Trump in UAE: American expats welcome first US presidential visit in 17 years

Dubai/Abu Dhabi: American expats in the UAE have welcomed US President Donald Trump’s visit to the country on Thursday, May 15, the first US presidential visit in 17 years, calling it a symbol of growing strategic cooperation and a gateway to stronger bilateral ties in trade, technology, peace, and diplomacy.

Many American expats still recall the first and last US presidential visit to the UAE by George W. Bush in January 2008, when several roads including parts of Dubai’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Road were closed for his convoy's movement.

Similar scenes are unlikely to be repeated during President Trump’s visit as he is visiting only Abu Dhabi and expats hope the focus will be on deepening strategic partnerships and advancing long-term regional goals.

During the UAE leg of his three-day visit to the Gulf countries, Trump is set to meet with the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to discuss investment opportunities in sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing.

For Steve Severance, a long-time UAE resident and former senior official at Masdar City, the visit is not just about ceremony but reflects how central the UAE has become to US foreign policy.

“For the UAE to be chosen as one of the stops on the President’s first official trip [after visiting Rome for the Pope’s funeral] highlights the country’s rising role in regional diplomacy, economic cooperation, and technology,” he said.

Now co-founder of a battery technology startup, Severance also noted the growing collaboration between American tech firms and Emirati innovation hubs, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).

“There’s increasing interest from major American companies, especially in the tech sector, to forge stronger ties with UAE entities. Partnerships around AI, in particular, reflect the UAE’s emergence as a regional hub for innovation. I hope this visit forges deeper economic and security partnerships and advances regional stability,” he added.

Albert M Carter, a Dubai-based American music entrepreneur who has lived in the UAE for a decade, shared a similarly hopeful view.

“I think it [the visit] could do a lot. There are currently issues in the US, especially around tariffs on international products, but with the President coming to this region, it shows he’s starting to get a feel for what’s happening on this side of the world. I think it will have a positive impact on trade between the MENA region and the United States,” he said.

Carter, who runs a recording studio and a music agency, added:

“My profession is in music, and I hope this strengthens ties for international collaborations between artists in the US and the UAE.”

He also acknowledged the business undertone of the trip.

“Trump is a businessman at heart. He knows exactly what he’s doing and why.”

Nicholas Ramsey, a property consultant based in Abu Dhabi, said the visit signals progress in what is already a strong bilateral relationship.

“It’s great to see the US President visiting the UAE. It shows how important the relationship has become,” said Ramsey, who has lived in the country for nine years.

Reflecting on diplomatic milestones from the past, he added:

“It was during Trump’s first term that the Abraham Accords became a reality. Now, in his second term, we look forward to more efforts aimed at ensuring regional and global peace.”

Barry Schumaker, director at an aircraft sales company in Dubai, sees the visit as a major step in strengthening US-UAE economic ties.

“Trump’s visit marks a wonderful new chapter of trade and investment cooperation, with both nations poised to unlock unprecedented opportunities in technology, energy, and manufacturing.”

Having lived in the UAE for 13 years, he added: “The UAE is a remarkable place to live and work, and this partnership promises to bring even greater prosperity to our dynamic communities.”

Ashley Douglas, an educator in Abu Dhabi, said the visit holds significance not only for diplomacy but also for long-term collaboration.

“We’re excited to see our country’s President visit the UAE—a country that has been a safe, welcoming place for so many Americans. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen the bond between our nations through mutual respect and diplomacy.”

She hopes the visit will lead to tangible outcomes. “His visit could be a chance to deepen economic ties, reaffirm a commitment to regional peace, and highlight the UAE’s positive role on the global stage.”