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The United Arab Emirates is moving forward with a $1.4 trillion investment initiative in the United States.
Some shit you should know before you read: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the closest US allies in the Middle East, playing a vital role in both economic and strategic partnerships. Trade between the two nations has grown significantly, with the US exporting aircraft, machinery, vehicles, and defense equipment to the UAE while importing aluminum, petrochemical products, and dates. The UAE is a major oil and natural gas producer, and its sovereign wealth funds have become increasingly active in global investments as the EV market slowly chips away at global oil demand. The US also maintains a strong military presence in the country, with over 3,000 American personnel stationed at the Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi, supporting operations across the region.
What’s going on now: First reported by Reuters, citing a White House official, the UAE has committed to a massive $1.4 trillion investment framework in the United States over the next decade. This investment targets critical sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, energy infrastructure, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Multiple state-affiliated entities are involved in this investment initiative. ADQ, one of the country’s largest sovereign wealth funds, along with US partner Energy Capital Partners, will lead a $25 billion effort focused on data centers and energy infrastructure. XRG, a subsidiary of the state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), will support US natural gas production and exports while expanding into chemicals and low-carbon energy projects. Emirates Global Aluminum also plans to build a new aluminum smelter in the US, which would nearly double America’s domestic aluminum production capacity. Additionally, MGX, an investment firm chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, is expected to drive a $100 billion AI infrastructure project.
This all comes as President Trump’s longstanding ties with the UAE continue to play a central role in shaping the growing economic alliance between the two countries. His relationship with influential Emirati figures—most notably Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed and businessman Hussain Sajwani—has extended beyond diplomacy into significant business collaborations. Sajwani, a close associate of Trump, was behind the Trump-branded golf course in Dubai and has committed $20 billion to build data centers in the US, with the potential for further investment. Additionally, UAE sovereign wealth funds invested over $200 million into Jared Kushner’s private equity firm, Affinity Partners, following Trump’s presidency—investments rooted in relationships built during Trump’s first term.
