By Joe D. | NBPrime
May 15, 2025 – Abu Dhabi
In a bold return to global dealmaking, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced over $200 billion in agreements between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The deals span aviation, energy, defense, and infrastructure, marking one of the largest commercial packages between the two nations in recent years.
At the center of the announcement is a $14.5 billion agreement involving Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Etihad Airways. The deal includes the purchase of 28 new Boeing aircraft—a mix of 787 and 777X models—powered by U.S.-built GE engines. The move is expected to boost American manufacturing and deepen ties with one of Washington’s most reliable Gulf partners.
The announcement was made during Trump’s multiday tour of the Middle East, where he has positioned himself not just as a former president, but as a statesman brokering big-picture alliances. For the UAE, the deal is a symbol of its long-standing alignment with American economic and military priorities. For Trump, it’s a reminder that his brand of diplomacy—transactional, direct, and deal-focused—still has traction in global boardrooms.
But the trip hasn’t been free of controversy.
Earlier this week, Trump confirmed reports that he plans to accept a $400 million luxury aircraft from the government of Qatar—a heavily customized jumbo jet outfitted with military-grade tech and lavish interiors. He’s described it as a future version of “Air Force One,” which he intends to later donate to his presidential library.
Critics, including ethics watchdogs and members of Congress, have raised alarms about the optics of accepting such an extravagant gift from a foreign government, especially one with competing interests in the Gulf. The White House has not issued a formal response.
Still, the deals with the UAE stand on their own. Etihad Airways, owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion sovereign fund, is undergoing a strategic expansion after years of restructuring. The airline plans to grow its fleet to more than 170 aircraft by 2030—making it a core player in Abu Dhabi’s plan to diversify its economy beyond oil.
With global rivalries sharpening and regional alliances shifting, Trump’s latest trip serves as both an economic achievement and a political message: America still has powerful friends in the Gulf—and it’s willing to do business on a grand scale.
