U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in the United Arab Emirates, becoming the first sitting American president to visit the country in nearly two decades. His stop in Abu Dhabi is the final leg of a multi-nation Middle East tour that has included Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It is also part of his first official overseas trip since taking office earlier this year.
During his stay in the UAE capital, President Trump will be hosted at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, a luxury waterfront hotel adjacent to the mosque.
Diplomatic Symbolism at Qasr Al Watan
One of Trump’s key stops is Qasr Al Watan (Palace of the Nation), located in the Ras Al Akhdar district along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. Completed in 2017, the sprawling complex covers 380,000 square meters and serves as the administrative base for the UAE President, Vice President, and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Built from white granite and limestone, the palace blends traditional Arabian architecture with elements of modern statecraft. Though much of Qasr Al Watan is used for official functions, parts of it—such as the Great Hall—are open to the public. The hall features a 60-meter-high dome and a 37-meter-wide interior, showcasing three symbolic colors: blue for the Arabian Gulf, white for purity, and yellow for the desert sands.
The site has previously welcomed a number of global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Pope Francis, who visited during the UAE’s 2019 Year of Tolerance.
Visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Trump also arrived to tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a globally recognized symbol of modern Islamic architecture and Emirati cultural heritage. Commissioned by the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the mosque opened in 2007 during Eid Al Adha.
Designed to accommodate up to 55,000 worshippers, the mosque is open to visitors of all faiths, highlighting its mission to promote interfaith dialogue. The central prayer hall alone can host nearly 8,000 people, supported by two additional halls designated for male and female worshippers.
Its construction began in 1996 and involved over 3,000 workers and 38 international contractors, making it one of the UAE’s most ambitious architectural undertakings. With its white marble domes, reflective pools, and ornate floral motifs, the mosque is a popular destination for dignitaries and tourists alike.
Presidential Stay at Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
President Trump will reside at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, a five-star resort known for its Renaissance-inspired architecture and close proximity to government institutions. The property consists of 10 interconnected buildings arranged in a crescent shape, nestled among landscaped gardens and tranquil water features.
The hotel boasts 504 rooms and suites, private villas, eight restaurants, and expansive event spaces, including a 1,550-square-metre ballroom. It also features Abu Dhabi’s largest outdoor swimming pool, covering 1,600 square meters along the canal.
A favored retreat for international delegations and high-level guests, the Ritz-Carlton offers a blend of privacy, security, and direct access to the city’s political and cultural hubs.
President Trump’s visit is being closely watched by regional analysts and global observers, as it signals a renewed focus on U.S.-UAE relations and highlights the UAE’s growing role as a diplomatic and cultural destination in the Middle East.
