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Introduction
In May 2025, President Trump conducted a landmark tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, resulting in massive investments. These deals span critical sectors such as defence, aviation, energy infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. More than a transactional success, this tour marked a strategic turning point in US engagement with the Gulf, reinforcing American leadership in global innovation, industrial capacity, and geopolitical influence. The depth and scope of the agreements reflect a shared vision of economic transformation, national resilience, and long-term partnership between the United States and its most forward-looking allies in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia
Strengthening strategic partnerships for economic prosperity: Saudi Arabia–US agreements (May 2025)
In a major milestone for US–Saudi relations, President Trump announced a landmark $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia into the United States. These deals mark the largest bilateral commercial package in US–Middle East history, ushering in a new era of economic cooperation, strategic alignment, and mutual prosperity.
Defence and security cooperation – $142 billion
Saudi Arabia and the United States signed the largest defence sales agreement in American history—totalling nearly $142 billion. The multi-faceted package includes:
- state-of-the-art air and missile defence systems (THAAD and Patriot)
- advanced air force modernisation including aircraft and satellite systems
- maritime and coastal security upgrades
- border security enhancements and land force modernisation
- military medical services and training programs for Saudi armed forces
The deal spans over a dozen American defence firms and includes extensive logistics, support, and training components, enabling long-term sustainment partnerships. It strengthens Saudi Arabia's defence capabilities while reinforcing US leadership in global defence exports.
Artificial intelligence and high-tech partnerships ~ $110 billion
Under the crown prince's direction, Saudi Arabia launched "Humain," a sovereign AI company. Major US tech firms signed transformational partnerships:
- Nvidia will supply 18,000 AI chips
- AMD committed to a $10 billion joint project for chip production and AI software across US and Saudi centres
- Amazon Web Services (AWS), Oracle, Cisco, Google, and Salesforce joined to develop cloud infrastructure, enterprise platforms, and AI data training zones in both nations
- Google, DataVolt, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, and Uber are committing to invest $80 billion in cutting-edge transformative technologies in both countries
Additionally, DataVolt, a Saudi technology company, pledged $20 billion to build AI-optimised data centres and renewable energy infrastructure in the US, further supporting the American digital ecosystem.
Infrastructure, transportation, and urban development – $2+ billion
Iconic American engineering and construction companies including Hill International, Jacobs, AECOM, and Parsons signed contracts exceeding $2 billion to support megaprojects in Saudi Arabia such as:
- King Salman International Airport
- Qiddiya City, the Kingdom’s new entertainment, sports, and cultural hub
- The Vault and King Salman Park, aimed at modernising urban life in Riyadh
- these projects reinforce US export leadership in infrastructure and align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals
Energy and manufacturing ~ $40 billion
Key commercial deals in the energy and industrial sectors include:
- GE Vernova will export $14.2 billion in gas turbines and energy solutions
- Boeing signed a $4.8 billion agreement with AviLease for 737-8 passenger aircraft
- Shamekh IV Solutions committed $5.8 billion to establish a high-capacity IV fluid manufacturing facility in Michigan
In addition, three US-focused investment funds were launched:
- $5 billion Energy Investment Fund
- $5 billion Aerospace & Defence Technology Fund
- $4 billion Global Sports Investment Fund
Science, energy, and space cooperation
New scientific and strategic collaborations include:
- a US–Saudi CubeSat launch under NASA’s Artemis II to measure space weather from Earth orbit
- a modernised Air Transport Agreement, allowing US and Saudi airlines expanded cargo access
- bilateral agreements between the US Department of Energy and Saudi ministries for energy innovation and critical minerals cooperation
- Smithsonian–AlUla cultural partnerships and endangered species conservation initiatives
Economic and strategic impact
These agreements represent the deepest bilateral economic package in the history of US–Saudi relations, building on decades of partnership since the 1945 USS Quincy meeting. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $25.9 billion. The new deals signify a bold shift toward deeper integration in sectors ranging from health and infrastructure to space, defence, and AI.
Qatar
In a major advancement for US–Qatar relations, President Trump announced more than $243.5 billion in signed economic deals and a broader $1.2 trillion economic exchange roadmap with the State of Qatar. These agreements represent one of the most comprehensive bilateral commercial packages ever signed between the United States and a Gulf nation, deepening ties in aviation, energy, defence, and emerging technologies.
Aviation and aerospace manufacturing – $96 billion
Qatar Airways finalised a historic $96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace engines. This is:
- the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history
- the largest 787 Dreamliner order ever placed
The agreement is expected to support over 154,000 US jobs annually, sustaining more than 1 million American jobs throughout the aircraft production and delivery timeline. This milestone affirms Qatar’s long-standing partnership with US aerospace and further establishes Boeing and GE as foundational players in the region’s aviation growth.
