President Donald Trump of the United States is set to embark on a three-day trip to the Gulf region, marking his inaugural state visit since returning to office this January.
The journey commences in Saudi Arabia, followed by stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
This visit marks Trump’s second international trip as president, following his attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral in Rome earlier in April.
Here’s a quick overview of what the trip entails and what to expect:
When and where will Trump visit?
Trump plans to depart from the US on Monday, reaching Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, by Tuesday.
On Wednesday, he is anticipated to participate in a summit with Gulf leaders in the city, before visiting Qatar later the same day and wrapping up his tour in the UAE on Thursday.
Interestingly, Saudi Arabia was the first nation Trump visited during his initial term, a departure from the usual pattern of US presidents starting their international travels in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, or Mexico.
What are Trump’s objectives for the trip?
The key aims include securing significant economic agreements and advancing diplomatic discussions on pressing regional matters, such as establishing a Gaza ceasefire and reviving stalled negotiations regarding Saudi-Israel normalization.
This emphasis on economic partnerships arises amid a decline in US economic performance reported in the first quarter for the first time in three years.
On Wednesday, Trump also indicated that he would utilize this trip to determine the terminology the US will use for the “Persian Gulf”.
Media reports suggest he might opt to refer to it as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia.
Saudi Arabia: Normalization, Business Agreements, and Arms
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated that the president aims to broaden the Abraham Accords, which saw the UAE and Bahrain recognize Israel during Trump’s previous term, to include Saudi Arabia.
While discussions about Saudi Arabia joining the accords have reportedly begun, these talks were put on hold following the onset of Israel’s hostilities in Gaza in October 2023, as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) paused the negotiations.
Saudi leadership has mentioned that any progression hinges on substantial advances toward a two-state resolution for Palestine, leading to speculation that Trump may propose a US-supported framework to conclude the hostilities and renew normalization attempts during this visit.
In a notable deviation from previous US policy, the Trump administration has separated negotiations regarding a Saudi nuclear framework from normalization discussions with Israel, which the Biden administration had linked as a prerequisite for nuclear collaboration.
Riyadh aspires to US assistance in developing a civilian nuclear framework, a proposal that has raised concerns from Israel, which sought a connection to normalization arrangements.
Trump’s primary concern will be to establish economic collaborations while engaging with MBS and attending a Saudi-US investment forum. He aims to secure a $1 trillion investment from Saudi Arabia into US industries, building upon a previously pledged $600 billion commitment made by the crown prince.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia is anticipated to announce over $100 billion in arms acquisitions from the US, which would encompass missiles, radar systems, and transport aircraft.
Another significant focal point includes revitalizing a more streamlined US-Saudi defense agreement.
UAE: Investment in the US and Tech Collaboration
In the UAE, Trump intends to meet with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to explore investment avenues in sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing.
Earlier in March, the UAE revealed a $1.4 trillion investment initiative targeting these industries in the US over the next decade.
Moreover, Trump is expected to lift export restrictions imposed during Biden’s presidency on advanced technology, as the UAE seeks US microchips and AI innovations to bolster its ambitions to emerge as a global AI leader by 2031.
Qatar: Military Collaboration, Regional Stability, and Syria
In Qatar, home to the largest US military installation in the Middle East, Trump’s agenda includes discussions with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani regarding military collaborations and regional safety.
Doha, which maintains close ties with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, may also advocate for Trump’s assistance in easing sanctions imposed on Syria.
As a crucial mediator in the region, Qatar is likely to discuss efforts for a Gaza ceasefire with Trump.
Why is Israel absent from the visit schedule?
Trump’s choice to omit Israel from this tour comes in light of escalating tensions in Gaza, where Israeli military activities have intensified after breaking a ceasefire agreement on March 18.
A US official disclosed, “Nothing positive would arise from a visit to Israel at this moment,” to the Axios media outlet.
Post-ceasefire, Israel has persisted with extensive air strikes on Gaza, raising its concerns about perceived diminishing support from the US.
Recent analysis from American and Israeli media indicates growing discord between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the Trump administration hints at acting independently on Middle East matters without waiting for Netanyahu’s direction.
Israeli political analyst Ori Goldberg remarked, “Currently, Israel is not aligned with [Trump’s] overarching objectives, continuing its aggressive actions.”
“The mistrust between Trump and Netanyahu has been prevalent for quite some time,” he added.
How are nations reacting to this visit?
Leading up to Trump’s visit, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have promised significant investments in the US, indicating a desire to strengthen economic relationships.
Nonetheless, Trump’s tour comes amid regional resistance against his proposition for the US to revitalize Gaza and relocate its populace to various Arab nations.
During a gathering of Arab leaders in Riyadh in February, representatives from countries such as Egypt, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait dismissed Trump’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of Palestinian autonomy and regional stability.