During his four-day visit to the Gulf, US President Donald Trump did what he says he does best: deal-making.
In the first foreign tour of his second presidency, Mr Trump secured $2 trillion worth of commercial deals and investment agreements for the US, according to a White House statement on Friday. The focus was on sectors including aviation, artificial intelligence, technology, defence and energy.
During his whirlwind tour of three Gulf states that began on Tuesday, Mr Trump has managed to secure record orders for US plane maker Boeing. The UAE's Etihad Airways booked 28 wide-body aircraft as part of a deal valued at $14.5 billion, while Qatar Airways signed an agreement for upto 210 jets powered by GE engines in an agreement worth $96 billion.
On the last day of his tour, the American leader secured a $440 billion investment commitment by the UAE in the US energy sector over the next decade.
“The US-UAE deals this week are very significant,” said Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
“A key development is the increased access to the most advanced US AI chips, which is very positive and important as the UAE moves towards a more knowledge-based economy.
“AI is a central area of focus for the UAE and one of the challenges previously was access to chips in the US. AI will help boost efficiency in various economic sectors in the UAE, alongside the development of new ones, alongside attracting FDI – so that really stood out.”
Here's a round-up of the dizzying multibillion dollar deals, from aviation to AI, that were signed during Mr Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, where he was met with lavish displays of luxury and warm hospitality.
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President Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to US President Donald Trump. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed waves as Mr Trump's aircraft leaves the Presidential Airport. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential -
Mr Trump aboard Air Force One. Ismaeel Al Zaher / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Trump. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Mr Trump and senior officials visit the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office -
Mr Trump at the Abrahamic Family House. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office -
Mr Trump at the Abrahamic Family House. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office -
Mr Trump attends the UAE-US Business Dialogue alongside Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at Qasr Al Watan. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Mr Trump receives a small bottle of the UAE's Murban crude oil at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Mr Trump and Sheikh Khaled at the UAE-US Business Dialogue. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The UAE-US Business Dialogue. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Mr Trump at the UAE-US Business Dialogue. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Mr Trump and Sheikh Khaled at Qasr Al Watan. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
President of the United States of America Donald Trump attends the UAE-US Business Dialogue at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi during his tour of the Middle East. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed watches as US President Donald Trump signs the guest book at Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi. UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Trump are given a tour by Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE astronaut and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, of an exhibition titled Guided by the Stars at the presidential palace. UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Khaled and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and UAE National Security Adviser, attend the reception for Mr Trump at Qasr Al Watan. UAE Presidential Court -
Mr Trump greets Jensen Huang, president and chief executive of Nvidia, at Qasr Al Watan as Sheikh Mohamed watches. Photo: UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Trump view a model of the UAE-US AI Cluster, during the launch ceremony at Qasr Al Watan. Photo: UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed presents the Order of Zayed to Mr Trump during the state reception at Qasr Al Watan. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed speaks with Mr Trump at Qasr Al Watan. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Trump stand for the national anthems at Qasr Al Watan. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Trump stand for the national anthems. Hamad Al Kaabi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Trump view an exhibition titled ‘Guided By the Stars’ at Qasr Al Watan, and speak with UAE astronaut and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Dr Sultan Al Neyadi. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
The ceremony at Qasr Al Watan is attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Also standing for the national anthems at Qasr Al Watan are Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and managing director and group chief executive of Adnoc; Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohamed Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for National Security; and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and managing director and group chief executive of Mubadala Investment Company. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Heritage band musicians perform as Mr Trump arrives at Qasr Al Watan. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Children wave UAE and US flags at Qasr Al Watan. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Trump arrive at Qasr Al Watan. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed meets Mr Trump after his arrival at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Trump in discussion at the Presidential Airport. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Mr Trump arrives in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Mr Trump arrives in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Traditional drummers greet the US President on his arrival. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A participant in the ceremony welcoming Mr Trump to Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Participants in the welcoming ceremony for Mr Trump. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Participants help to welcome Mr Trump to Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed with Mr Trump. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
UAE Air Force fighter jets accompany Air Force One, carrying Mr Trump, as it approaches Abu Dhabi. Reuters
Saudi Arabia's $600 billion pledge
Saudi Arabia has committed to investing $600 billion in the US through a series of deals in energy, defence, technology, infrastructure and critical minerals. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh that “we will work in the next phase to complete additional agreements, reaching $1 trillion”.
