U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Qatar will invest $10 billion in the Al Udeid Air Base near Doha, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East.
Speaking to U.S. troops during his Gulf tour, Trump also revealed that Qatar has signed $42 billion worth of defence deals.
Trump is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates next, where leaders are seeking U.S. support to position the UAE as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). The U.S. has reached a preliminary agreement to allow the UAE to import 500,000 of Nvidia’s advanced AI chips annually, starting this year.
This deal aims to accelerate the construction of AI data centers in the UAE but has raised national security concerns within parts of the U.S. government, with terms still subject to change.
During his four-day Gulf trip, Trump has overseen several major business agreements, including a deal for Qatar Airways to purchase up to 210 Boeing widebody jets, Saudi Arabia’s $600 billion investment commitment in the U.S., and $142 billion in arms sales to the kingdom.
The trip has also involved significant diplomatic efforts. Trump announced the removal of longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria and met with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, urging the establishment of ties with Israel. In Abu Dhabi, Trump is expected to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other regional leaders, with AI development likely a key discussion point.
Under the Biden administration, exports of U.S. AI chips to the Middle East were strictly controlled due to concerns over technology diversion to China. Trump’s approach aims to strengthen ties with Gulf countries and, if successful, the region could emerge as a third major center in the global AI race alongside the U.S. and China.
Trump had considered a side trip to Turkey for Russia-Ukraine talks before returning to Washington, but officials have confirmed this visit will not take place.
