The United Arab Emirates has committed to a $1.4 trillion investment in the United States over the next decade following discussions between senior UAE officials and former U.S. President Donald Trump, the White House announced.
The framework aims to expand the UAE’s investments in AI, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing. However, the White House did not clarify how the full amount would be allocated, as some agreements had been previously announced.
A new investment from Emirates Global Aluminium will establish the first aluminium smelter in the U.S. in 35 years, nearly doubling domestic production. A company spokesperson stated that developing a smelter in the U.S. had been a long-term objective.
As a key oil producer and security partner of the U.S., the UAE seeks to strengthen economic ties while positioning itself as a leader in AI. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met former U.S. President Joe Biden last September to discuss AI, investments, and space cooperation.
Gulf sovereign wealth funds, including Abu Dhabi’s $330 billion Mubadala, are major U.S. investors, with Trump maintaining business ties in the region.
Trump previously urged Saudi Arabia to invest $1 trillion in the U.S., including military purchases, and may visit the kingdom soon for an investment agreement. Saudi Arabia is also hosting U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine.
The UAE investment deal resulted from a meeting in the Oval Office between Trump and UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed.
A key partnership includes ADQ’s $25 billion initiative with U.S. private equity firm Energy Capital Partners. Additionally, ADNOC’s XRG reaffirmed its investment in the NextDecade LNG facility in Texas, previously announced under Biden’s administration.
