Trump visits UAE to Boost its AI Ambitions
U.S. President Donald Trump is wrapping up a whirlwind tour of the Gulf with a critical stop in the United Arab Emirates, a country eager to establish itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence. After addressing U.S. troops stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Trump will fly to Abu Dhabi, where he is expected to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During the visit, AI is set to take centre stage. The UAE is negotiating a preliminary agreement to import 500,000 advanced Nvidia AI chips annually, beginning this year. While the deal promises to significantly enhance the nation’s AI infrastructure, it has sparked national security concerns in the U.S., where some officials fear such technology could eventually be diverted to rival nations. Even so, the agreement could position the UAE and the Gulf region more broadly as a third global force in AI, rivaling the U.S. and China.
Diplomatic Momentum and Strategic Deals
Trump’s four-day Gulf tour has already generated substantial diplomatic and economic outcomes. Qatar Airways signed a major agreement to purchase up to 210 Boeing widebody jets, while Saudi Arabia pledged a $600 billion investment in the U.S. Additionally, arms sales totaling $142 billion to the kingdom were confirmed.
In a surprise move, Trump announced the lifting of long-standing sanctions on Syria. He also met with interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy. Although there had been speculation about a potential stop in Turkey for Russia-Ukraine talks, a U.S. official later confirmed that no such visit would occur.
AI and Geopolitics Intersect
The UAE sees AI not just as a technological leap, but as a means to secure long-term geopolitical relevance. With U.S. cooperation, the Gulf could shift from being primarily an energy power to a leader in digital innovation. Trump’s visit underscores his administration’s strategic pivot toward strengthening ties with Gulf states, contrasting with the more cautious export stance of the Biden era.
If successful, the UAE’s AI ambitions could catalyse a transformation across the region, paving the way for cutting-edge data centers and a redefined technological identity. As the global AI race intensifies, the Middle East’s evolving role could carry major implications for the balance of power.
