U.S. President Donald Trump started his Gulf region tour with meetings in Saudi Arabia and ending with a state visit to Qatar, followed by UAE. Here’s a breakdown of the key events, announcements, and implications of the president’s visit.
What’s on the President’s Schedule Today?
Stop 1: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- 9:30am local time (06:30 GMT): Trump is expected to visit the US embassy in Riyadh.
- 10:15–11:30am (07:15–08:30 GMT): He will attend a session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional political and economic alliance comprising six Gulf states: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Stop 2: Doha, Qatar
- 12:00pm (09:00 GMT): The president will depart Riyadh for Qatar.
- 1:30pm (10:30 GMT): Trump is expected to land at Hamad International Airport in Doha, where Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will greet him.
- He will then head to the Amiri Diwan, the emir’s administrative headquarters, for an official welcome.
- Later this evening: A state dinner is scheduled at Lusail Palace in Trump’s honor.
Key Developments So Far
- Historic Defense Deal: The White House has unveiled a $142 billion defense sales agreement with Saudi Arabia. This is part of a broader Saudi commitment to invest $600 billion in the United States. Officials are calling it a first-of-its-kind package in terms of scale and strategic cooperation.
- Sanctions Lifted on Syria: In a surprise announcement, Trump stated that the US would lift sanctions on Syria, claiming the move is intended to give the war-torn nation “a chance at greatness.”
- Celebrations in Syria: News of the sanctions removal sparked celebrations in Damascus, with crowds reportedly taking to the streets in response.
- Potential Syria Meeting: There is speculation that Trump may have a brief meeting with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on the sidelines of the GCC meeting in Riyadh. If it occurs, this would mark a major shift in US-Syria relations.
Why Does This Matter?
This trip marks a significant diplomatic moment as President Trump navigates relationships with key Gulf states amid regional tension and shifting alliances. The defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and the unexpected shift on Syria signal major changes in US foreign policy in the Middle East. The visit also highlights the growing strategic role of Qatar, which is hosting the second leg of the president’s regional tour.
