Donald Trump in Abu Dhabi 2025: "This is an incredible culture"
The US President is in Abu Dhabi on a historic visit…
Abu Dhabi welcomed United States President Donald Trump to the UAE late on Thursday afternoon (May 15), his final stop on a four-day Middle Eastern tour that’s also included visits to Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The US President was escorted and welcomed into the UAE by a squadron of Emirati military planes, including F-16 jets we heard on Yas, in honour of his visit.
Following touchdown on Emirati soil, he was welcomed at Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Airport by UAE President and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shortly after 4pm on Thursday. Greetings were exchanged between both leaders, while several dignitaries also welcomed Trump, as did a traditional Al-Ras drum performance and bouquet presentation.
What’s On spotted a series of UAE and US flags adorning either side of the highway in the capital’s Rabdan area earlier in the day, close to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which was Trump’s first stop upon departing the Presidential Airport.
On Yas Island, the Etihad Arena’s jumbotron also carried a special welcome message for the US President:
Images: Getty, What’s On, supplied, CNN
Upon his arrival at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at close to 5pm on Thursday, Trump was given a tour of the stunning structure. He was joined by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and other senior officials. During his visit, President Trump marvelled, “It is so beautiful.” “This is an incredible culture.”
On the afternoon of Friday, May 16, Trump also visited the Abrahamic Family House on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, signing the revered site’s guestbook.
He was also presented with a drop of crude oil in a symbolic gesture, by ADNOC CEO, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, pictured below.
The art of the deal
As part of his visit to Abu Dhabi, Trump has signed a series of fruitful agreements with the UAE, including an order for 28 Boeing Dreamliner and twin-engine 777X jets, by national carrier Etihad Airways. A deal is also in place for Abu Dhabi to become a major AI hub, hosting the largest data centre deployment outside of the US – spanning over 25 square kilometres and powered by 5 gigawatts.
Prior to touching down in Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon, Trump also signed a series of agreements with Qatar that included the purchase of 160 jets from Seattle-based Boeing, by Qatar Airways. Reports since have indicated that number might have risen to over 200.
In the days prior, historic deals were signed between the United States and Saudi Arabia worth hundreds of billions of US dollars, including investments by tech giants Google, Salesforce, Oracle and UBER, in both countries.
In addition to being the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump is also an established billionaire with business interests predominantly in the real estate sector. The Wharton alumnus was also the host of The Apprentice, with the NBC reality series spanning fifteen seasons.
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