RIYADH, May 13 (Alliance News): United States President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking the first stop of a high-stakes Gulf tour that includes Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
While the trip aims to strengthen diplomatic ties, much of the focus is expected to center around securing major business deals.
This marks President Trump’s first major overseas visit of his second term. The White House described the trip as a “historic return” to a region that played a symbolic role during his first term, when he also chose Saudi Arabia as his first international destination—famously participating in a sword dance and posing with a glowing orb.
Escorted by Saudi fighter jets, Air Force One landed in Riyadh where Trump was welcomed with pomp by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He is scheduled to participate in a summit with Gulf Arab leaders and address an investment forum before heading to Qatar.
Trump’s decision to prioritize Gulf nations over traditional Western allies highlights both the strategic importance of the oil-rich region and his own business interests there.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has pledged $600 billion in trade and investment with the US—an offer Trump enthusiastically responded to by suggesting, “round it out to around one trillion.”
A Saudi official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Riyadh will seek advanced US weaponry during the visit, including F-35 fighter jets and air defense systems, with the condition that deliveries occur during Trump’s current term.
The visit comes on the heels of key diplomatic moves by the White House, including facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India and holding a new round of nuclear talks with Iran. Nonetheless, expectations for agreements on regional conflicts remain low.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt emphasized that Trump would promote a vision for replacing extremism with economic and cultural partnerships, reinforcing the administration’s transactional diplomacy.
Saudi residents expressed mixed feelings. “This visit will lead to important regional decisions,” said Khalifa Oneizi, a local in Riyadh. Others were skeptical, expressing concerns over potential fallout or unmet promises.
Controversy also surrounds Trump’s alleged acceptance of a luxury Boeing aircraft from the Qatari royal family for use as Air Force One. Trump dismissed the backlash, calling the aircraft a “temporary gift” and insisting the deal was “public and transparent.”
With Iran’s nuclear talks continuing in Oman and Gulf leaders looking to solidify their partnerships with Washington, the visit is poised to leave a lasting impact on both regional alliances and global markets.
