Trump-Led US-UAE AI Alliance to Build Giant Data Centre, Export Half a Million Nvidia Chips

Massive AI Data Centre Project in Abu Dhabi Aims to Power Future Tech Expansion

A new multi-gigawatt data centre complex will be built in Abu Dhabi as part of a landmark agreement between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

The project, which begins with a 1-gigawatt AI facility, will eventually reach a scale of 5 gigawatts — enough energy capacity to power a large city — and cover roughly 10 square miles, making it the largest AI-focused data campus outside the US.

US Tech Push Meets UAE's AI Ambitions

The announcement came during US President Donald Trump’s official visit to the UAE, where he met with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The initiative forms part of a broader plan to strengthen AI infrastructure and digital cooperation between both nations.

It is also tied to the UAE’s 2031 ambition to become a world leader in artificial intelligence.

While no companies were officially named in the announcement, according to CNBC’s reporter, Kristina Partsinevelos, several leaders were seen attending a meeting in Abu Dhabi with President Trump and Sheikh Mohamed.

“Nvidia's Jensen Huang, OpenAI's Sam Altman, SoftBank's Masayoshi Son and Cisco President were in the UAE for President Donald Trump's visit and met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”

White House Secures AI Investment and Technology Agreements

The White House confirmed the launch of a new bilateral framework — the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership — which aims to facilitate access to American AI technology while aligning national security regulations.

As part of the agreement, the UAE will invest in data centres in the United States that are at least equal in size and capability to those being developed in Abu Dhabi.

According to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a statement,

“This agreement is a major milestone in achieving President Trump’s vision for US AI dominance.”

The US also has a preliminary arrangement to allow the UAE to import 500,000 advanced Nvidia AI chips annually, starting this year — a significant move after years of export controls under the previous US administration.

Trump Secures US$200 Billion in UAE Deals

During his visit, Trump announced a total of over US$200 billion in deals with the UAE, spanning aerospace, energy, and data infrastructure.

Among the largest was Etihad Airways’ US$14.5 billion commitment to purchase 28 Boeing 787 and 777x aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace engines.

In another major development, Emirates Global Aluminum will invest US$4 billion to build a primary aluminium smelter in Oklahoma, while ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources will join forces with ADNOC in oil and gas ventures valued at US$60 billion.

The UAE also pledged to maintain its previously announced investment plan of US$1.4 trillion in the US over the next decade.

Trump Welcomed with Warmth and Symbolic Gestures

Upon landing in Abu Dhabi, Trump was welcomed by Sheikh Mohamed and later toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

He told reporters,

“It is so beautiful. First time they closed it. It’s in honour of the United States. Better than in honour of me. Let’s give it to the country. That’s a great tribute.”

During talks, Trump referred to a pledge from Sheikh Mohamed’s brother, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to invest US$1.4 trillion into the US over the next decade.

Trump said,

“Your wonderful brother came to Washington a few weeks ago and he told us about your generous statement as to the 1.4 trillion.”

Will the US Ease AI Chip Controls for Allies?

The Biden administration had previously placed strict limits on the export of high-end AI chips to the Middle East over fears of diversion to China.

The new partnership with the UAE appears to be part of a shift under Trump, balancing security interests with expanding America’s tech footprint abroad.

The agreement also includes new UAE commitments to align its tech usage with US national security standards.

Next Stop for Trump as He Wraps Up Gulf Tour

Trump’s visit to the UAE was part of a broader Gulf tour, following a US$10 billion investment announcement from Qatar towards a US military facility and US$42 billion in defence deals.

While the president hinted he may stop in Istanbul for talks on Ukraine, he told reporters he was likely to return to Washington on 16 May, calling it “almost destination unknown.”