Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's inaugural official trip to the United States aims to elevate the UAE-U. S. relationship into a new "geo-economic phase" focused on economic growth and innovation. Ahead of the leaders' meeting in Washington, D. C. , Anwar Gargash, the president's top diplomatic advisor, emphasized that the visit prioritizes investments in the future through an economic lens. While the agenda will cover significant regional issues, including the Gaza conflict, Gargash noted that the main goal is to realign the economic partnership, moving beyond a focus on regional conflicts, oil, and defense. The UAE seeks to enhance cooperation in emerging sectors like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, climate, and space. UAE Ambassador to the U. S. Yousef al-Otaiba highlighted the longstanding partnership in trade, investment, and security, noting the rapid advancements in AI technology and close alignment with the U. S. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman previously stated that the UAE could serve as a "regulatory sandbox" for AI, further underscored by Microsoft’s $1. 5 billion investment in the UAE's G42. The visit will include discussions with key U. S. business leaders, emphasizing the UAE's intention to attract American investment while balancing relations with China amid U. S.

chip restrictions over technology sharing concerns. The two nations share a robust trade and investment partnership worth approximately $31. 4 billion in 2023, with U. S. exports to the UAE exceeding $24. 8 billion. The UAE, a significant player in global oil production and holding $1 trillion in investments in the U. S. , continues to serve as a vital defense and security partner to America. This includes hosting a U. S. air base and collaborating on regional security efforts against groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. Gargash described the relationship as evolving into "a 360-degree relationship, " looking to shape future cooperation over the next 20 years. The meeting occurs amid ongoing humanitarian crises, particularly in Gaza, and escalating tensions involving Hezbollah and Iranian support for Houthi rebels, intensifying the urgency for regional stability ahead of the upcoming U. S. elections.