President Donald Trump wrapped up a high-profile trip across the Gulf region last Friday, a tour that marked his first international visit since beginning his second term.
The trip was packed with headline-grabbing deals, historic diplomatic moves, and renewed hopes for peace talks in the Middle East.
From mega-investments in the US economy to bold new diplomatic gestures, Trump’s Gulf tour clearly aimed to reset the stage for America’s role in the region.
Huge Deals and Investments Shake Up the Region
One of the standout moments of the trip was the flurry of multi-billion-dollar agreements.
Qatar Airways committed to a staggering $200 billion purchase of Boeing jets, while Saudi Arabia pledged an eye-popping $600 billion investment, including nearly $142 billion in arms deals — the largest the White House says it has ever seen.
On top of that, the United Arab Emirates announced a $1.4 trillion investment plan for the US over the next decade, highlighting the strong economic ties that blossomed during Trump’s earlier presidency.
A New Chapter in Middle East Diplomacy
But this tour wasn’t just about business. Trump made headlines by taking a major diplomatic leap: lifting decades-old sanctions on Syria and meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, becoming the first US president in 25 years to do so.
This dramatic shift came after pressure from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, signaling a possible thaw in relations with the war-torn country.
At the same time, Trump expressed optimism about reviving the Iran nuclear deal — a diplomatic breakthrough that could prevent military conflict and stabilize the region.
Though no concrete Gaza peace deal emerged during the trip, Trump reiterated his controversial idea that the US should “take” Gaza and turn it into a “freedom zone.”
Warm Welcomes and Strong Partnerships
Trump’s reception across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE was notably warm, with lavish welcomes and public praise from Gulf leaders. He described a friendly rapport with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying the two “like each other a lot” — a marked contrast to the cooler ties under the Biden administration.
The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also spoke highly of the growing partnership with the US, crediting Trump’s leadership for strengthening economic and strategic ties.
Trump’s visit included stops at iconic sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, a unique complex promoting interfaith harmony by housing a mosque, church, and synagogue under one roof.
The UAE’s Tech Ambitions and AI Partnerships
Technology and innovation also took center stage. The UAE is eager to position itself as a leader in artificial intelligence, aiming to diversify beyond its oil-based economy.
Saudi company DataVolt announced plans to invest $20 billion in AI projects in the US, and tech giants like Google committed to joint investments in both countries.
Behind the scenes, efforts were underway to ease US export restrictions on advanced AI chips — crucial components for the UAE’s tech goals.
Earlier in the week, Trump rolled back some of these controls, reversing policies designed to limit China’s access to cutting-edge technology.
Controversies and Questions Ahead
The grand scale of Gulf leaders’ investments sparked debate back home.
Democrats raised concerns over alleged corruption after reports emerged that Qatar offered Trump a luxury aircraft for his presidential and personal use during the trip.
As Trump concluded his Gulf visit, securing what he described as “trillions of dollars” in deals and agreements, many wondered how these developments might ripple through global politics and what new challenges lie ahead.