Trump heads to UAE, Saudi, Qatar eyeing more investment, diplomacy, experts say
While United States President Donald Trump embarks on what has been labelled a “historic visit” to the Middle East, the region now has the full focus of the world’s media. Along with Washington, Dubai will also play host as his first stop. Trump's visit comes as the first international tour during his presidency, and will likely have far-reaching consequences.
“Typically, U.S. presidents start with a visit to a close ally, like Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, or France. The fact that he chose the Gulf as the first destination says a lot, from an American perspective,” said Hussain Abdul Hussein, researcher at the Washington-based think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).
As stated by the White House, the specific goal of the visit is to encourage growth in foreign investment in the United States.
The move further cements Trump’s status as a ‘deal maker’ above other considerations, noted Iranian American global affairs specialist Suzanne Kianpour. “Unlike his predecessors, who concerned themselves with the sensitivities of international diplomacy, Trump dials in on making business deals that benefit both the US and GCC,” she stated.
Her comment stated that the investment intentions of Damac for US data centres and the new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi are part of arrangements which will benefit both economies and enhance the relations between UAE and America. “For Trump, it’s the art of the deal,” she said.
Rebooting relationships
After Riyadh on Tuesday, Qatar is the next destination, followed by UAE. As per Hussain, every one of these nations "will have their own individual set of announcements" to share post visit, most of which are focused on economic aspects.
Trump's itinerary includes Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi —each expected to make major economic announcements. “For instance, Saudi Arabia pledged something like half a trillion dollars worth investment into the US,” Abdul-Hussain explained.
“I expect new memorandums of understanding to be revealed as well. Personally, I expect Trump granting waivers to the sale of sensitive AI technologies to Saudia and the UAE — deals likely to carry hefty price tags. Those two are ready to spend big on American AI,” he continued.
Back in March this year, the UAE made a commitment to a decade-long agreement worth $1.4 trillion investment in the US after national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Trump.
Trump is visiting the region to form multi-billion dollar investments, Suzanne emphasized, “rebooting his ties” with the area that he established during his first presidency. “He is setting the stage to create investments and generate employment opportunities at home,” she elaborated further.
Along with these developments he is emerging victorious with a Qatari-brokered release of an American Israeli hostage. In addition, there would also be plans for Trump-styled resorts, partnerships in clean energy, security initiatives for the Red Sea, and a more aggressive deal with Iran.
A Gulf-US summit, which includes leaders from other GCC countries, is a major highlight of Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Hussain mentioned that there seems to be consensus about a joint declaration during the summit which would touch upon Gaza, Lebanon, or the issue of Iran.
Suzanne mentioned that Trump is likely to proceed with the next step of the Abraham Accords too. “We know how much the Trump administration is interested in seeing the next iteration of the Abraham Accords, which was the highlight of diplomacy during Trump’s first term,” she added. “They want to see that broadened to include Saudi Arabia.”
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