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President Donald Trump arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday, marking the first time a U.S. president has traveled to the nation in nearly three decades.
This visit was the final stop on his Middle East tour, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
During his time in the UAE, Trump aims to build upon previously announced economic commitments, including a $1.4 trillion investment pledge from the UAE. This investment is expected to bolster various sectors, including artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, energy, and American manufacturing initiatives.
The plan includes nearly doubling U.S. aluminum production by establishing a new smelter, the first of its kind in 35 years.
The visit will include economic discussions and defense agreements. Ahead of the visit, the U.S. State Department announced a $1.4 billion sale of CH-47F Chinook helicopters and F-16 fighter jet parts to Abu Dhabi.
Thursday’s stop includes visiting UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after his arrival in Abu Dhabi.
The stop comes after Trump became the first sitting American president to officially visit Qatar on Wednesday as arrived in the Middle Eastern nation to sign a $1.2 trillion economic commitment.
The president also visited Saudi Arabia, where he signed agreements for $600 billion for Saudi investments in the U.S. He also gave a major address in Riyadh, offering a positive future for the Middle East.
“Before our eyes, a new generation of leaders is transcending the ancient conflicts and tired divisions of the past, and forging a future where the Middle East is defined by commerce, not chaos; where it exports technology, not terrorism; and where people of different nations, religions, and creeds are building cities together — not bombing each other out of existence,” he stated.
“After so many decades of conflict, finally it is within our grasp to reach the future that generations before us could only dream about — a land of peace, safety, harmony, opportunity, innovation, and achievement right here in the Middle East,” he added.