President Trump’s arrival in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday marked the first visit by a U.S. president in almost three decades, since George W. Bush’s trip in 2008, concluding his Middle East tour this week.

Following significant business agreements in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Trump is anticipated to announce further deals with the UAE, a key U.S. trading partner. However, after recent multi-billion dollar deals, the scope of new Emirati commitments remains uncertain. 

The UAE previously pledged substantial investment in the U.S. economy over the next decade, focusing on AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and American manufacturing, including a plan to significantly increase U.S. aluminum production with a new smelter – the first in 35 years. 

Prior to the president’s arrival, the State Department announced a proposed sale of CH-47 F Chinook helicopters and F-16 fighter jet parts to Abu Dhabi.

However, lawmakers have indicated they might block the sale due to concerns about potential conflicts of interest arising from Trump’s personal business ties, including a $2 billion investment in his crypto venture by a UAE-backed firm.

“I would guess that the Emiratis have held back announcements for President Trump’s visit in Abu Dhabi,” John Hannah, former national security advisor to Dick Cheney and current Randi & Charles Wax senior fellow at JINSA, told Digital. “I expect to see new items unveiled or further details released on prior announcements.” 

“The UAE is aiming to be a leader in technologies like AI, chips, and space,” he added. “And high-end weapons are always a possible deliverable for a trip like this.” 

Trump’s engagement with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE has attracted scrutiny because he has personal business interests in all three countries, including luxury resorts, hotels, golf courses, real estate projects and crypto investment schemes.

These nations are also important to Washington, playing key roles in critical geopolitical issues facing the U.S. and its allies. 

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been important in assisting U.S. negotiations related to the war in Ukraine and .

While these topics were not central during Trump’s visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, he may emphasize geopolitical ties more with the UAE, especially since Abu Dhabi maintains normalized relations with Israel, a rarity in the Middle East.

The UAE has voiced strong opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, advocated for a two-state solution, and rejected Trump’s “riviera plans,” instead supporting an Egyptian-led reconstruction initiative.

Abu Dhabi also maintains relations with countries like China, Russia and , which could be discussed during Trump’s visit.

“As with the other stops on this trip, deal-making will likely dominate headlines,” Hannah said. “But I’m most interested in resetting the U.S.-Emirati strategic partnership, particularly in the context of competition with China and, to a lesser extent, Russia, and regionally with Iran.”

Hannah suggested Trump’s UAE visit reaffirms U.S. economic and military support for Abu Dhabi’s “stability, security, and success” and could “pay real dividends.”

 “The UAE’s leadership has come to believe that relying too heavily on the U.S. was risky, as successive presidents shifted focus away from the Middle East, and the country needed to pivot toward Asia,” he continued. “Correcting that perception and improving the strategic relationship is an important goal with a country as influential and resource-rich as the UAE.”  

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