UAE Shatters US Investment Goals, Strengthens AI Collaboration

His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the UAE Executive Affairs Authority, convened with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to evaluate the progress of the UAE-US economic framework and the investments made in the past year.

This meeting marks one year after the introduction of a new economic framework during US President Donald J. Trump's visit to the UAE on May 16, 2025. President Trump and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to this initiative to enhance economic cooperation and promote sustainable growth.

Al Mubarak underscored the robust UAE-US economic partnership, based on trust, shared growth, and collaborative ventures. He noted that the UAE has outperformed the commitments to the US amidst both global and regional economic challenges.

A significant topic of discussion was the UAE's pledge to invest US$1.4 trillion in the US economy over the next ten years, focusing on vital sectors like energy, manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, and healthcare. Reports showed that the UAE has far exceeded its initial investment goals while contributing to the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the US.

Artificial intelligence is a critical area of collaboration, with UAE entities investing throughout the entire AI value chain in the US, including advanced semiconductors and AI applications. Leading firms like MGX and G42 are spearheading these projects across various US states, driving economic growth and job opportunities.

Furthermore, the two nations are working collaboratively to enhance AI infrastructure globally via the 5GW UAE-US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi. The initial phase, with a capacity of 500MW, is anticipated to commence operations by year-end, featuring substantial involvement from US firms.

The economic framework has also seen accomplishments across strategic sectors. Notably, UAE companies such as ADNOC, XRG, and Masdar are involved in key energy projects in the US.

In manufacturing, Emirates Global Aluminium is progressing towards establishing the first new aluminium smelter in the US in nearly five decades, intended for Oklahoma, bolstering domestic industrial capabilities.

UAE sovereign investment firms, such as ADIA, Mubadala, and L’Imad, continue to invest in essential areas of the US economy, including real estate, aviation, and financial services.

Trade relations have also reached impressive levels, with US goods exports to the UAE totaling US$31.4 billion in 2025, yielding a US$23.8 billion trade surplus for the United States. This surplus stands as the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region and the fourth-largest worldwide.

According to the US Department of Commerce, total trade between the UAE and the US hit a new high of US$39 billion in 2025. The UAE has remained the premier destination for US goods exports in the MENA region for 17 consecutive years.

During his time in Washington, Al Mubarak also engaged with US Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg to explore ongoing economic collaboration and investment prospects.