Photo by WAM.

Abu Dhabi-AIJES

The United Arab Emirates is preparing to welcome U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday for an official visit that comes as part of a regional tour covering several Gulf countries. While the visit reaffirms the depth of the strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi and Washington, it is distinguished by its departure from conventional diplomatic protocol, carrying unprecedented timing and substance.

Although the visit is official in nature, President Trump brings an additional dimension that sets this stop apart from others in the region: he is not only the head of a global superpower, but also an active investor in the Emirati market through strategic partnerships with major local companies—foremost among them, DAMAC Properties. This overlap between political and economic roles gives the visit a unique character and makes it a model for the intersection of political influence and international investment.

This reality presents a golden opportunity to highlight the UAE not only as a political hub but also as a global magnet for capital and large-scale economic projects. It also reflects the country's ability to attract global leaders as investment partners, not merely diplomatic guests. President Trump, the current U.S. head of state, holds both direct and indirect investments in the UAE—adding a special dimension to his visit that goes beyond traditional diplomatic frameworks.

Landmark Real Estate Projects:

Trump International Tower – Dubai
The Trump Organization, led by his sons Eric and Donald Jr., announced a joint venture with Dar Global, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Dar Al Arkan, to develop an 80-storey Trump International Tower in Dubai—one of the most prominent real estate projects in the region.

Sports Facilities:
Trump International Golf Club – Dubai
Opened in 2017, this was the first Trump-branded project in the Middle East. Located in the DAMAC Hills residential community, the club is operated in collaboration with DAMAC Properties.

Investments in Digital Finance:
World Liberty Financial,
Founded by Trump in 2024, this company specializes in decentralized finance and digital currencies. In 2025, Abu Dhabi-backed MGX invested $2 billion in the firm, reflecting the growing investment cooperation between both sides.

Business Ties with Emirati Partners:
Partnership with Hussain Sajwani,
Hussain Sajwani, Chairman of DAMAC Properties, is one of Trump’s most prominent business allies in the UAE. Their collaboration on several real estate ventures has further strengthened the economic ties between the UAE and the United States.

A Visit with Multifaceted Significance:
These investments reveal the interconnection between Trump’s political and economic roles, lending his visit to the UAE a unique significance that transcends formal protocol and showcases the depth of economic relations between the two nations.

Amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics, the UAE continues to stand out as a destination capable of attracting world leaders not only for diplomacy but as strategic partners in development and investment.President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE marks a pivotal moment that surpasses the traditional concept of state visits. It represents a rare convergence of political engagement and economic cooperation, aligning with the UAE’s vision to serve as a global hub for smart, strategic partnerships with lasting international impact.