- Saudi Arabia will spend $142 billion on US weapons in what Mr Trump said was the biggest single military deal on record.
- Google, Oracle, Salesforce, Advanced Micro Devices, Uber and Saudi-based DataVolt will invest $80 billion in technologies in both countries. DataVolt will spend $20 billion on AI data centres in the US.
- GE Vernova will supply gas turbines and energy solutions totalling $14.2 billion.
- Nvidia will begin shipping 18,000 of its most advanced Blackwell chips to the kingdom for use in a 500MW data centre. The deal came one day ahead of a Biden-era deadline that would have blocked such sales. Nvidia shares surged following a bruising few months.
- Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund-backed plane lessor AviLease will buy $4.8 billion worth of Boeing 737-8 passenger jets, in a much-needed boost to the US plane maker.
- Saudi Aramco plans to invest $3.4 billion in its Motiva refinery in Texas, the largest fuel-making plant in the US.
- Elon Musk also sealed a “major” deal for Starlink to enter Saudi Arabia, although the transaction value was not disclosed.
- US technology majors including Nvidia, Amazon Web Services, and Advanced Micro Devices plan to work with the Saudi Public Investment Fund's recently announced artificial intelligence company Humain.
Qatar Airways gives Boeing 'record' deal
The US and Qatar said they signed deals on Wednesday to generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion. They also announced economic deals totalling more than $243.5 billion between the countries.
- Qatar Airways signed an agreement with Boeing for 210 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace valued at $96 billion, the largest on record for the US plane maker, the White House said. The companies said the order includes 130 787 Dreamliners, 30 777X planes and options for 50 more 787 and 777X aircraft.
- Parsons has won 30 projects worth up to $97 billion, the White House said.
- Quantinuum finalised a joint venture agreement with Qatari company Al Rabban Capital under which Qatar will invest up to $1 billion in quantum technologies and workforce development.
- Raytheon secured a $1 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of counter-drone capabilities, signed by the US and Qatari governments.
- General Atomics secured a nearly $2 billion agreement for Qatar’s acquisition of the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system.
- The US and Qatar also signed a statement of intent to further strengthen their security partnership, outlining over $38 billion in potential investments, including support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base and future defence capabilities related to air defence and maritime security.
- Separately, Mr Trump accepted Qatar’s offer of a luxury Boeing 747 but analysts say the plane would need to be retrofitted to standards that the Air Force One currently maintains.
