Trump makes historic UAE visit as first US president in nearly 30 years
Share this @internewscast.com

President Donald Trump is set to arrive in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, marking the concluding stop of his Middle East tour this week. This visit is notable as it is the first by a U.S. president to the UAE in nearly three decades, following President George W. Bush’s visit in 2008.

Trump, who has already finalized significant business agreements in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, is anticipated to unveil further deals with the UAE, a key trading partner of the U.S. in the region. However, with recent trillion-dollar deals already in place, the extent of additional commitments from the Emiratis remains to be seen.

In March, the UAE committed to a $1.4 trillion investment into the U.S. economy over the next ten years. This investment will focus on advancing AI infrastructure, semiconductor development, energy projects, and American manufacturing. Notably, there is also a plan to significantly boost U.S. aluminum production by investing in a new smelter, marking the first such development in 35 years.

President Donald Trump wearing a red tie stands while he speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

But all three nations also hold significant value to Washington, as they have become key players in some of the toughest geopolitical issues facing the U.S. and its allies. 

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been integral in facilitating U.S. negotiations when it comes to ending Russia’s war in Ukraine and hostage negotiations in the Gaza Strip.

While neither of these issues appeared to be top points of discussion in Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia or Qatar, he may hit on geopolitical ties more heavily when it comes to the UAE, particularly given that Abu Dhabi is one of the few Middle Eastern nations that holds normalized diplomatic ties with Israel.

The UAE has ardently opposed Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, has called for a two-state solution, and has rejected Trump’s “riviera plans,” instead favoring an Egypt-reconstruction alternative.

President Donald Trump, center, attends a photo session in Saudi Arabia

President Donald Trump, center, attends a photo session with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Kuwait’s Crown Prince Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi during the GCC Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

But Abu Dhabi has also maintained relations with the U.S.’ biggest adversaries, including China, Russia and Iran, which could be a topic of conversation during Trump’s one-day visit.

“As everywhere on this trip, the headlines will likely be dominated by the dollar signs and deal-making,” Hannah said. “But I’m personally most interested in the geopolitical angle of trying to reset the U.S.-Emirati strategic partnership, especially in the context of America’s great power competition with China and to a lesser extent Russia, and regionally with Iran.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, left, appears with UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Feb. 19.  (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein/Pool)

Hannah explained that Trump’s visit to the UAE exemplifies a recommitment by the U.S. economically and militarily to support Abu Dhabi’s “stability, security, and success in a dangerous neighborhood” and could “pay real dividends going forward.”

 “The UAE’s top leadership has come to believe that putting most of its eggs into the American basket was an increasingly risky bet as one president after another decided that the Middle East was a lost cause — nothing but ‘blood and sand’ as President Trump famously said in his first term — and the country needed to pivot its focus toward Asia,” he continued. “With a country as influential and resource-rich as the UAE, correcting that unhelpful perception and putting the strategic relationship back on a much more positive dynamic is an important goal.”   

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Woman holding a photo of a younger woman with a bird.

Virginia Giuffre’s Emotional Diary Sheds Light on Epstein Victim’s Troubling Last Months

VIRGINIA Giuffre’s diary leading up to her tragic suicide has shown just…
Judge blocks Trump's asylum access suspension at border

Court Halts Trump’s Suspension of Asylum Access at Border

Wednesday’s decision could throw into doubt one of the key pillars of…
Graphic video footage of a Ukrainian prisoner of war being dragged along a road.

Disturbing Footage Reveals Putin’s Forces Dragging Bound Ukrainian Prisoner to Death Behind Motorbike

SICKENING footage of a Ukrainian prisoner being dragged across a road to…
Florida teen threatens to shoot up McDonald's after $5 order is messed up: police

Florida Teenager Allegedly Threatens McDonald’s with Gun over Incorrect $5 Order: Police Report

A teenager in Florida is in custody after allegedly threatening to open…
Snake on a plane delays Virgin Australia Flight for two hours in Melbourne to Brisbane

Snake Causes Two-Hour Delay for Virgin Australia Flight from Melbourne to Brisbane

An Australian domestic flight was delayed for two hours after a stowaway snake was…
Federal judge orders Mexican migrant seeking asylum to be released by ICE

U.S. Judge Mandates ICE to Release Mexican Asylum Seeker

A federal judge in Oregon has mandated the immediate release of a…
Small plane goes down at New Jersey airport in 'mass casualty' emergency

Small Aircraft Crash at New Jersey Airport Results in ‘Mass Casualty’ Situation

A skydiving airplane crashed Wednesday after it went off the end of…
Photo of missing Brian Tarrence.

Tourist Mysteriously Disappears from Airbnb During Turks and Caicos Vacation with Wife

An American tourist has disappeared during a trip with his wife. Brian…
Crews respond to massive explosions at fireworks facility in California

Emergency Teams Tackle Huge Blasts at California Fireworks Site

A fireworks facility in Yolo County, California caught fire and exploded on…
Wisconsin Supreme Court's liberal majority strikes down 176-year-old abortion ban

Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Overturns 176-Year-Old Abortion Ban with Liberal Majority Vote

The liberal majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court overturned a 176-year-old abortion…
My husband is bad at sex — how do I break the news?

How to Communicate Constructively with Your Partner About Improving Your Intimate Life

DEAR ABBY: After facing years of setbacks, I’ve finally met the ideal…
Inside Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce's 'wonderful' lunch date near his hometown

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Enjoy a Delightful Lunch Date Near His Hometown

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift going out near his Ohio hometown hits…