US President Donald Trump to visit UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar next month
Talks will include Iran, Gaza conflict, and economic investment deals
DUBAI: US President Donald Trump will embark on a high-stakes Middle East tour from May 13 to 16, making stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed.
His visit to the UAE is scheduled for May 13, marking the start of a trip aimed at reinforcing diplomatic and economic alliances in the Gulf region.
This marks Trump’s second international visit since returning to office, following his planned attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican later this week.
Speaking at a press briefing, Leavitt said the president would engage in bilateral meetings across the region, with a focus on trade, regional conflicts, and security cooperation.
Gulf investment talks
Trump’s return to Saudi Arabia recalls his 2017 visit, when the kingdom was the first stop of his presidency. In January, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged Dh2.2 trillion ($600 billion) in trade and investment with the United States. Trump has hinted at similar agreements in the UAE and Qatar, aimed at bolstering infrastructure, technology, and defence sectors.
In March, he announced that the Gulf tour could result in deals exceeding Dh3.7 trillion ($1 trillion), including the purchase of military equipment. “Tremendous jobs will be created in those two or three days,” Trump said at the time, though he did not provide further details.
Security and defence
The visit comes as the US reengages in nuclear negotiations with Iran. Trump famously withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, reinstating sanctions and taking a more aggressive stance. The White House has signalled that if ongoing talks fail, military options remain on the table.
Leavitt said the president’s meetings will also cover regional security threats, including Iran’s role in the Middle East and ongoing tensions in the Gulf.
Wider regional context
The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine are also set to feature in the discussions. A senior White House official noted that Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have offered diplomatic support for ceasefire efforts, particularly in Gaza. Trump’s administration is seeking to leverage those relationships in pursuit of broader peace and strategic gains.
While no public schedule of his UAE visit on May 13 has been released, sources indicate the stop will include high-level talks with Emirati leaders, with an emphasis on expanding economic ties and regional influence.