Trump’s Gulf Tour Shakes Up AI Diplomacy and Defense Deals
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Abu Dhabi on Thursday as part of a whirlwind diplomatic and economic tour across the Gulf, aiming to bolster defense ties, secure artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation, and reshape America’s strategic presence in the Middle East.
Greeted at the airport by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Trump wasted no time embracing the grandeur of the region, making a symbolic visit to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. “It is so beautiful,” he remarked to reporters, adding that the site had been closed in his honor. “A great tribute not just to me, but to the United States.”
Deals, Defense, and Data
Before touching down in the UAE, Trump made headlines in Qatar, where he praised Doha’s commitment to invest $10 billion in a U.S. military facility. During a speech at Al Udeid Air Base, he revealed defense purchases from Qatar totaling a staggering $42 billion.
In Abu Dhabi, discussions are now turning to AI. A preliminary deal would allow the UAE to import up to 500,000 of Nvidia’s most powerful AI chips annually a move poised to make the Gulf nation a major player in the global AI race. The chips are central to powering data centers and training AI models, but the agreement has triggered concerns among U.S. officials wary of potential technology leaks to China.
Despite the concerns, sources told Reuters that a broader technology framework agreement between the U.S. and UAE was expected to be signed later in the day. The pact includes key security commitments to protect U.S.-origin technology.
A Flurry of High-Stakes Diplomacy
Trump’s Gulf visit has been marked by bold announcements and major business breakthroughs. In addition to Qatar’s military investments, Trump revealed a deal for Qatar Airways to purchase up to 210 Boeing wide-body jets. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia committed to investing $600 billion into the U.S., alongside a $142 billion arms deal.
The diplomatic push also included a surprise declaration that the U.S. is nearing a nuclear deal with Iran one that Tehran has “sort of” agreed to, according to Trump. In another major move, Trump announced the lifting of longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria and held a meeting with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, urging him to establish diplomatic ties with Israel.
AI as the Final Frontier
While Trump’s Gulf tour has been punctuated with military salutes and lavish dinners, it’s the AI agenda that may have the most lasting impact. The UAE, seeking to emerge as a global tech hub, views the chip deal as vital to building a world-class AI infrastructure.
Former President Joe Biden had previously imposed strict limits on such exports to the Middle East, fearing that U.S. semiconductors could end up advancing China’s military capabilities. Trump, however, has signaled a willingness to loosen restrictions if security concerns can be addressed.
“If the UAE can secure the chips and develop its data infrastructure, it won’t just be buying hardware—it’ll be buying a seat at the global AI table,” said a U.S. official familiar with the talks.
Handshakes over Fist Bumps
In a swipe at his predecessor, Trump contrasted his full-contact diplomacy with what he described as the “fist bump diplomacy” of President Joe Biden. “He goes all the way to Saudi Arabia and gives the crown prince a fist bump. They don’t want that,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. “They want a handshake.”
Before heading to Abu Dhabi, Trump made time to salute troops and attend a state dinner in Qatar, hosted by Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The evening featured military honors and discussions about U.S.-Qatar cooperation.
A Strategic Pivot
Trump’s Gulf tour may well redefine America’s relationships in the region, signaling a pivot not only in foreign policy but in the very fabric of U.S. engagement merging diplomacy, defense, and digital power.
With massive deals inked, new alliances forming, and the AI race heating up, one thing is clear: Trump’s return to the global stage is making waves in all the right places at least for now.
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Trump’s Gulf Tour Shakes Up AI Diplomacy and Defense Deals