Energy infrastructure and engineering – $105.5 billion
Qatar is partnering with leading US firms to expand its energy and civil infrastructure capacity:
- McDermott International secured $8.5 billion in contracts with QatarEnergy to provide critical offshore components for the country’s major LNG expansion, directly supporting US-based engineering, manufacturing, and oilfield services jobs
- Parsons Corporation won 30 infrastructure and engineering contracts valued at up to $97 billion. These projects will contribute to Qatar’s urban modernisation efforts, with US innovation at the core of next-generation smart city and energy developments
Quantum technology and advanced computing – $1 billion
US-based Quantinuum entered a strategic $1 billion joint venture with Qatari investment firm Al Rabban Capital. The initiative will:
- advance cutting-edge quantum computing hardware and software
- fund research and development programs
- support workforce development and training in both countries
Defence and security cooperation – $41 billion+
Qatar reaffirmed its role as a key US security partner through a set of advanced defence procurement deals and long-term infrastructure commitments:
- Raytheon (RTX) signed a $1 billion deal to deliver the Fixed Site–Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aerial System Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) — a cutting-edge anti-drone platform; Qatar is now the first international customer of this advanced air defence system
- General Atomics finalised a $2 billion agreement for the sale of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, the most advanced multi-role, remotely piloted aircraft in the world
- a Statement of Intent was signed outlining $38 billion in additional defence cooperation, including:
- expansion and modernisation of Al Udeid Air Base
- enhanced air and missile defence capabilities
- maritime security and joint military support infrastructure
These deals will modernise Qatar’s armed forces while supporting high skill defence manufacturing and R&D jobs in the US.
Economic and strategic impact
These agreements represent one of the most comprehensive bilateral economic packages ever concluded between the United States and Qatar, building on a decades-long partnership rooted in shared strategic interests and economic cooperation. In 2024, US–Qatar trade reached $5.64 billion, with the United States maintaining a $2 billion surplus. The new deals mark a significant shift toward deeper integration in next-generation sectors including quantum computing, LNG infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, and advanced defence systems. With a projected $1.2 trillion in total economic exchange, the partnership not only reinforces Qatar’s role as a vital Gulf ally but also positions the United States as the preferred partner for Qatar’s ambitious national development goals under Vision 2030.
UAE
During his visit to the United Arab Emirates, President Trump announced over $200 billion in commercial agreements between the US and Emirati entities. These landmark deals span aviation, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and strategic energy investment. The visit reflects the UAE’s growing role as a regional innovation leader and a long-standing US partner in both commercial and geopolitical arenas.
Aviation and aerospace manufacturing – $14.5 billion Etihad–Boeing deal
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways committed to a $14.5 billion purchase of 28 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace engines. This order reinforces Boeing’s role as a global aviation leader and will support thousands of high-skills American manufacturing and supply chain jobs across the United States.
This contract strengthens a long-running aviation partnership between Etihad and the US aerospace sector, and it aligns with the UAE’s strategy to expand global connectivity and modernise its fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft.
Artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure – strategic AI campus in Abu Dhabi
The US and UAE jointly announced the construction of the world’s largest artificial intelligence data centre outside the United States, a multibillion-dollar project located in Abu Dhabi. The facility will be:
- built by Emirati tech firm G42, in partnership with leading US cloud and hardware companies.
- spread across 10 square miles, with a 5-gigawatt compute capacity
- equipped to host advanced AI workloads, secure US-managed cloud services, and enterprise computing systems
- able to support up to 2.5 million Nividia chips and even overtakes Stargate's 2028 objectives according to RAND analysts
The project will serve as the core of the UAE’s regional digital infrastructure. Strong cybersecurity protections and export controls will ensure the protection of sensitive US technologies, while enabling American firms to expand cloud and AI operations across the Gulf.
Advanced manufacturing – $4 billion Emirates Global Aluminium Project
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) announced a $4 billion investment to build an aluminium smelting facility in Oklahoma, one of the largest industrial investments by a Gulf country in the United States to date. The project will:
- expand US production of aluminium, a critical input for aerospace, defence, and transportation
- create thousands of jobs in Oklahoma and throughout the American industrial supply chain
- support clean and energy-efficient manufacturing practices consistent with US and UAE sustainability goals
This investment demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to strengthening US domestic manufacturing while diversifying its own global industrial footprint.
Commercial engagement and innovation partnership – $200+ billion total
In addition to headline transactions, the US and UAE are expanding cooperation in:
- renewable energy and hydrogen innovation
- logistics, smart mobility, and port technology
- cybersecurity, digital trade, and e-commerce
The UAE serves as a key launchpad for American firms entering emerging markets across Asia and Africa. The new agreements help American companies scale globally while aligning with UAE Vision 2031, focused on innovation, resilience, and sustainable economic diversification.
Economic and strategic impact
The agreements signed during President Trump’s visit to the United Arab Emirates represent a transformative step forward in US–UAE economic relations, with over $200 billion in commercial deals spanning aviation, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. The UAE has long been one of the United States’ most dynamic trade and investment partners in the Gulf, and this new package underscores a shift toward high-tech collaboration, energy transition, and digital infrastructure development. From Etihad Airways’ $14.5 billion aircraft order to Emirates Global Aluminium’s $4 billion smelter investment in Oklahoma, and the joint construction of the world’s largest AI data centre in Abu Dhabi, these deals reinforce the UAE’s strategic alignment with US industrial goals and position the Emirates as a regional hub for innovation, logistics, and 21st-century technology.
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