21-05-2025
Trump's visit boosts UAE's status as global force in economy, geopolitics, say experts
US President Donald Trump's official visit to the UAE on Thursday underscores the county's position as a strategic global partner, academicians, experts and businessmen told Khaleej Times.
'Trump's visit is a big boost to the UAE's status not only as a regional powerhouse but also as a global force in economy and geopolitics,' noted Froilan Malit Jr., visiting scholar, department of political science at American University in Dubai.
' The UAE's trillion-dollar economic partnership with the US is also set to attract highly skilled human capital talent across various sectors, including AI (artificial intelligence), chip manufacturing, logistics, and cybersecurity. This strategic collaboration will position the UAE as an essential knowledge hub and has the potential to create significant positive impacts on other countries and people in the Global South and beyond,' Malit added.
In terms of regional security, Dr Kristian Alexander, senior fellow at Rabdan Security & Defence Institute, Abu Dhabi, noted: 'The UAE has proven itself adept at navigating complex geopolitical terrain.
'Trump's visit acknowledges the country's growing influence, not only as a defence partner, but as a regional actor capable of brokering peace and mediating crises. Regardless of shifting political winds in Washington, the strategic logic of close US-UAE ties remains constant. Trump's visit reinforces the long-term nature of this bilateral relationship, especially in defence and regional diplomacy,' he underscored.
Alexander added Trump's visit comes at a perfect time as the UAE doubles down on AI and digital transformation.
'Although the US under Trump has had an ambivalent approach to regulating AI, there is alignment with the UAE in promoting private-sector-led innovation. This could be a new area of bilateral cooperation,' Alexander told Khaleej Times.
Boost to UAE data centres
IT and cybersecurity expert Rayad Kamal Ayub said Trump's visit will boost UAE data centres. He said: 'Trump's visit to the UAE will boost the country's construction of data centres that are vital to developing AI.
'AI relies on large data centres that demand substantial amounts of electricity. It requires an addition of more than 1,000 gigawatts yearly of computing infrastructure. The UAE's vast energy resources could help power AI supercomputers and AI factories that generate artificial intelligence tokens, which are then reformulated into applications and problem-solving AI's,' Rayad, who is also managing director of Rayad Group, explained.
'AI is going to be the infrastructure of every single industry and UAE has taken the initiative to build the AI infrastructure here in the UAE,' he added. "The momentum has recently accelerated, with three of the world's largest chipmakers — NVIDIA, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Samsung Electronics — expected to establish mega-factories in the UAE.'
How Trump benefits from this tour
US President Donald Trump's engagement with Gulf states, particularly the UAE's $1.4 trillion investment pledge, provides him with significant political, economic, and strategic advantages, observed Dubai-based US attorney and legal director of The American Legal Centre, Shai Zamanian.
'Trump's visit to KSA, Qatar, and the UAE reinforces his image as a global dealmaker. It also strengthens his domestic narrative on job creation and technological leadership, and benefits his private business interests through increased regional visibility,' Zamanian told Khaleej Times.
'Strategically, it enables the US to maintain influence in the Middle East via economic diplomacy, while reframing weakened ties with traditional allies as a shift toward diversified global partnerships,' he added.
'Additionally, Trump benefits from the intersection of diplomacy and private enterprise, as his family's business interests in real estate and emerging technologies gain visibility and potential backing from Gulf sovereign funds. Politically, these engagements allow him to sustain US influence in the Middle East through economic diplomacy rather than military entrenchment, while recasting shifts in Western alliances as part of a broader strategic realignment.'
Enhanced investments
Business leaders — particularly those in the real estate sector — are optimistic of US President Trump's arrival in the UAE on Thursday.
Osman Ibrahim, CEO of Rawabi Holding and vice chairman of Magnom Properties, told Khaleej Times: 'We are confident President Trump's historic visit to the UAE will foster a more conducive environment for enhanced investment and strategic collaboration across various sectors that will be beneficial for businesses like ours that rely heavily on global synergies.
'In this new era where cross continental collaboration is crucial to thrive, we look forward to further strengthening businesses through integrated offerings in the wake of this visit,' he added.
James Allan, CEO of JLL Middle East and Africa (MEA), also noted: 'The US President's visit to the UAE unlocks significant opportunities for deeper economic integration, especially in critical sectors vital for sustainable growth in a post-oil future.
He added: 'With the UAE's steady rise to the global ranks in tech leadership, we anticipate discussions will focus on attracting US capital and expertise in cutting-edge transformative technologies and AI chips to power hyperscale data centres and other advanced tech infrastructure projects.'
'Trump's visit underscores the UAE's position as a vital strategic partner, driving job creation, stimulating innovation, and accelerating the UAE's transition to a resilient, diversified, and knowledge-based economy," he added.
