Trump begins Gulf tour with return to Saudi Arabia

Trump begins Gulf tour with return to Saudi Arabia

What Happened

Donald Trump has arrived in Saudi Arabia, marking the start of his first major overseas visit during his second term as US president. The tour will also include stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with business deals expected to dominate the agenda.

His decision to once again prioritise the Gulf over traditional Western allies highlights the growing geopolitical significance of the oil-rich states, as well as Trump’s ongoing business interests in the region.

In the lead-up to the trip, the administration helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, secured the release of an American hostage in Gaza, and resumed nuclear talks with Iran. The visit follows Trump’s unexpected announcement last week of a truce with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

What Next

Despite recent diplomatic overtures, the focus of Trump’s visit is expected to centre on economic partnerships. According to analysts, the president is aiming to secure substantial commercial agreements across the Gulf.

Daniel B. Shapiro of the Atlantic Council noted that White House insiders had indicated Trump would be focused on “‘deals’”. Gulf capitals — Riyadh, Doha and Abu Dhabi — are reportedly preparing grand ceremonial welcomes for the 78-year-old leader.

Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stated the president hopes to promote a Middle East in which “extremism is replaced by commerce and cultural exchange”. The Gulf states, in turn, have become pivotal diplomatic players in their second term. Qatar continues to act as a key mediator in talks between Hamas and Israel, while Saudi Arabia has played a facilitative role in discussions related to the war in Ukraine.

Talk of Trump returning to Saudi Arabia had been circulating for some time. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently pledged $600 billion in US investments — an amount Trump claimed he would encourage the Kingdom to raise to $1 trillion, citing America’s past support.

On the defence front, Saudi officials are reportedly pushing for a deal involving F-35 fighter jets and advanced air defence systems, worth billions. One official suggested deliveries would be contingent on completion during Trump’s term.

Reactions in Saudi Arabia have been mixed. “This visit could have significant regional impact,” said Khalifa Oneizi, a 47-year-old Riyadh resident. Others, however, remain sceptical of the outcomes.

Notably absent from the formal agenda is the topic of normalising ties with Israel, with Saudi leaders insisting that recognition must follow the creation of a Palestinian state.

The visit has not been without controversy. Trump faced criticism over reports that he would accept a luxury Boeing jet from the Qatari royal family for use as Air Force One. He responded by calling the aircraft a temporary “gift” and later described the deal as “very public and transparent”. Before departing Washington, he remarked: “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer.”

Media Reaction

Bloomberg says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also in Riyadh where he told an investment conference he’s upbeat on trade talks with countries in Asia but believes progress with Europe will be slower.

Reuters says Trump is being accompanied by a who’s who of powerful American business leaders in tow, including Tesla CEO and Trump adviser Elon Musk, he will first visit Riyadh, site of a Saudi-US Investment Forum, and go to Qatar on Wednesday and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday but is not visiting Israel.

Hindustan Times says Trump is expected to announce multi-billion-dollar agreements, including arms sales and investments, with Gulf leaders.