US President Donald Trump has announced over USD 200 billion in new commercial agreements between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, significantly boosting the two nations’ economic ties. This milestone comes as part of a broader series of investment deals in the Gulf region, now totaling more than USD 2 trillion.
Arriving in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, President Trump was received by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Abu Dhabi International Airport, following earlier visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Key among the agreements is a USD 14.5 billion commitment from UAE’s Etihad Airways to purchase 28 Boeing aircraft, including 787 and the next-generation 777X models powered by GE Aerospace engines. The deal is expected to support around 60,000 US jobs, bolstering American manufacturing and exports.
Further strengthening US-UAE economic ties, Emirates Global Aluminium will invest USD 4 billion to establish a primary aluminum smelter in Oklahoma—the first major aluminum smelter in the United States in 45 years. This project is expected to create around 1,000 American jobs while enhancing critical mineral supply chains.
Energy giants ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources will join forces with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to expand oil and natural gas production in a USD 60 billion agreement, which aims to reduce energy costs and create skilled jobs in both countries.
In the nuclear energy sector, Holtec International has partnered with IHC Industrial Holding Company (IHC) to develop a fleet of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the United States, starting with a USD 10 billion investment at the Palisades site in Michigan. An additional USD 20 billion will be dedicated to expanding this fleet, providing high-skilled jobs in engineering, construction, and manufacturing.
The White House emphasized that these deals reinforce the US-UAE strategic partnership, which includes a 10-year, USD 1.4 trillion investment framework. This framework will accelerate developments in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, biotechnology, and manufacturing in the United States.
As a symbolic gesture of this strengthened alliance, Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa was illuminated in the colors of the American flag. The Government of Dubai Media Office shared images on social media, celebrating President Trump’s visit.
“Burj Khalifa is illuminated in the colours of the American flag to mark the visit of US President @realDonaldTrump to the United Arab Emirates,” the Dubai Media Office posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Streets across Dubai were also decorated with US and UAE flags, reflecting the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
