The UAE is not just making headlines, it’s making moves. From massive aircraft orders to bold plays in artificial intelligence and strategic bank mergers. The region is gearing up for a tech-first, globally integrated future.
Let’s walk through what happened, why it matters, and what to keep an eye on.
Etihad places a $14.5 billion Boeing order with GE engines
One of the biggest announcements of the day came during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways confirmed a $14.5 billion deal to buy 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft powered by GE engines.
These planes are scheduled to be delivered starting 2028, and it’s part of Etihad’s long-term fleet strategy.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the fleet expansion:
| Aircraft Ordered | Count | Delivery Timeline |
| Boeing 787 & 777x | 28 | From 2028 onwards |
| Airbus A321LR (new in 2025) | 10 | Operating from August 2025 |
| Airbus A350 | 6.00 | 2025 |
| Boeing 787 | 4 | 2,025 |
Etihad is aiming to expand its fleet to over 170 aircraft by 2030, up from its current count of around 100. This deal deepens the US-UAE commercial ties and helps push Abu Dhabi’s broader economic diversification strategy.
The fact that the agreement came as part of over $200 billion in total US-UAE commitments during the visit makes this a significant moment.
UAE to build world’s biggest AI campus outside the US
While aircraft might grab headlines, the AI campus deal between the UAE and the US might just be the most future-shaping story of the day.
The two nations agreed to establish a 10-square-mile AI campus in Abu Dhabi, which will have 5 gigawatts of power capacity, enough to support over 2.5 million Nvidia B200 AI chips.
Here’s why this matters:
- First major deal of its kind post-tech restrictions between US and China
- UAE could be allowed to import 500,000 advanced Nvidia AI chips annually from 2025
- AI data centres will be managed by American companies
- UAE agrees to align its national security regulations with the US
- Campus to be built by G42, backed by the Abu Dhabi government
For a country that previously faced hurdles accessing advanced US chips due to its ties with China, this is a massive pivot, and one that aligns the UAE’s AI ambitions firmly with the US.
It’s not just about infrastructure. Companies like Qualcomm and Amazon Web Services are also getting involved. Qualcomm is setting up an AI engineering centre in Abu Dhabi, while AWS will work on cybersecurity and cloud solutions in the region.
Qualcomm and e& to collaborate on edge AI transformation in UAE
Building on the AI push, Qualcomm and e& (formerly Etisalat) announced a wide-ranging partnership to accelerate 5G and edge AI adoption across sectors like manufacturing, transport, logistics, and public services.
What exactly are they working on?
- Industrial 5G edge AI gateways for enterprise deployment
- AI-enabled XR and PC devices with built-in generative AI support
- Smart mobility and road safety infrastructure
- Secure edge-to-cloud computing with reduced latency and enhanced data security
This partnership isn’t just another tech buzzword match-up. It shows how UAE-based firms like e& are moving beyond telecom and stepping into deep tech collaboration with global chipmakers.
Bank al Etihad acquires Investbank in a $1.4 billion stock deal
Jordan’s Bank al Etihad announced a stock-for-stock acquisition of Investbank, creating a financial entity with over $1.4 billion in equity value. While not UAE-based, the regional implications are worth watching, especially since the Central Bank of Jordan has been encouraging consolidation to reduce crowding in the banking sector.
Here’s what the deal includes:
| Detail | Value/Status |
| Deal Type | Stock-for-stock merger |
| Combined Equity Value | $1.4 billion |
| Combined Assets | 11 billion Jordanian Dinars (~$16 billion) |
| EGMs for Final Approval | Scheduled for June 25, 2025 |
For UAE-based investors watching regional financial plays, this is a noteworthy move. It could signal a trend where well-capitalised banks begin expanding through consolidation, strengthening their positions in both local and regional markets.
Final thoughts
From cutting-edge AI campuses and airline deals to smart partnerships and bank mergers, the UAE market news on 16th May 2025 wasn’t about small shifts, it was about bold signals.
If you’re investing in sectors like AI, aviation, or smart infrastructure,or just trying to understand how tech diplomacy shapes markets, this day was a front-row view into what tomorrow might look like.
Keep an eye on Etihad’s expansion, the AI campus rollout in Abu Dhabi, and the Qualcomm–e& edge computing developments. Because if this is how 2025 is starting out, the next few years could be transformative.
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