During his recent visit to the Middle East, US President Donald Trump secured a series of major artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships, primarily with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These agreements involve massive investments in AI chips, infrastructure, and joint projects with big names like Nvidia, AMD, Amazon, and Google.These deals are not just about exporting technology—they also aim to bring Gulf investment into US-based AI infrastructure. This marks a shift that ties the Middle East closer to American tech and strengthens US influence in the region.



US tech firms Nvidia, AMD secure AI deals as Trump tours Gulf states

Deals take centre stage in Trump's Gulf visit: $80 bn tech push, $20 bn AI data centres & more

These deals reflect a major policy shift. By bypassing older export restrictions around AI, the US is unlocking trillions of dollars in global capital for AI infrastructure. This inflow helps:

Europe could have played a bigger role in supporting AI build-outs, but slow approvals and power shortages have made the Gulf a more attractive option, according to Semianalysis.

Gulf countries aren’t just buyers—they’re now investing heavily in US-based AI infrastructure too.

Risk concerns

However, senior administration officials in the US are flagging two main concerns:

This tour comes at a politically tricky time for Trump, as he faces low approval ratings at home. The Middle East trip shifts attention away from domestic issues like deportations and tariff policies—and distances him from long-standing criticisms about his personal business ties in the region.

However, these AI deals could reshape global tech alliances, making the Gulf a central hub in the AI race, while reinforcing America's leadership in the field.

Also Read: Sam Altman calls critics of Trump's UAE AI deals 'naive'