growth and development'.
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