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Khaleej Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
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.
UAE Moments
19-05-2025
- Business
- UAE Moments
Burj Khalifa Lights Up in US Colors During Trump's UAE Visit
The Burj Khalifa lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday night to mark US President Donald Trump's visit to the UAE. The light show happened during his stop in Dubai as part of a broader Middle East tour. Trump arrived in Abu Dhabi on May 15, following visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He was welcomed at Abu Dhabi International Airport by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. برج خليفة يحتفي بزيارة الرئيس الأمريكي دونالد ترامب إلى دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. Burj Khalifa is illuminated in the colors of the American flag to mark the visit of U.S. President @realDonaldTrump to the United Arab Emirates. #UAE_welcomes_US_President… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 15, 2025 Symbol of UAE-US Ties Lighting up the Burj Khalifa in US flag colors was a clear symbol of the ongoing relationship between the UAE and the United States. Trump's visit aimed to reaffirm strategic ties and discuss cooperation between the two nations. The visit comes at a time when both countries continue to work closely in areas like defense, business, and regional security. Part of a Wider Regional Tour Trump's trip to the UAE was part of a larger tour across the Gulf, highlighting key alliances in the region. The UAE stop followed meetings with leaders in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, making it a central point in the US president's itinerary.
The National
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Timeframe: When George W Bush played with falcons in Abu Dhabi
Seventeen years ago, before Donald Trump's Abu Dhabi trip, George W Bush became the first US President to make a state visit to the UAE. The trip, in January 2008, became a cornerstone for relations between the two countries. Besides high-profile meetings, the 43rd US president also took time to head to the UAE desert for dinner during his two-day trip. A lavish traditional desert tent was set up for him in Sweihan, an agricultural town in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain region. There, he was joined by President Sheikh Mohamed, who was then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, as well as Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Then US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice was at the dinner, as was Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, who was UAE Minister of Foreign Trade at the time. Ditching his suit for a more casual aviator jacket to ward off the seasonal chill – it rained heavily during his visit – Bush was photographed interacting with falcons, an integral part of Emirati life, as Sheikh Mohamed looked on. In one picture, the US president can be seen holding a falcon up by its perch. Bush was also shown a model of the Saadiyat Island project, where three great museums, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi were to be built. Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in 2017 and the other two highly-anticipated attractions are due to be completed this year. Saadiyat Island is also home to the Abrahamic Family House, the landmark which features a mosque, church and synagogue visited by President Trump this week. On the second day of his visit, Bush travelled to Dubai, where the traffic was eased by the declaration of a public holiday. Several main routes in the city, including the busy Sheikh Zayed Road, were closed off to the public to ensure the US president's motorcade could travel freely. Bush was driven to several Dubai landmarks, beginning with the house of the late Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum at Shindagha, where he was treated to a colourful reception of cultural music and dances. He also visited the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Al Bastakiya, where he was briefed about the programmes and activities of the centre, and met members of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development. In the evening, he headed to Burj Al Arab where he dined with a number of young Arab leaders.
