Tue May 13 07:15:46 UTC 2025: ## Trump Returns to the Gulf, Seeking Billions in Investment Deals
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Former US President Donald Trump has begun a three-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, aiming to secure lucrative economic agreements with these key US partners. Trump’s visit, his first to the region since leaving office, follows a similar trip in 2017 that focused heavily on arms sales. This time, the emphasis is firmly on investment.
Trump’s trip commenced in Riyadh, where he was greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A Saudi-US investment forum, featuring major corporations like BlackRock and Citigroup, was a key event on the first day. The following day includes a Gulf summit before Trump travels to Qatar and then the UAE.
Experts suggest Trump is seeking massive investments, potentially trillions of dollars, across the three nations. While official figures show significant existing US foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region – $11.3 billion in Saudi Arabia, $2.5 billion in Qatar, and $16.1 billion in the UAE in 2023 – Trump’s aim appears to be securing far larger commitments. A recent $1.4 trillion investment pledge from the UAE to the US over ten years, announced by the UAE National Security Advisor in March, highlights the potential scale of deals being pursued.
Though the trip will include discussions on lowering oil prices, the central focus is on bolstering economic ties. While arms sales remain a significant factor in US-Gulf relations – Saudi Arabia is the largest recipient of US arms – the current visit represents a shift towards securing broader commercial partnerships. The significant existing US arms sales to the region, with Saudi Arabia receiving 12% of total US arms exports between 2020-2024, provide a backdrop for these new economic negotiations. Reports suggest Trump is poised to offer Saudi Arabia an arms package exceeding $100 billion during this visit.
The trip’s success will be measured by the concrete investment commitments secured, demonstrating the ongoing economic significance of the US relationship with these major Gulf states.
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