The Blubber

The White House announced that the framework will "significantly expand the UAE's existing investments in the U.S. economy," focusing on AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing.

However, the statement did not specify how UAE investments would total $1.4 trillion, as some of the deals included in the framework had already been previously disclosed.

The only entirely new investment appears to be from Emirates Global Aluminium, which plans to build the first new aluminum smelter in the U.S. in 35 years. The White House stated that the facility "would nearly double U.S. domestic aluminum production." A spokesperson for the company added, "Developing a primary aluminum smelter in the U.S. has been part of EGA's ambitions for several years."

As an oil producer and long-time security partner of the U.S., the UAE is deepening its investment ties with Washington. The country is also positioning itself as a global leader in AI as part of its strategy to diversify its economy beyond energy.

In September, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with former U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House, marking the first visit by a UAE president to Washington. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation in AI, investments, and space exploration.

Gulf sovereign wealth funds, including Abu Dhabi's $330 billion Mubadala, already hold significant U.S. investments, and Trump and his family have longstanding business ties to the region.

Oval Office Meeting

In January, Trump requested that Saudi Arabia invest at least $1 trillion in the U.S. economy over four years, including military equipment purchases. Earlier this month, he hinted that his first foreign trip as president could be to the Gulf region to finalize an investment deal. The agreement, which could be reached this month or next, coincides with Saudi Arabia's growing role in U.S. foreign policy. The kingdom is set to host diplomatic discussions next week on Ukraine, involving both the U.S. and Russia.

The White House confirmed that the UAE investment framework stemmed from a meeting between Trump and UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the Oval Office on Tuesday. It was followed by a dinner hosted by Vice President JD Vance and several cabinet members with a UAE delegation that included top executives from major UAE sovereign wealth funds and corporations.

Among the agreements highlighted was a partnership between UAE sovereign wealth fund ADQ, chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon, and U.S. private equity firm Energy Capital Partners. The $25 billion initiative, focused on energy infrastructure and data centers, was initially announced two days prior.

Additionally, XRG—the international investment arm of UAE state oil company ADNOC—committed to supporting U.S. natural gas production and exports. This includes an investment in the NextDecade liquefied natural gas export facility in Texas, a deal first announced under Biden last year.