Trump UAE investment dominates Gulf tour marked by historic Syria thaw and Iran deal optimism

Trump wraps Gulf tour with historic Syria overture, record arms deals, and AI tech pledges from the UAE.

Children wave Emirati and U.S. flags as President Donald Trump and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrive at Qasr Al-Watan in Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2025. Photo by Brendan Smialowski/AFP

By Alana Salsabila and Clarisa Sendy

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — U.S. President Donald Trump concluded a landmark Gulf tour on Friday with a $1.4 trillion UAE investment pledge, unprecedented arms deals, and renewed diplomatic engagement in the Middle East. The tour, part of Trump’s first foreign trip of his second term, also marked a diplomatic pivot with the lifting of sanctions on Syria and cautious optimism surrounding a possible nuclear agreement with Iran.

The Trump UAE investment pledge, announced in Abu Dhabi, emerged as a cornerstone of the tour, with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressing strong confidence in Trump’s economic leadership. The Emirati leader committed to funneling $1.4 trillion into the U.S. economy over the next decade, deepening ties between Washington and one of its key Gulf partners.

Record-setting deals and regional diplomacy

Trump’s Gulf circuit included stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where he was met with elaborate ceremonies and enthusiastic praise. At each stop, he unveiled multibillion-dollar agreements. In Saudi Arabia, the crown jewel was a $600 billion investment package, of which nearly $142 billion was allocated for arms purchases—hailed by the White House as the largest weapons deal in American history.

In Qatar, Trump celebrated a $200 billion order placed by Qatar Airways for Boeing aircraft, a move likely to boost U.S. manufacturing and job creation. Trump characterized the deals as evidence of “unmatched American diplomacy” and “economic leadership on a global scale.”

Throughout the journey, Trump remained focused on economic outcomes, frequently referencing the Trump UAE investment as a model for future international partnerships.

Opening new chapters with Syria and Iran

The tour also saw Trump take unprecedented steps in foreign policy. In a seismic shift, Trump announced the lifting of decades-long U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a dramatic departure from past administrations. The move came after a historic meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa—the first such encounter between a U.S. president and a Syrian head of state in 25 years.

Sources close to the administration revealed that the decision followed strong lobbying from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who urged Washington to bring Syria back into the regional fold.

In parallel, Trump signaled progress toward a new nuclear deal with Iran. While specific terms were not disclosed, the president’s optimistic tone suggested that a diplomatic resolution was within reach. "We’re closer than ever before to ending decades of conflict," Trump said in Abu Dhabi. "A new deal with Iran would prevent war, protect allies, and stabilize markets."

The announcement had immediate effects. Oil prices dropped sharply as markets priced in reduced geopolitical risk, and analysts began forecasting a return of Iranian crude to global supply chains.

AI, tech partnerships, and economic innovation

Beyond traditional diplomacy and defense, the Gulf tour also underscored a growing emphasis on technological collaboration. Trump and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed discussed a forthcoming AI and tech partnership, expected to be formalized in the coming weeks. The initiative aims to position the UAE as a regional leader in artificial intelligence while granting U.S. firms expanded access to Gulf markets.

According to The National, a leading Emirati newspaper, discussions centered around easing U.S. export restrictions on advanced technologies like AI chips—hardware that the UAE deems critical to its economic diversification goals. Earlier this year, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed, a prominent Emirati figure and intelligence chief, visited Washington to lobby for reduced controls. Trump’s administration responded by rescinding certain export limits initially imposed by his predecessor.

This policy shift is likely to accelerate the UAE’s AI ambitions, as it allows domestic firms to acquire sophisticated American semiconductors. Trump called the agreement “a blueprint for future cooperation,” positioning it as a win-win for both countries' economies.

Symbolism and interfaith outreach

In addition to economic and strategic engagements, Trump’s itinerary included a visit to the Abrahamic Family House, a complex inaugurated in 2023 that houses a mosque, church, and synagogue. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the site promotes interfaith dialogue and tolerance.

Trump praised the complex as “a vision of coexistence in a region too often divided by faith.” His visit was widely covered in regional media, reinforcing his administration’s role in advancing the Abraham Accords during his first term.

While the Trump UAE investment and other agreements were praised by supporters, they also fueled criticism back home. Democratic lawmakers questioned the legality and ethics of some deals, particularly reports that Qatar offered Trump a luxury jet for both official and personal use ahead of the tour. Critics labeled the move as "blatant corruption" and called for congressional investigations.

Nevertheless, Trump remained unfazed. “These are the fruits of strong leadership,” he told reporters. “We bring back trillions, create jobs, and restore America’s place on the world stage.”

Contrasts with previous administrations

The tone and outcomes of Trump’s second-term Middle East tour starkly contrasted with earlier U.S. policies, especially during the Biden administration, which had strained relations with Saudi Arabia and maintained a more cautious approach toward Iran and Syria.

Trump’s warm rapport with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was on full display, with the president quipping, “We like each other a lot.” This was a notable departure from the early Biden years, where diplomatic chill marked interactions with Riyadh.

The tour’s strategic impact also signaled a recalibration of Washington’s influence in the Middle East. By securing massive investments and reopening lines of communication with long-estranged states, Trump appeared to be crafting a new regional order—one driven by economic incentives, technological collaboration, and pragmatic diplomacy.

With the Trump UAE investment anchoring his regional strategy, the president hinted at future trips aimed at deepening U.S. ties with other parts of the world, including Africa and Southeast Asia. “This is just the beginning,” Trump said. “The world is open for business, and America is back to lead.”

As the world watches, the long-term effects of Trump’s Gulf tour remain to be seen. But for now, the deals, the headlines, and the dramatic diplomatic maneuvers have already reshaped the geopolitical landscape in ways few anticipated.