Payam Javan: During his visit to Abu Dhabi on May 15, President Donald Trump announced over $200 billion in new investment deals with the UAE, reinforcing the U.S.’s strategic partnership with the Gulf nation. Building on a $1.4 trillion framework from March, the agreements span aerospace, aluminum, AI, energy, and nuclear technology. Key deals include a $60 billion oil and gas expansion to lower energy costs, a $30 billion investment in small modular reactors by Holtec International and the UAE, and a $14.5 billion Boeing and GE Aerospace contract supporting 60,000 U.S. jobs. Additionally, Emirates Global Aluminum will invest $4 billion in an Oklahoma smelter, doubling U.S. aluminum capacity and creating 1,000 jobs.

The agreements include a significant AI pact, with the UAE investing in U.S. data centers and aligning national security regulations to protect American technology from countries like China. The UAE’s $35 billion investment in the U.S. in 2023 already supports 33,000 jobs, and 2024 bilateral trade reached $34.4 billion, with a $19.5 billion U.S. surplus. These deals, part of $2 trillion in Gulf region commitments, align with Trump’s strategy to drive innovation, jobs, and infrastructure while expanding U.S. market access. Additionally, Trump announced $25 billion in U.S. investments from companies like Sanofi and Kraft Heinz during his Middle East trip, further boosting domestic manufacturing and research.