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Trump Boosts U.S.–Gulf Relations with Strategic AI and Energy Partnerships

Donald Trump forges major AI and energy investment deals with Gulf countries, boosting U.S.–GCC cooperation and advancing Middle East economic partnerships. In a significant pivot towards economic diplomacy in the Gulf region, Donald Trump reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to forging deeper partnerships with Gulf states. On his tour to key Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, he unveiled high-profile agreements that underscore a transformation in how U.S.-Gulf cooperation is framed.
One of the headline outcomes of this visit is the agreement between the U.S. and the UAE to create a pathway for the UAE to procure some of the world’s most advanced artificial-intelligence semiconductors from U.S. firms.
In parallel, the UAE committed to raise its investment in U.S. energy projects from about $70 billion to $440 billion by 2035, showcasing the Gulf’s intent to play a major role in America’s energy and tech ecosystem For Gulf countries, this marks a moment of strategic opportunity: as economies in the region diversify away from hydrocarbons, the alliances with a major economic power like the U.S. offer both legitimacy and access to technology, capital and know-how. Trump’s framing of the visit highlighted “progress, unity and friendship” with Gulf partners.
However, the visit also brings into focus deeper questions: can the economic momentum translate into sustained influence on regional issues, particularly the long-standing Middle East conflicts and security dynamics? Some analysts suggest that the optics of Gulf empowerment during Trump’s tour may be strong, but the actual ability of the Gulf states to shape regional outcomes remains uncertain.