In May 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump embarked on a four-day Middle East tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking his first major overseas trip of his second term. The visits, focused on securing economic deals and strengthening ties, were met with lavish welcomes, significant investment pledges, and expressions of high esteem for Trump from Gulf leaders.
“The gleaming marbles of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation builders, neocons, or liberal nonprofits. The birth of a modern Middle East has been brought by the people of the region themselves.” –President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/dA9G3WKiuR
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 14, 2025
Saudi Arabia (May 13): Trump was warmly received in Riyadh with a traditional coffee ceremony and a grand investment forum attended by American business tycoons like Elon Musk and Larry Fink. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rolled out the red carpet, and the two leaders signed a $142 billion defense agreement, part of a broader $600 billion investment commitment to the U.S., with potential to reach $1 trillion. Saudi officials praised Trump’s leadership, with the Crown Prince calling him a friend, reflecting the high esteem for his deal-making approach. The visit included a historic meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, where Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria.
One year ago, Trump was being prosecuted by corrupt bastards who tried to destroy his life under any circumstances.
— Ada Lluch (@ada_lluch) May 13, 2025
Today, he is receiving a standing ovation in Saudi Arabia for bringing peace to the World.
The good ones will always win. ❤️
pic.twitter.com/Psj45Xsb3p
Qatar (May 14): In Doha, Trump was feted with a glittering state dinner at Lusail Palace, hosted by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who referenced Qatar’s trade deficit with the U.S. and praised Trump’s “loyal” staff. Qatar announced a record-breaking order of 160 Boeing jets and a $2 billion purchase of U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones, alongside other financial deals. The Qatari leadership’s warm gestures, including offering a $400 million Boeing 747-8 for Trump’s use as Air Force One, underscored their high regard for him, though it sparked U.S. ethical concerns.
President Trump visited US troops during his visit to Qatar.
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) May 15, 2025
“No visit in the Gulf would be complete without stopping to salute the people who keep America Safe, Strong, and Free!”
pic.twitter.com/yrcmQol2yV
BREAKING 🚨 President Trump stuns America by CONFIRMING he secured a $1,200,000,000,000 investment from Qatar
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) May 14, 2025
THIS IS ABSOLUTELY MIND BLOWING 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TW01bnS5gZ
This is how the Emir greets a President who he respects
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) May 14, 2025
Trump in Qatar
pic.twitter.com/8pGfITscvG
UAE (May 15): Trump’s final stop in Abu Dhabi featured ceremonial welcomes and meetings with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE had already pledged $1.4 trillion in U.S. investments over a decade, focusing on AI, semiconductors, and energy. The UAE’s branding as “the capital of capital” and its push for advanced U.S. tech access highlighted Trump’s esteemed status as a partner in their economic ambitions. Discussions also covered lifting Biden-era tech export restrictions, reinforcing the UAE’s view of Trump as a key ally.
President Trump at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) May 15, 2025
They shut down the Mosque for his special visit — the first time it has ever been closed for anyone in history. Historic moment! pic.twitter.com/BS09jHDPCh
Summary: Across all three nations, Trump was greeted with opulent ceremonies and held in high esteem for his transactional foreign policy, which resonated with Gulf leaders’ priorities. The visits secured over $2 trillion in promised investments, including arms, aviation, and tech deals, aimed at boosting the U.S. economy. The warm welcomes and massive investment pledges underscored the Gulf states’ strategic alignment with Trump’s “America First” agenda, cementing their role as pivotal U.S. allies.