Marking almost half a century of diplomatic engagement, the visit of former US President Donald Trump to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents a significant milestone in the enduring strategic relationship between these two key global players. This high-profile visit is designed to reinforce and deepen the multifaceted partnership that spans diplomatic, economic, technological, and cultural dimensions, reflecting the shared aspirations for growth, innovation, and security that unite the United States and the UAE. The UAE remains the United States’ premier trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a testament to the strength of this collaboration as affirmed by the UAE Ministry of Economy.
A Historic Return to the Middle East
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the visit as a “historic return to the Middle East,” highlighting the strategic significance of the Gulf region. Trump’s decision to begin his renewed engagement in the Gulf underscores the region’s pivotal role in global geopolitics, economics, and technological advancement. It also sends a strong message of continuity and commitment to longstanding partnerships in an increasingly complex international landscape.
The UAE’s formation in 1971 set the foundation for a robust diplomatic relationship with the United States. Within just three years, the UAE established its embassy in Washington, D.C. in 1974, with the US reciprocating by opening its embassy in Abu Dhabi the same year. Since then, the relationship has evolved into a comprehensive alliance encompassing many sectors critical to both nations’ interests.
Broad Scope of UAE-US Cooperation
The cooperation between the UAE and the US covers a broad spectrum of areas including development, politics, security, economy, trade, and military collaboration. This multifaceted partnership also extends into cultural and educational exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and goodwill. One of the most notable milestones in recent years has been the UAE’s role in the Abraham Accords, which have redefined diplomatic relationships across the Middle East.
Beyond traditional areas of cooperation, the two nations are pioneering innovative partnerships in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, food security, clean energy, and space exploration. These collaborations not only fuel economic growth but also position the UAE and the US as leaders in future-focused industries that will shape global trends.
Strengthening Economic Ties and Trade
Economic relations between the UAE and the US are particularly strong and dynamic. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, non-oil foreign trade between the two countries reached an impressive $32.8 billion in 2024. The US stands as the UAE’s sixth largest global trade partner and the foremost partner outside of Asia, accounting for 4 percent of the UAE’s non-oil trade. This illustrates the depth and diversity of economic exchange, encompassing sectors from manufacturing to services.
Investment flows are equally substantial. The UAE has emerged as a major investor in the US, with its investments estimated at around $1 trillion. These investments are strategically diversified across vital sectors including aviation, trade, manufacturing, energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence. This financial interdependence solidifies the economic foundation of the bilateral relationship and promotes long-term stability and growth.
Collaboration in Artificial Intelligence: Pioneering the Future
One of the most exciting areas of UAE-US cooperation lies in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The two nations have embarked on ambitious projects designed to harness AI’s transformative power for economic development and societal benefit. This cooperation is guided by a shared strategic vision to foster innovation and build advanced digital infrastructures that support future technologies.
In 2024, landmark partnerships and investment agreements underscored this commitment. A notable example was the $1.5 billion strategic investment from Microsoft into G42, the UAE’s leading AI technology holding company. This partnership aims to accelerate AI research, development, and application across sectors vital to both nations.
Further advancing AI integration, in June 2024, US-based World Wide Technology signed a strategic agreement with NXT-Global to establish the first AI integration centre in Masdar City, a hub for clean technology and innovation in Abu Dhabi. This centre serves as a beacon of cutting-edge AI research and development, fostering collaboration between regional and global tech leaders.
In September 2024, the UAE and the US jointly announced a framework to promote ongoing cooperation in AI. This includes sharing expertise, aligning ethical standards, and advancing responsible AI development—a critical dimension given the transformative impact of AI on society and economies.
Moreover, the launch of the “Responsible AI Foundation” by G42 and Microsoft in February 2024 marked a pioneering step in promoting responsible AI usage standards in the Middle East and the Global South. This initiative focuses on ethical frameworks, transparency, and safeguarding against potential AI risks.
March 2024 also witnessed the expansion of the Global Partnership for AI Infrastructure Investment, now renamed the “AI Infrastructure Partnership” (AIP). This consortium includes major industry leaders like BlackRock, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and xAI, alongside UAE-based MGX, which specializes in accelerating AI and advanced technology development. The partnership aims to mobilize up to $100 billion in investments, driving innovation and infrastructure development in AI globally.
Joint Efforts in Energy and Infrastructure Investment
Energy cooperation also remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. The UAE’s sovereign investment firm ADQ partnered with US-based Energy Capital Partners to launch a 50/50 joint venture investing $25 billion in new power generation projects in the US. This partnership focuses heavily on renewable energy sources and innovative power technologies, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable development and energy transition.
Space Exploration: Expanding Frontiers Together
The UAE’s pioneering space initiatives have opened new avenues for collaboration with the US, especially with NASA. The launch of the UAE’s ‘Hope Probe’ in 2021 marked a historic milestone in Arab space exploration and intensified scientific cooperation with American space agencies.
Building on this momentum, the UAE and the University of Colorado Boulder are collaborating on a mission to explore the asteroid belt. This venture highlights the UAE’s ambition to be at the forefront of space science and technology.
Additionally, the UAE is an active partner in NASA’s Lunar Gateway project. The country is developing a vital component—a crew and scientist airlock module—that will facilitate astronaut operations on future lunar missions. Scheduled for launch by 2030, this module will ensure astronaut safety and enable complex mission activities in lunar orbit. The UAE also plans to send its first astronaut to orbit the moon, showcasing its growing capabilities and ambitions in human spaceflight.
Conclusion of Current Cooperation and Future Outlook
The visit of Donald Trump to the UAE symbolizes more than a diplomatic formality; it is a reaffirmation of a relationship built on trust, shared values, and mutual benefit. The deep-rooted ties between the two nations are manifested in comprehensive economic partnerships, cutting-edge technological collaborations, and bold ambitions in space exploration.
As the UAE continues to diversify its economy and position itself as a global innovation hub, and as the US remains a leader in technology and investment, the partnership is poised to achieve even greater milestones. This cooperation will undoubtedly contribute to regional stability, economic prosperity, and scientific progress for years to come.
