US President Donald Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE from May 13-16

US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from May 13 to 16, the White House confirmed. This will mark Trump's first trip to the Middle East in his second term as president.

President Trump "will travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 until May 16," White House Press Secretary Leavitt announced during a briefing.

The visit is seen as a significant diplomatic mission, strengthening ties between the US and key Gulf nations. The trip is part of a broader effort to address regional security concerns, economic cooperation, and geopolitical challenges.

Initially, Saudi Arabia was set to be Trump’s first international destination upon returning to the White House after his election victory. However, on the eve of the trip, Trump announced that he would be attending Pope Francis's funeral in Rome later this week, which led to a change in the planned timeline.

This visit comes at a crucial time as the US seeks to reinforce its strategic alliances in the Middle East. Relations with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are pivotal for US foreign policy, particularly in the areas of energy security, counterterrorism, and regional stability.

Purpose of the visit

Trump’s visit comes after Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, arrived in Washington on April 8 for an official visit to coordinate the details of Trump’s anticipated trip to the kingdom.

This trip marks a return to the region after his 2017 visit, when Saudi Arabia was the first stop during his first term in office. During his time in office, Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) initiated several major economic and defense agreements, a pattern Trump is eager to continue during this visit.

Economic and trade deals

Trump earlier emphasised that the focus of his visit would be on finalising a significant deal, which he believes will have a major impact on the US economy. Specifically, he mentioned an agreement that could result in investments upwards of $1 trillion, including purchases of military equipment. In a statement, Trump remarked, "Tremendous jobs will be created in those two or three days," though he did not provide specific details about the agreements.

Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had previously committed to injecting $600 billion into US trade and investments as part of a broader strategy to enhance bilateral relations. The visit to Qatar and the UAE is expected to mirror these efforts, potentially leading to similar investment and defense deals.

US-Saudi relations

Saudi Arabia has played a prominent role in US foreign policy, particularly in facilitating ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine. The kingdom's strategic importance to the US is reflected in its partnership, especially concerning the energy market, defense cooperation, and geopolitical stability in the Middle East.

Trump's visit underscores the continuing significance of US-Saudi relations and the broader Middle East region in US foreign policy, especially regarding economic partnerships and security agreements.

Trump’s visit comes amid heightened interest in global trade deals and strategic alliances.