UAE’s $1.4 Trillion US Investment Pledge: A Sign of Desperation?

The pledges reaffirm Emirati commitment to the US-led IMEC and Abraham Accord but reveal desperation, hinting at Washington’s lack of commitment.

Image: WAM

A meeting between US President Trump and the Emirati national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan took place on 18 March and led to unprecedented investment pledges by the UAE. Reports of the meeting emerged earlier, before the White House confirmed them, but were reportedly suppressed as Abu Dhabi did not want it to be publicised. Shortly afterwards, the Emirati sovereign wealth fund ADQ pledged a $25 billion investment to power American data centres. The chain culminated in a White House announcement claiming a $1.4 trillion commitment from the Gulf country. The developments appear to be an acceleration of Hussain Sajwani's $20 billion investment pledge made earlier this year. The new pledges reaffirm the UAE’s commitment to the US-led IMEC and Abraham Market. Nonetheless, Abu Dhabi’s apparent eagerness to appease the US exudes a sense of desperation, which suggests a lack of commitment from Washington.