Trump Visits Gulf Seeking Deals During Diplomatic Push

• This trip marks Trump’s first significant overseas visit of his second term.
• Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi are expected to roll out the red carpet for Trump.
• The U.S. president is set to receive a luxury Boeing jet from the Qatari royal family.

President Donald Trump will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for the first stop of a Gulf tour that will also include visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to secure business deals amid challenging diplomatic negotiations in the region.

This journey is Trump’s first major international trip of his second term, with the White House expressing anticipation for a “historic return” to the Middle East.

Eight years ago, Trump similarly chose Saudi Arabia for his inaugural overseas visit, famously posing with a glowing orb and participating in a traditional sword dance.

His choice to revisit these oil-rich Gulf states instead of traditional Western allies highlights their growing geopolitical significance and his interests in expanding business relations there.

In the lead-up to the trip, the White House played a pivotal role in negotiating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and facilitating another round of nuclear talks with Iran.

Focus on ‘Deals’

However, the main emphasis during this Gulf tour is expected to be on securing business agreements.

“Sources from the White House suggest that the president will concentrate on ‘deals,'” noted Daniel B. Shapiro from the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative.

Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi are anticipated to give a lavish welcome to the 78-year-old billionaire.

“The president looks forward to his historic return to the Middle East,” stated Trump’s spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, expressing hopes for a future where “extremism is replaced with commerce and cultural exchanges.”

The Gulf states have established themselves as key diplomatic allies during Trump’s second term.

Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in discussions surrounding the war in Ukraine.

Talks of returning to the kingdom have intensified, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledging to invest $600 billion into U.S. trade and businesses.

“I’ll be asking the crown prince, who is a remarkable individual, to round that figure to around one trillion. I believe they will agree because we’ve treated them well,” Trump remarked regarding the investment proposal.

A Saudi official close to the defense ministry revealed that Riyadh aims to secure the latest U.S. F-35 fighter jets along with advanced air defense systems worth billions.

“We will ensure that these deliveries occur during Trump’s presidency,” the source told AFP.

Temporary ‘Gift’

Local residents in Saudi Arabia expressed mixed sentiments about the implications of Trump’s visit.

“I believe this visit will lead to significant political decisions affecting the entire region,” stated Khalifa Oneizi, a 47-year-old resident of Riyadh.

Others were more skeptical.

“I’m not hopeful about this visit or its outcomes,” commented Hamad Shahrani, a 62-year-old Saudi citizen.

Iran is expected to be a prominent topic during the visit, following a recent round of talks in Oman.

Controversy surrounds Trump’s plan to accept a luxury Boeing jet from the Qatari royal family for use as Air Force One.

Late Sunday night, amid growing criticism, Trump defended the aircraft, describing it as a temporary “gift.”

He later referred to the arrangement as “a very public and transparent transaction” and remarked on Monday, just before departing Washington, “I would never turn down an opportunity like that.”