Written by Alice Williams
May 13, 2025
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Landing in Riyadh on Tuesday, President Donald Trump will bring his usual mix of diplomatic peacemaking and economic drive to the Middle East. Though the shadow of continuing wars in Gaza and Ukraine hangs big over the tour, his visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is mostly focused on obtaining commercial agreements.
Main Takeaways: Diplomatic Hurdles and Economic Aspirations
Trump’s Middle East visit focuses on investment and economic development. Beginning with a state visit to Saudi Arabia, the U.S. president will then have a summit with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders and a business summit including top U.S. corporations. The White House has underlined that a stable and safe area will help the United States as well as its Middle Eastern allies.
Discussions about a suggested $400 million luxury aircraft from Qatar highlight the president’s overseas commercial activities as well. Dubbed a “flying palace,” the present has drawn criticism in Washington because of worries about possible breaches of the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution, which restricts foreign gifts to American officials. The White House, nevertheless, has stated they aim to adhere to all ethical and openness policies.
US President Donald Trump has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the first stop of a three-country tour of Gulf states.
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 13, 2025
Trump is expected to sign US investment and defence deals worth billions of dollars, and discuss regional conflicts including Israel’s war on Gaza. pic.twitter.com/JcOHUPeh9o
Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, remarked, “It’s business, business, business.” Particularly Saudi Arabia, a major player in the worldwide oil market, the administration views this visit as a chance to strengthen business connections with one of the wealthiest areas of the globe.
Expert Views: Regional Opportunities and Threats
Although the economic talks will take center stage, important geopolitical issues lie ahead. With the continuing conflict in Gaza endangering Trump’s hallmark foreign policy success, the Abraham Accords, Trump’s visit comes at a moment of increased tension between Israel and Hamas. A major turning point in Trump’s first term in office, these deals repaired ties between Israel and numerous Arab nations.
Given the fighting in Gaza, chances for more normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia appear questionable. A major prerequisite for building relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia has restated its backing for a Palestinian state.
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Miller remarked, “The area has changed since Trump’s first term.” Issues that were not on the table before, such as the Israeli-Palestinian issue and Iran, provide Trump an opportunity to leave his stamp in a manner no other U.S. president has done before.
What Comes Next?
Trump’s talks will probably influence future American relations with important Gulf allies as he carries on with his diplomatic campaign. How well Trump can blend his economic goals with the continuing wars in Gaza and Ukraine will determine the success of this visit. The president’s efforts to confirm his legacy as both a dealmaker and a mediator in the Middle East raise high stakes.
