Abu Dhabi, January 27, 2026 – The United States and the United Arab Emirates convened their 11th Economic Policy Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on January 15, underscoring the enduring strength of bilateral trade, investment, and technological collaboration between the two nations.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
Trade and Investment: A Two-Decade Partnership
Officials highlighted the strategic importance of bilateral trade, noting that the UAE remains the largest U.S. trade partner in the Gulf region, a status it has held for nearly twenty years. The U.S. continues to maintain a significant trade surplus with the UAE, driven by sectors including energy, aviation, technology, and manufacturing.
Bilateral non-oil trade reached $38 billion by 2024, with preliminary figures for the first half of 2025 showing $19.3 billion, reflecting steady growth. Officials emphasized that transparent regulations and open markets have made both countries more prosperous, with the UAE pledging $1.4 trillion in investments in the U.S. over the next decade.
Securing Economic Stability and Supply Chains
The dialogue also focused on economic security and resilient supply chains, particularly in critical minerals, AI, advanced manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. The UAE’s leadership on supply chain resilience and its commitment to the Pax Silica framework were highlighted as key drivers of regional and global stability.
Both nations discussed collaborating on third-country projects to diversify and secure supply chains, reflecting shared priorities in economic and national security.
AI and Advanced Technologies: Pioneering Partnerships
A major highlight of the meeting was the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, signed in May 2025. This initiative enables U.S. companies to export advanced AI technologies to trusted UAE entities while maintaining stringent security standards.
Officials discussed progress on the five-gigawatt AI campus in the UAE, which will be the world’s largest AI campus outside the U.S. The facility aims to foster innovation, expand R&D capabilities, and deepen technological collaboration between the two nations.
Joint efforts are also ongoing in quantum computing, genomics, space exploration, and advanced research collaborations under the proposed Science and Technology Agreement.
Financial Cooperation and Illicit Finance Prevention
The dialogue reaffirmed commitments to create a dynamic investment environment while addressing trade barriers and strengthening frameworks to counter illicit finance. Officials welcomed the upcoming UAE-U.S. Treasury Engagement Framework and the U.S. Treasury Department’s Known Investor pilot program under CFIUS.
Minister Al Hajeri highlighted the UAE’s role in global water security, noting plans to co-host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference with Senegal. This initiative further positions the UAE as a leader in sustainable resource management on the international stage.
Looking Ahead
The 11th U.S.-UAE Economic Policy Dialogue reinforced the critical role of bilateral cooperation, covering trade, investment, technology, energy, and infrastructure. Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to deepening partnerships that drive prosperity, innovation, and regional stability.
