Trump Seals $200 Billion in Trade and Investment Deals During UAE Visit

 

Donald Trump and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed attend the signing ceremony at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi on May 15. The $200 billion in agreements span defense, energy, logistics, tourism, and agriculture sectors. (Photo: Ahmad Al-Rashid/Reuters)

By Jenna Whitmore | Senior Political & Business Correspondent

ABU DHABI, May 15 — Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump concluded a high-profile state visit to the United Arab Emirates today by announcing more than $200 billion in trade, defense, and infrastructure deals between American corporations and Emirati partners — a move being hailed as one of the largest single-day economic agreements in recent U.S.-Middle East relations.

The announcement was made during a lavish signing ceremony held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, where Trump stood alongside UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, flanked by executives from Boeing, General Electric, Raytheon, Blackstone, and other multinational giants.

“This is a historic day for both nations,” Trump declared, standing under chandeliers shaped like falcons. “This partnership is about jobs, prosperity, and a strong future — for America, for the Emirates, and for peace through economic power.”

Breakdown of the Agreements

The multi-sector package includes:

• $48 billion defense and aerospace deal, with Boeing and Raytheon agreeing to supply next-generation aircraft, drones, and missile systems to the UAE.

• $32 billion energy infrastructure project, involving GE Aerospace and ExxonMobil, aimed at expanding the UAE’s renewable and gas sectors, with joint research hubs planned in Houston and Abu Dhabi.

• $28 billion logistics and port modernization program, led by Blackstone and UAE’s DP World, focused on upgrading port terminals and constructing AI-managed cargo corridors.

• $16.5 billion tourism and hospitality investments, with Trump Organization-backed resorts and hospitality ventures along the Gulf coast, including plans for “Trump Emirates Tower.”

• $8 billion in agricultural tech partnerships, centered on climate-resilient food systems and AI-powered desert farming, with MIT and Masdar Institute collaboration.

Trump hinted that an additional $70 billion in long-term investments could follow “in phases over the next five years.”

Diplomatic Undertones and Strategic Significance

While framed as a business-first engagement, analysts suggest the visit carried heavy geopolitical implications. Trump’s reemergence onto the global stage — amid speculation of a 2028 presidential bid — has not gone unnoticed by Washington, Tehran, or Beijing.

“This is about more than money,” said Dr. Fareed Al-Mansouri, an Emirati political economist. “Trump is reminding the world that American business diplomacy is alive and that the UAE is doubling down on its role as the Middle East’s commercial gateway.”

The deals also come at a time when the Biden administration continues to distance itself from Saudi Arabia and maintains a cautious approach to arms sales in the Gulf. Trump, meanwhile, emphasized “no restrictions, no lectures, just results.”

Regional Reactions Mixed

Leaders across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) offered muted praise, but behind closed doors, the announcement is reportedly causing ripples — especially in Riyadh, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pursuing his own Vision 2030 reforms.

Iranian state media, meanwhile, condemned the deals as “a provocation and militarization of the Gulf,” warning that the influx of American weapons will “undermine peace.”

China, which has been vying for influence in the Middle East through the Belt and Road Initiative, issued a brief statement calling for “transparent and inclusive economic partnerships.”

U.S. Public and Corporate Response

In the U.S., the stock prices of Boeing, GE, and Raytheon spiked in pre-market trading Thursday morning. Trump’s allies praised the deals as “proof of leadership and vision,” while critics accused him of using foreign diplomacy to benefit his personal business interests.

“It’s a global Trump-branding tour, not foreign policy,” said Senator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “No ethics, no oversight.”

Still, for many on Wall Street, the numbers speak louder than politics.

“This could be a turning point for U.S. corporate diplomacy,” said Rachel Finn, a senior analyst at Goldman Sachs. “The scale, scope, and symbolism of these deals are unmatched.”

A Grand Farewell

Trump ended his visit with a ceremonial military send-off at Al Bateen Airport, where Emirati jets streaked across the sky in red, white, and blue. Before boarding his plane, Trump waved to the cameras and declared, “We’re just getting started.”