Post by : Badri Ariffin

His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, the Chairman of the UAE Executive Affairs Authority, convened with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to evaluate the UAE-US economic framework's progress and analyze the investments made over the past year.

This meeting follows the launch of a new economic framework a year prior, initiated during US President Donald J. Trump's visit to the UAE on May 16, 2025. This initiative, agreed upon by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Trump, aims to bolster economic cooperation and long-term growth for both nations.

During their discussions, Al Mubarak emphasized the robust UAE-US economic partnership, underscoring trust and shared opportunities. He noted the UAE has not only met but exceeded the commitments made to the United States in the first year of the agreement, navigating through global economic and regional challenges.

A key agenda item was the UAE's pledge to invest approximately US$1.4 trillion in the US economy over the coming decade, focusing on critical sectors such as energy, manufacturing, AI, aviation, infrastructure, and healthcare. Reports indicated that the UAE is substantially ahead of its initial investment milestones, contributing to job creation for hundreds of thousands in the US.

Artificial intelligence stands out as a significant area of collaboration, with UAE entities investing across the AI value chain in the US, including in advanced semiconductors and AI applications. Projects led by MGX and G42 span several US states, enhancing economic development and job growth.

Additionally, both nations are working to strengthen AI infrastructure globally through the 5GW UAE-US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi, with the initial 500MW phase set to launch by the year's end, backed by notable American firms.

The economic framework has also made strides in various sectors. In the energy domain, companies like ADNOC, XRG, and Masdar are actively involved in significant power generation projects in the US.

In manufacturing, Emirates Global Aluminium is pushing forward on plans to establish the first new aluminium smelter in the US in nearly five decades, slated for Oklahoma, thereby enhancing local industrial output.

UAE sovereign investment bodies, including ADIA and Mubadala, continue to invest in vital US sectors like real estate, aviation, and financial services.

Trade relations are also flourishing, with US goods exports to the UAE amounting to US$31.4 billion in 2025, yielding a US$23.8 billion trade surplus for the United States—the largest in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the fourth-largest globally.

US Department of Commerce data reveals that total trade between the UAE and the US reached an unprecedented US$39 billion in 2025. The UAE has consistently been the top export destination for US goods in the Middle East and North Africa for 17 years running.

During his visit to Washington, Al Mubarak also held discussions with US Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg to explore ongoing economic collaboration and investment prospects.

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