The President of the United Arab Emirates honored Donald Trump with the nation’s highest civilian award on Thursday.
“I am privileged to announce that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan confers the Order of Zayed upon President Donald Trump, recognizing his outstanding contributions to enhancing the historic friendship and strategic partnership between the UAE and the United States,” a voice stated before the award ceremony.
According to the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the “Order of Zayed” is regarded as the highest civilian accolade presented by the UAE, awarded to global leaders and heads of state.
“This honor is named after the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, whose enduring legacy of humanitarianism, international cooperation, and peacebuilding continues to resonate globally today,” the ministry noted.
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President Donald Trump receiving the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civilian honor, from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday, May 15, in Abu Dhabi. (AP/Alex Brandon)
Trump’s arrival in the UAE on Thursday marked the last leg of his Middle East tour, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to visit the nation in almost 20 years, a visit last made by President George W. Bush in 2008.
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Earlier this March, the UAE committed to an investment of $1.4 trillion in the U.S. economy over the coming decade. This initiative includes advancements in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and American manufacturing, such as plans to significantly increase U.S. aluminum production through investments in new smelting facilities—the first upgrade in 35 years.
President Donald Trump conversing with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday, May 15. (AP/Alex Brandon)
On the day prior to the president’s visit to the UAE, the State Department announced a $1.4 billion agreement to sell CH-47 F Chinook helicopters and parts for F-16 fighter jets to Abu Dhabi.