President Donald Trump announced Monday that his first overseas trip of his second term will take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates in May, a move aimed at deepening ties with Gulf allies and securing major economic deals for the United States. The announcement, delivered with Trump’s signature flair during a White House briefing, promises a high-stakes diplomatic debut as he seeks to reset America’s role on the global stage.
According to Reuters, “We’re going to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE in May—great countries, tremendous potential,” Trump said while signing executive orders in the Oval Office. “They’re ready to invest billions, maybe trillions, in America. It’s going to be fantastic for our workers, our economy—believe me.” The president’s remarks came as he leaned into his campaign pledge to bring foreign investment home, though specific details about the trip remain scarce.
White House officials confirmed the mid-May target but offered no firm itinerary, saying planning is ongoing with Gulf counterparts. The trip’s centerpiece appears to be Saudi Arabia, where Trump kicked off his first term’s foreign travel in 2017 with a $110 billion arms deal. This time, aides hinted at even bigger economic agreements, potentially in energy, defense, and infrastructure—sectors Trump has long championed.
The choice of destinations is no surprise to Middle East watchers. Saudi Arabia, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has grown into a key US partner, hosting recent talks on Ukraine and pushing for closer economic ties. Qatar, a diplomatic heavyweight, has mediated ceasefires in Gaza, while the UAE boasts a booming trade relationship with Washington. Together, these nations offer Trump a chance to flex his dealmaking muscle and counter critics who say his focus on tariffs—set to hit April 2—risks isolating the US.
“These are countries that respect strength, and they want to do business,” Trump said, nodding to their wealth and strategic clout. The president’s team sees the visit as a way to lock in investments that could create jobs back home, though no dollar figures have been finalized or independently verified.
Trump’s return to the Gulf echoes his 2017 trip, when he danced with swords in Riyadh and laid groundwork for the Abraham Accords—peace deals between Israel and Arab states. This time, the stakes feel higher. With Iran flexing its muscles and Gaza’s ceasefire hanging by a thread, the president could use the visit to nudge allies toward broader stability. But don’t expect grand peace plans just yet—Trump’s focus, aides say, is on “winning” economically first.
“Saudi Arabia’s a big player, Qatar’s got the connections, and the UAE’s got the cash,” said James Carter, a Middle East analyst at Georgetown University. “Trump’s betting he can turn handshakes into paychecks.”
The news lit up Washington and beyond. Supporters cheered the move as vintage Trump—bold, brash, and business-focused. “This is how you put America first,” said Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., on X, where #TrumpGulfTrip trended briefly Monday night. Others weren’t so sure. “Another photo op with dictators?” posted, a sentiment echoed by some Democrats wary of cozying up to regimes with spotty human rights records.
Across the Atlantic, Gulf leaders signaled enthusiasm. Saudi Arabia’s state-run SPA news agency called it “a historic opportunity,” while UAE officials touted their growing partnership with the US. Qatar, ever the diplomat, stayed mum but is expected to roll out the red carpet.
Details remain fluid—Trump himself hedged, saying, “It’s May, could be a little later, we’ll see.” That vagueness hasn’t dampened anticipation. Will he push for new Arab-Israeli deals? Tackle Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Or just ink some splashy contracts? For now, the White House is keeping it simple: This is about jobs, security, and projecting strength.
As Trump prepares to jet off, the trip’s success will hinge on what he brings back—tangible wins or just more promises. Either way, it’s a bold opening act for a president who thrives on the world stage.
