On May 13, 2023, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia to kick off a significant four-day tour of the Gulf region. Unlike previous trips that prioritized security matters, this visit emphasizes economic deals, steering clear of urgent crises such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the escalating tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program.
Traveling with President Trump is a distinguished entourage of influential American business leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who also serves as a Trump adviser. The visit begins in Riyadh, where an important Saudi-US Investment Forum is set to take place. Following Riyadh, Trump is scheduled to visit Qatar on Wednesday and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, notably omitting a visit to Israel.
As the forum commenced, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih emphasized the evolving nature of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, stating that while energy remains a fundamental aspect, the investment landscape has grown significantly. "When Saudis and Americans join forces, very good things happen," he noted, highlighting the potential for joint ventures to yield substantial benefits.
The Saudi-US investment forum opened with a captivating video featuring soaring eagles and falcons, symbolizing the longstanding partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Among the attendees were prominent figures such as Larry Fink, CEO of Blackrock, and Stephen A. Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone. Speaking at the event, Fink remarked on the significant transformation of Saudi Arabia over the past two decades, noting how the kingdom is now actively broadening its economic base beyond oil.
As Trump’s Air Force One touched down in Riyadh, Saudi F-15 fighter jets escorted the aircraft, marking a display of military cooperation. This visit comes amidst a backdrop of global tensions, including ongoing discussions regarding the war in Ukraine. Trump has hinted at possible discussions with Turkish officials to facilitate talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during his trip.
During his visit, Trump is expected to propose an extensive arms package to Saudi Arabia valued at over $100 billion, which may include advanced military equipment such as C-130 transport aircraft. Despite the strategic importance of arms discussions, sources indicate that the normalization of relations between Riyadh and Israel will not be a focal point of this trip, even though it remains one of Trump’s enduring geopolitical objectives.
Trump's subsequent stops in Qatar and the UAE are also anticipated to center around economic discussions. Reports suggest that Qatar's royal family may present Trump with a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft, intended to be customized for use as Air Force One. This arrangement has drawn attention from ethics experts, as Trump plans to donate the aircraft to his presidential library post-term.
As President Trump embarks on this pivotal tour of the Gulf, the emphasis remains firmly on fostering economic ties rather than addressing pressing security issues. With a focus on investment and partnership, this trip could reshape the future of U.S.-Saudi relations and set the stage for further economic collaboration in the region.
