Abu Dhabi Economic Delegation Inks Deals to Boost US Trade Ties

Abu Dhabi signed major business deals with US financial and tech companies during a high-level economic mission to New York, as the emirate pushes to deepen its $34.4 billion trade relationship with America. The delegation held over 40 meetings with business leaders and announced a massive $1.4 trillion investment commitment in the US economy over the next decade.

The Abu Dhabi Economic Development Department led the mission from September 29 to October 1, 2025, bringing together senior officials and business leaders to explore new partnerships. The delegation included Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of the economic development department, along with leaders from Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and Abu Dhabi Customs.

Here's what makes this significant: Abu Dhabi's non-oil trade with the US has grown 28.4% over the past five years. American companies starting operations in the emirate have increased at a 52.9% annual growth rate. This isn't just about oil money - it's about building long-term economic ties across multiple sectors.

The centerpiece was the Global Investor Conference organized by Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange with Morgan Stanley. The event brought together 15 of the largest listed companies with a combined market value exceeding $300 billion. More than 100 bilateral meetings took place with major US institutional investors managing assets worth over $10 billion.

Abu Dhabi's stock exchange now ranks among the world's top 20 largest and fastest-growing financial markets. This gives the emirate serious credibility when courting international investors and positions it as a key financial hub connecting East and West.

The agreements cover several high-growth areas: startups, small and medium enterprises, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and financial services. Family-owned businesses from both countries also met to explore partnerships in clean energy, logistics, real estate, and food industries.

Trade between the UAE and US jumped 8.5% last year to $34.4 billion, making the UAE America's top Middle East trading partner. The relationship now supports over 184,000 jobs and spans all 50 US states.

But the real headline is Abu Dhabi's $1.4 trillion investment pledge for the next decade. The money will target artificial intelligence, infrastructure, energy, advanced manufacturing, technology, innovation, space, and aviation. That's serious capital that could reshape entire industries.

Al Zaabi emphasized the partnership's 50-year foundation and said the mission launched new initiatives to capitalize on global economic shifts and technological developments. For investors and businesses, this represents one of the largest capital commitments from a Middle East partner, signaling Abu Dhabi's intent to become a major player in America's economic future.