Monthly Brief
February 2026
UAE Investment Accelerates Across US Manufacturing, Energy and AI Infrastructure
UAE investment in the United States gained momentum in February, spanning critical minerals, LNG infrastructure and AI-ready data centers. A landmark $4 billion aluminum smelter in Oklahoma, expanded LNG investment in Texas and major data center deployments across the Midwest and Northeast highlight how UAE capital is strengthening American manufacturing and digital competitiveness. Additional developments—including Abu Dhabi’s launch of L’IMAD Holding—underscore how UAE–US cooperation continues to scale across advanced industry, energy and AI infrastructure.
1 big thing: EGA Partners with Century Aluminum on $4B Oklahoma Smelter
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) is partnering with Illinois-based Century Aluminum Company to build the first new primary aluminum smelter in the United States in nearly 50 years. Located in Inola, Oklahoma, the $4 billion project will be owned 60% by EGA and 40% by Century, with an annual production capacity of 750,000 tons—making it the largest primary aluminum plant in US history.
The facility is expected to more than double current US aluminum output, significantly expanding domestic production of a critical mineral used across the automotive, aerospace, construction and defense industries. Construction is slated to begin by the end of 2026, with production targeted before the end of the decade.
Why it matters
- Boosts US aluminum production: The plant will more than double domestic output, reducing reliance on imports that currently supply the majority of US demand.
- Strengthens critical mineral supply chains: Expanded production supports advanced manufacturing and national defense industries.
- Creates American jobs: The project will generate 4,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions in Oklahoma.
- Deepens UAE–US investment ties: This partnership is part of the UAE’s long-term US investment strategy supporting advanced industry and economic growth.
Additional stories shaping the UAE–US economic partnership:
UAE energy investor XRG has acquired an additional 7.6% stake in NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG facility in Brownsville, Texas—building on its earlier 11.7% investment.
One of the world’s largest LNG export terminals, the project supports more than 5,000 construction jobs and will create approximately 700 permanent roles in the Rio Grande Valley. ADNOC has also secured a 20-year LNG offtake agreement from the site.
Just one year after announcing a $20 billion commitment to US data centers, DAMAC Properties has acquired $12 billion in land and power assets across Ohio and New Jersey, unlocking 1GW of potential compute capacity.
The investment positions DAMAC more than halfway to its goal and supports expanding AI infrastructure for American hyperscalers, with additional sites under review.
Abu Dhabi’s newly launched sovereign wealth fund, L’IMAD Holding Company, has absorbed ADQ’s assets, consolidating a diversified portfolio spanning more than 25 investment companies and 250 subsidiaries.
The platform includes significant UAE–US initiatives such as ADQ’s $25 billion energy partnership with Energy Capital Partners to develop new power generation projects primarily in the United States.
For more on how the UAE–US economic partnership is accelerating through backing US innovators, scaling businesses, and creating jobs, sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter.
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