ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump is set to embark on his first official foreign tour in his second term, visiting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar from May 13 to 16, according to a statement from WH spokeswoman.
The high-profile tour underscores Trump’s renewed focus on the wealthy Gulf states, with anticipated investment agreements expected to exceed $2 trillion.
The UAE has already pledged $1.4 trillion in investments across U.S. states, while Saudi Arabia is preparing to sign a wide-ranging strategic agreement with Washington.
The deal is reported to include defense procurement, civil nuclear cooperation, technology transfers, and other key areas of collaboration.
Trump also revealed he expects $1 trillion in economic commitments from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—more than double the $450 billion secured during his first landmark visit to Riyadh in May 2017.
The visit comes at a critical juncture in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The United States has launched a wave of intensified airstrikes targeting Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, citing the need to deter attacks on maritime navigation and U.S. forces.
Simultaneously, U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations—brokered by Oman—are quietly advancing, with discussions encompassing regional flashpoints including Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon.
As the war in Gaza rages on, Trump is expected to prioritize the future of the Abraham Accords and push for broader regional normalization with Israel. Sources suggest Gaza, Iran, normalization, and regional security will dominate talks with GCC leaders.
Ahead of his departure, Trump informed Congress of increased U.S. military deployments to the region. “We are reinforcing our posture in the Middle East with combat-ready troops, air and missile defense systems, and expanded strike capabilities,” Trump stated.
He confirmed that U.S. strikes in Yemen have targeted Houthi leadership, weapons depots, and command centers and vowed that operations will continue until threats to regional stability and U.S. interests are neutralized.
