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Mon, Nov 17, 2025 | Jumada al-Awwal 26, 1447 | Fajr 05:17 | DXB 
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UAE: What did Trump say during Friday breakfast with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince?
The Emirates has pledged to invest $1.4 trillion in the US economy over the next decade
US President Donald Trump attended a business breakfast with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi on Friday morning.
Organised by the US-UAE Business Council, the event was filled with ‘positive discussions’ about recent deals and a new UAE-US free trade agreement, said Danny Sebright, President of the US-UAE Business Council.
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He described the gathering as more of a “business roundtable” that lasted approximately an hour and a half.
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“President Trump was very proud to be a guest of His Highness,” Sebright noted. “He was very happy about the $1.4 trillion commitment,” referencing the UAE’s pledge to invest in the US economy over the next decade.
The discussions highlighted the robust partnership between the US and the UAE, with President Trump expressing gratitude for the UAE’s role as a steadfast ally. “He spoke about how the UAE has distinguished itself as a true friend of the United States,” Sebright added.
Key topics included ongoing collaborations such as Emirates Global Aluminium’s (EGA) investment in the US aluminum sector and Etihad Airways’ acquisition of an AI campus.
EGA plans to build the first new aluminium smelter in the US in 35 years, aiming to nearly double domestic production. Etihad Airways has announced plans to establish a major AI data campus in Abu Dhabi, further strengthening technological ties between the two nations.
The breakfast also served as a platform to discuss a US-UAE trade agreement, a significant step toward enhancing bilateral economic relations. “The UAE and the US have agreed to initiate a new trade agreement, and negotiations will start immediately” Sebright confirmed to Khaleej Times.
The agreement was discussed during the dinner President Trump had with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday night, “but it was not announced, it was talked about this morning; it was a big part of our conversation,” said Sebright.
The breakfast was attended by high-ranking UAE officials, including the US Secretaries of Treasury and Defence, as well as top UAE dignitaries, underscoring the importance of the US-UAE partnership. Sebright emphasised the positive and serious tone of the discussions, noting US President Trump’s repeated expressions of appreciation for the UAE’s partnership.
“He (Trump) was in a good mood, he was very serious about business; he didn’t joke much, he expressed much gratitude over and over again to have the UAE as a partner; he must have said it over 10 times.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Sebright shared, “I’ve been doing this job now for 17 or 18 years. Ambassador Al Otaiba and I are very good friends; we started our jobs together in Washington. I’ve participated and watched the way this great country has grown, how it’s diversified its economy, and how it’s done it with a great partnership with the United States.”
“I could not be more proud as an American, to be in the inner circle, in the center, of bringing the US and the UAE business partnerships together to promote this amazing relationship,” he added. The US-UAE Business Council, based in Washington, D.C., continues to play a pivotal role in fostering economic ties between the two nations, dedicating significant time to operations in the UAE, especially from May to September.
Haneen Dajani
Haneen Dajani is special correspondent in Abu Dhabi with over 15 years of reporting experience. She’s also a passionate athlete, full Ironman finisher, and mountaineer who loves to embark on unusual challenges.
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