Post by : Bianca
Haleem
His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the UAE Executive Affairs Authority, convened with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to evaluate the UAE-US economic framework and the 2025 investments from both countries.
This meeting marks one year since the UAE and the United States established a new economic framework during the visit of US President Donald J. Trump to the UAE on May 16, 2025. The agreement, initiated by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Trump, was designed to enhance economic collaboration and promote sustainable growth in both nations.
During their discussions, Al Mubarak underscored the robust nature of the UAE-US economic relationship, expressing that the partnership is based on mutual trust, growth, and shared ambitions. Despite global economic challenges, he revealed that the UAE has outperformed its commitments in the first year.
Key discussions focused on the UAE’s pledge to invest US$1.4 trillion in the US economy over the upcoming decade, encompassing crucial sectors such as energy, manufacturing, AI, aviation, infrastructure, and healthcare. Officials presented a report indicating that the UAE is well ahead of its initial investment goals, directly supporting countless jobs across the US.
The realm of artificial intelligence is especially prioritized. UAE entities are investing throughout the AI value chain in the US, targeting advanced semiconductors, AI infrastructure, research laboratories, and applications. Notable projects led by MGX and G42 are underway across various states, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation.
Additionally, both nations aim to expand AI infrastructure globally through the 5GW UAE-US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi, with the first 500MW phase slated for operation by year-end, involving substantial participation from American firms.
Progress is evident across strategic sectors due to the economic framework. In energy, UAE companies such as ADNOC, XRG, and Masdar have pioneered major power generation and energy initiatives in the US.
On the manufacturing front, Emirates Global Aluminium is planning to construct the first new aluminium smelter in the US in nearly five decades, set to bolster domestic industrial manufacturing in Oklahoma.
UAE sovereign investment bodies, including ADIA, Mubadala, and L’Imad, have sustained their investments across key sectors in the US, focusing on real estate, aviation, and finance.
Trade relations have also experienced remarkable growth, with US goods exports to the UAE totaling US$31.4 billion in 2025, resulting in a US$23.8 billion trade surplus for the United States. This surplus represents the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region and ranks fourth globally.
According to the US Department of Commerce, total trade between the UAE and the United States reached a historic US$39 billion in 2025, with the UAE maintaining its position as the primary export destination for US goods in the Middle East and North Africa for 17 continuous years.
While in Washington, Al Mubarak also met 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 cooperation and investment opportunities.
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