Trump’s Gulf Triumph: A Week of Adulation and Economic Wins.

President Donald Trump’s recent whirlwind tour of the Arabian Peninsula was a masterclass in diplomatic fanfare, delivering a stark contrast to the controversies that often shadow him at home.

From May 13 to May 17, 2025, Trump visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, basking in a meticulously orchestrated display of respect, economic pledges, and cultural splendor.

Unlike the protests that might greet him in Europe or Latin America, the Gulf offered a tightly controlled environment where every gesture, from fighter jet escorts to the Burj Khalifa glowing with the American flag, catered to his penchant for grandeur.

This trip, his first major foreign outing of his second term, underscored a transactional synergy between Trump and Gulf leaders, who share a mutual interest in high-stakes deals over ideological debates.

A Royal Welcome and Economic Windfalls

Trump's journey commenced in Riyadh, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia welcomed him with sword dancers, Arabian horses, and a business elite audience that applauded him with a standing ovation.

There, Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, a move praised by both U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee leaders, Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), as a step toward stabilizing the war-torn nation.

In Doha, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani pledged billions in American goods, aligning with Trump’s “Drill, baby, drill” energy mantra.

The United Arab Emirates capped the tour with its highest civilian honor and a showcase of deals, including Boeing jet purchases, at a business forum in Abu Dhabi.

Trump claimed that these nations committed over $2 trillion in investments, which could potentially reach $4 trillion; these figures, while partly speculative, reflect the vast sovereign wealth funds of the Gulf that collectively manage over $3.5 trillion, according to recent data from the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute.

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A Protest-Free Oasis Amid Global Tensions

At home, Trump faces backlash over tariffs, immigration policies, and ethical questions, but the Gulf was a sanctuary of adulation. Recent analyses highlight that Gulf leaders, wary of Western criticism on issues like human rights, find Trump’s deal-driven approach refreshing.

In Abu Dhabi, he marveled at “perfecto” marble palaces and camels, while in Qatar, he turned a visit to Al Udeid Air Base into a campaign-style rally, complete with “Gloria” blasting and chants of “U.S.A.” from troops.

Trump's rhetoric, which hinted at an unconstitutional third term, remained unchallenged, thereby reinforcing the Gulf's appeal as a platform that celebrated his every move.

This warm reception aligns with real-time sentiment on social platforms, where Gulf-based accounts praised Trump’s visit as a boost to regional stability and U.S. ties.

Did You Know?
The Burj Khalifa, which lit up with the American flag during Trump’s visit, holds the record as the world’s tallest building at 829.8 meters, a title it has maintained since its completion in 2010, per Guinness World Records.

Sidestepping Controversy with Strategic Focus

The Gulf leaders deftly avoided Trump’s potential conflicts of interest. No mention was made of the Trump Organization’s Jeddah high-rise deal with a Saudi firm, a $400 million luxury jet reportedly offered by Qatar, or an Abu Dhabi-backed $2 billion crypto deal involving Trump’s digital coins.

While on Air Force One, Trump denied having any knowledge of the crypto venture, although he expressed enthusiasm for cryptocurrency. This strategic omission ensured the trip remained a public relations triumph, focusing on broader U.S.-Gulf economic ties.

Experts like Andrew Leber of Tulane University note that the Gulf’s transactional diplomacy guaranteed Trump a controversy-free visit, unlike the protests he’d face elsewhere.

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A Shift in U.S.-Gulf Relations

Trump’s trip signaled a pivot in U.S. Middle East policy toward “peace and profit,” as he put it in Riyadh. Gulf leaders echoed his slogans, with Saudi panelists touting “making aviation great again” and Qatar’s emir embracing energy cooperation.

This alignment reflects a broader Gulf preference for Trump’s leadership style, which sidesteps human rights critiques that Western liberals often emphasize, according to Jon B. Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Recent reports indicate that Saudi Arabia leveraged the visit to spotlight its Vision 2030 reforms, while Qatar and the UAE strengthened their roles as U.S. military and economic partners.

However, Trump voiced a personal concern: future presidents might claim credit for these long-term deals. “This guy did it,” he told reporters, pointing to himself.