UAE, US Presidents focus on boosting ties in 'future-focused industries'

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has highlighted continued efforts in "driving investments in future-focused industries such as AI and advanced technology" following talks with Donald Trump.

"For over 50 years, the enduring UAE-US strategic partnership has served as a foundation of shared progress, and our nations remain committed to advancing prosperity, stability, and development in our regions and worldwide," Sheikh Mohamed wrote in a social media post.  

During the meeting in Abu Dhabi, the leaders focused on strengthening strategic partnership across various fields, national news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohamed also commended Trump’s efforts to enhance UAE-US relations since taking office, noting that the two nations share a vision of further progress and prosperity.

Following the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed and Trump also attended the unveiling of a new 5GW AI campus, which would be the largest outside the US.

I was pleased to welcome US President Donald Trump (@POTUS) to Abu Dhabi. Together, we expressed our determination to continue driving investment in future-focused industries such as AI and advanced technology for the benefit of humanity. For over 50 years, the enduring UAE-US… pic.twitter.com/9Vir8rwH3z

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) May 15, 2025

In an update, the White House said Trump had secured $200 billion in new US-UAE deals and accelerated the previously committed $1.4 trillion.

It said deals included a $7.5 billion commitment from Etihad Airways to invest in 28 Boeing 787 and 777x aircraft powered by engines made by GE Aerospace. These aircraft are expected to join the fleet from 2028 onwards and will support Etihad’s existing plans for growth in connectivity, operational efficiency, and guest experience.

“This commitment reflects our approach of carefully managing our fleet and expanding in line with demand and our long-term network plans,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. 

The White House added that Emirates Global Aluminum will invest to develop a $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. The agreements will reportedly give the UAE expanded access to advanced AI chips from the US.

The two leaders explored opportunities to expand collaboration, particularly across the fields of investment, energy, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, industry, and other areas that support the two countries’ determination to foster a more prosperous future.

Trump also signed the guestbook at Qasr Al Watan, expressing his pleasure at visiting the UAE and affirmed the enduring and strategic partnership with UAE-US relations.

US President signs VIP guestbook at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi #UAE_welcomes_US_President #UAEUSA
#WamNews pic.twitter.com/Ok0HHID2qc

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) May 15, 2025