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President Sheikh Mohamed and US President Donald Trump are welcomed by children at a state visit reception at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. Abdulla Al Bedwawi / UAE Presidential Court -
Members of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Equestrian Federation of Azerbaijan and the Royal Calvary of Oman pose for a photograph during a preview for the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor, Berkshire, southern England. PA -
Police and protesters confront each other at a demonstration to commemorate Nakba Day in Berlin. AP -
Migratiing birds fly over wetlands as the sun sets in Yingkou, in Liaoning province, north-eastern China AFP -
Dancer and choreographer Aakash Odedra performs the kathak dance at The Mount Without, in Bristol, western England, as part of Impermanence's Spring and Summer show season. PA -
Members of a guard of honour prepare ahead of a welcome ceremony for Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi. AFP -
A craftsman arranges pots at an 800-year-old workshop in Guellala, in the southern Mediterranean resort island of Djerba, Tunisia. AFP -
Ducks stained with blue paint at Tulip Lake in the Botanical Garden in Jundiai, south-eastern Brazil, after a lorry carrying 1,000 litres of dye crashed and spilled its contents. EPA -
Afghan Hajj pilgrims board a flight to Saudi Arabia at Kandahar International Airport. AFP -
New Volkswagen ID.3 electric cars stored in a glass tower at the Volkswagen plant in Dresden, eastern Germany. Getty Images -
Syrians celebrate and set off fireworks in Damascus after US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions imposed on the country. EPA -
Visitors view the Longmen Grottoes historical site in Luoyang, Henan province, in central China. AFP -
Montenegrin singer Nina Zizic performs at the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, at the St Jakobshalle arena in Basel, north-west Switzerland. AFP -
A mallard caught by a speed radar in Koeniz, central Switzerland. The duck was travelling at 52kph in a 30kph zone. AFP -
Pope Leo XIV visits the Apartment III Loggia in the Vatican. AFP -
The USA's Coco Gauff enters the Campo Centrale court for her women's singles semi-final match against China's Zheng Qinwen at the WTA Rome Open tennis tournament. Gauff won in three sets. AFP -
Ultra-Orthodox Jews harvest wheat in a field outside Modiin, central Israel. It will be used to make unleavened bread. EPA -
Saudi and US flags flutter under a flyover in Riyadh, for the visit of US President Donald Trump. AFP -
The full moon sets behind the St Isaac's Cathedral in the Russian Baltic port city of St Petersburg. AP -
A monkey leaps in the foreground of the Swayambhunath Stupa temple, during a ceremony commemorating Buddha's birthday, in Nepal's capital Kathmandu. AFP -
Hospital staff survey the destruction inside Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, after an early morning Israeli strike. AFP -
An Afghan tailor stitches burqas in a shop in the western city of Herat. AFP -
Nurses with candles mark International Nurses Day, at Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, northern Pakistan. EPA -
Committee and executive council members after announcing the dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, at an undisclosed location in northern Iraq. AFP -
Dutch Defence Secretary Gijs Tuinman at signing event for new Leopard tanks in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. EPA -
Models backstage ahead of the Bianca Spender show at Australian Fashion Week 2025, at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Sydney. Getty Images -
An employee at a textile factory that produces chemical fibre nets and ropes in Binzhou, in eastern China's Shandong province. AFP -
Art duo Gilbert and George in front of ‘Head View’, at the launch of their Death Hope Life Fear exhibition, at The Gilbert and George Centre, in East London. Reuters -
Devotees fly lanterns during the commemoration of Vesak, which marks the day of Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment at the 9th-century Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. AP -
Tom Cruise departs the Mission Impossible - The Final Reckoning red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals. Getty Images
UAE and US agree $200 billion in commercial deals
The US announced a host of commercial and investments deals with the UAE worth $200 billion. The two countries also agreed to deepen co-operation on artificial intelligence.
- The US and UAE agreed to create a path for the UAE to buy some of the world's most advanced AI semi-conductor chips from US companies, in addition to establishing an AI campus.
- Etihad Airways placed a $14.5 billion order for 28 Boeing wide-body aircraft, a mix of 787s and 777Xs, powered by GE engines.
- The UAE plans to increase the value of its energy investments in the US to $440 billion in the next decade, up from the current $70 billion, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and managing director and group chief executive of Adnoc, said in a presentation.
- US firms are to invest $60 billion in UAE energy projects.
- Emirates Global Aluminium, the UAE’s largest industrial company outside the oil and gas sector, will develop a $4 billion primary aluminium smelter project in Oklahoma.
- ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources are partnering with Adnoc for expanded oil and natural gas production valued at $60 billion.
- Amazon Web Services, Abu Dhabi tech conglomerate e& and the UAE Cybersecurity Council have teamed up to boost sovereign cloud adoption in the UAE, a move expected to add $181 billion to the digital economy by 2033. They will also be developing a cybersecurity technology innovation centre in the Emirates.