LBCI
16-05-2025
- Business
- LBCI
Trump announces $200 billion in deals during UAE visit, AI agreement signed
President Donald Trump on Thursday pledged to strengthen U.S. ties to the United Arab Emirates and announced deals with the Gulf state totaling over $200 billion and the two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence. After Trump's meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the White House said he announced deals that included a $14.5 billion commitment from Etihad Airways to invest in 28 Boeing 787 and 777x aircraft powered by engines made by GE Aerospace. The U.S. Commerce Department said the two countries also agreed to establish a "U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership" framework and Trump and Sheikh Mohamed attended the unveiling of a new 5GW AI campus, which would be the largest outside the United States. Reuters
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Donald Trump announces billions in deals during UAE visit, AI agreement signed
By Gram Slattery, Andrew Mills, Federico Maccioni and Yousef Saba , Reuters US President Donald Trump listens to Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Photo: AFP / Brendan Smialowski United States President Donald Trump has pledged to strengthen US ties to the United Arab Emirates and announced deals with the Gulf state totalling over US$200 billion (NZ$340 billion) and the two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence. After Trump's meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the White House said he announced deals that included a US$14.5 billion commitment from Etihad Airways to invest in 28 Boeing 787 and 777x aircraft powered by engines made by GE Aerospace. The US Commerce Department said the two countries also agreed to establish a "US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership" framework and Trump and Sheikh Mohamed attended the unveiling of a new 5GW AI campus, which would be the largest outside the United States. Sources have said the agreements will give the Gulf country expanded access to advanced artificial intelligence chips from the US after previously facing restrictions over Washington's concerns that China could access the technology. Trump began a visit to the UAE on the latest stage of a tour of wealthy Gulf states after hailing plans by Doha to invest $10 billion in a US military facility during a trip to Qatar. "I have absolutely no doubt that the relationship will only get bigger and better," Trump said in a meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. "Your wonderful brother came to Washington a few weeks ago and he told us about your generous statement as to the 1.4 trillion," Trump said, referring to a UAE pledge to invest $1.4 trillion in the US over 10 years. Trump was referring to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohamed's brother and the UAE's national security adviser and chairman of two of Abu Dhabi's deep-pocketed sovereign wealth funds. The US president was met at the airport in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Mohamed, and they visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, its white minarets and domes, impressive in the late-afternoon light. "It is so beautiful," Trump told reporters inside the mosque, which he said had been closed for the day. "First time they closed it. It's in honor of the United States. Better than in honor of me. Let's give it to the country. That's a great tribute." A White House fact sheet said Trump had secured US$200 billion in new U.S.-UAE deals and accelerated the previously committed US$1.4 trillion. It said Emirates Global Aluminum would invest to develop a US$4 billion primary aluminum smelter project in Oklahoma, while ExxonMobil Corp, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources were partnering with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in expanded oil and natural gas production valued at $60 billion. Sheikh Mohamed told Trump the UAE was "keen to continue and strengthen this friendship for the benefit of the two countries and peoples," adding to Trump: "your presence here today, your excellency, the president, confirms that this keenness is mutual." Before his departure for the UAE, Trump said in a speech to US troops at the Al Udeid Air Base southwest of Doha that defence purchases signed by Qatar on Wednesday were worth US$42 billion. UAE has been seeking US help to make the wealthy Gulf nation a global leader in artificial intelligence. The US has a preliminary agreement with the UAE to allow it to import 500,000 of Nvidia's most advanced AI chips a year, starting this year, Reuters reported on Wednesday. The deal would boost the UAE's construction of data centres vital to developing AI models, although the agreement has provoked national security concerns among sectors of the US government. The AI agreement "includes the UAE committing to invest in, build, or finance centers that are at least as large and as powerful as those in the UAE," the White House said. "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." Former US President Joe Biden's administration had imposed strict oversight of exports of US AI chips to the Middle East and other regions. Among Biden's fears were that the prized semiconductors would be diverted to China and buttress its military strength. At the UAE presidential palace, Trump and Sheikh Mohamed could be seen in TV footage in conversation with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Trump said he would probably return to Washington on Friday after a regional trip that began on Tuesday, although he said it was "almost destination unknown." Trump had hinted he could stop in Istanbul for talks on Ukraine. Other big business agreements have been signed during Trump's four-day swing through the Gulf region, including a deal for Qatar Airways to purchase up to 210 Boeing widebody jets, a US$600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in the US and US$142 billion in US arms sales to the kingdom. The trip has also brought a flurry of diplomacy. Trump said in Qatar that the United States was getting very close to securing a nuclear deal with Iran, and Tehran had "sort of" agreed to the terms. He also announced on Tuesday the US would remove longstanding sanctions on Syria and subsequently met with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. He urged Sharaa to establish ties with Syria's longtime foe Israel. Trump has made improving ties with some Gulf countries a key goal of his administration. If all the proposed chip deals in Gulf states, and the UAE in particular, come together, the region would become a third power centre in global AI competition after the United States and China. -Reuters
