Brief
April 2025
UAE–US Partnership Expands Across Energy, AI and Investment
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright praised the UAE as a “strategic partner,” forecasting major growth in AI-driven energy collaboration. The month also saw du’s $545M hyperscale data center deal with Microsoft, Mubadala’s $1B private credit partnership with Fortress and Khaldoon Al Mubarak advancing UAE investment talks in Washington—reinforcing broad UAE-US economic ties.
1 big thing: US Energy Secretary Predicts “Huge Cooperation” with the UAE
During his UAE visit, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright hailed the UAE as a “strategic partner”, noting rapid growth in energy and AI collaboration. He underlined that significant investments and deepening technology exchanges are expected between the two countries. Wright emphasized AI-enabled systems will drive future energy demand—especially in natural gas and electricity—which holds massive potential for joint ventures in both directions.
Why it matters
- The recognition from the US Energy Secretary legitimizes the UAE’s role as a key partner in energy and AI, setting the stage for deeper bilateral engagement.
- With AI increasingly powering energy systems, this signals evolving collaboration on securing next-generation infrastructure and leveraging advanced technologies.
- Reinforced ties across capital flows, innovation and policy deepen the UAE-US economic landscape.
Additional stories shaping the UAE–US economic partnership:
Artificial Intelligence
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO of Mubadala, met top US officials in Washington to advance UAE investment initiatives across AI, technology, infrastructure, industry and energy.
This builds on commitments made during Sheikh Tahnoon’s March visit to deepen UAE–US economic cooperation.
Artificial Intelligence
Dubai’s telecom provider du announced a 2 billion dirham (~$545 million) agreement with Microsoft to develop a hyperscale data center during Dubai AI Week.
Microsoft will be the main tenant and the phased build will significantly expand the UAE’s digital and cloud infrastructure.
Sovereign Wealth Funds
Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala signed a $1 billion strategic partnership with US-based Fortress Investment Group.
The deal will fund co-investments across private credit, asset‑based lending and real estate strategies, reinforcing Mubadala’s expanding role in global alternative asset markets.