Abu Dhabi rolled out a historic welcome for US President Donald Trump on Thursday, 15 May 2025, as the UAE announced it would invest $1.4 trillion in the United States over the next ten years — a pledge first made in March 2025 and formally accelerated during the state visit. The trip also produced $200 billion in new deals spanning artificial intelligence, aviation, and semiconductors, cementing one of the most consequential US-UAE summits in decades.
Ceremonial Welcome at Qasr Al Watan
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted Trump at Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi's presidential palace, with a full ceremonial welcome. The two leaders signed a series of agreements, including a new AI cooperation framework and a commitment to advance deals worth up to $200 billion, according to the White House.
As a mark of appreciation for his work strengthening US-UAE ties, Trump was awarded the Order of Zayed — the UAE's highest civilian honour.
5GW AI Campus and Nvidia Chip Deal
The centrepiece of the visit was the formal launch of a 5-gigawatt UAE-US AI campus in Abu Dhabi, built by UAE firm G42 in partnership with American companies. The facility is designed to dramatically expand regional AI computing capacity.
Trump also met Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during the trip, underscoring the two countries' shared focus on advanced semiconductors. Under a deal announced during the visit, the UAE is expected to purchase up to 500,000 of Nvidia's most advanced AI chips annually from 2025 through 2027 — a commitment that could be worth roughly $10 billion.
Etihad Airways Signs $14.5 Billion Boeing and GE Order
Rounding out the economic agreements, Etihad Airways committed to a $14.5 billion order for 28 Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines — a deal Trump announced personally. The Abu Dhabi carrier said the planes were expected to join its fleet from 2028, deepening the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States.
Trump Invites Sheikh Mohamed to the White House
Trump praised the AI projects agreed during the visit and said he would like to welcome Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to the White House in the near future, signalling an ongoing diplomatic momentum between the two countries.
Burj Khalifa Lit in US Colors
In a striking visual display of solidarity, the Burj Khalifa was illuminated in the colours of the US flag and displayed the message "UAE Welcomes US President," reflecting the warmth of the developing bilateral relationship.
Trump was scheduled to depart the UAE on Friday, with a possible stopover in Istanbul on the return journey to Washington.
