Riyadh, Middle East (WE) — President Donald Trump landed in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to begin a four-day tour of the Middle East, marking the first official overseas trip of his second term. His itinerary includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, but notably leaves out Israel.
As Trump arrived in Riyadh, he was welcomed with ceremonial fanfare by the Saudi royal court. Nearby, top American and Saudi business executives gathered for the quickly organized Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum. Held under massive crystal chandeliers, the forum aimed to solidify deals worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
The forum was convened to align with Trump’s visit. Its purpose was to promote major economic and commercial agreements between the two countries. Many of the agreements focus on energy, technology, and defense.
Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a strategic partnership agreement on Tuesday. The deal includes new collaborations in energy, mining, and military industries.
This is the second time Trump has chosen Saudi Arabia as the first stop of his presidency. He did the same in 2017. Traditionally, U.S. presidents begin their foreign travels with visits to North American neighbors such as Mexico or Canada. Trump’s decision to again prioritize the Gulf suggests a shift in long-term diplomatic goals.
Analysts note that this change aligns with Trump’s broader economic and strategic agenda. Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times that the Gulf states now represent key opportunities for American economic cooperation. These countries possess significant financial resources and are eager to diversify their own international partnerships.
According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. officials have been negotiating with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to discuss defense and artificial intelligence collaborations. In return, the U.S. seeks investment pledges from these Gulf nations, aimed at stimulating domestic American industries.
Trump’s decision to skip Israel has triggered reactions in Jerusalem. The Reuters news agency noted Monday that the exclusion is the latest event to stir doubts within Israel over its current standing in Washington’s strategic priorities.
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Relations between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have grown tense in recent weeks. The two leaders differ over how to address the threats posed by Hamas and Iran.
Netanyahu believes the U.S. should act militarily against Iran’s nuclear program. Trump, on the other hand, prefers a diplomatic solution. He wants to reduce the risk of Iran developing a nuclear weapon by forging a new deal.
While Israel launched a fresh military campaign in Gaza, Trump instead called for a ceasefire. After halting a U.S. offensive against Houthi targets in Yemen, a surprised Netanyahu vowed that Israel would defend itself without U.S. help.
Liu, the Chinese scholar, suggested that skipping Israel could indicate a temporary cooling in relations. “Recent discords between the U.S. and Israel show growing fatigue in Washington’s strategy,” he told the Global Times. However, he emphasized that the special alliance between the two countries remains intact.
“Israel complicates America’s ties with other regional states,” Liu said. “Still, the unique relationship prevents any deep policy shift.”
The White House described the trip as “a historic return to the Middle East.” It emphasized the administration’s goal to recalibrate its influence in the region. This includes maintaining U.S. dominance while pushing regional allies to assume more responsibility.
Zhu Yongbiao, director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times that the U.S. wants to reduce its regional military commitments. At the same time, it hopes to secure security cooperation from its partners in the Middle East.
But that plan may not succeed. Zhu noted that many Middle Eastern countries now have more strategic independence. “While they value traditional ties with the U.S., they are also expanding relationships with China, Russia, and others,” he said.
Observers say Gulf nations are increasingly selective in their partnerships. They prioritize deals that align with their national goals. This reality complicates U.S. efforts to dictate terms.
In Qatar, Trump is expected to discuss regional security with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The two will likely cover issues including counterterrorism, economic cooperation, and AI development. Qatar hosts the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base, which plays a key role in regional military operations.
In the United Arab Emirates, Trump will meet with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He is also expected to attend a closed-door energy summit in Abu Dhabi. Reports suggest that several U.S. energy firms will join the event to pitch investment proposals.
While Trump aims to secure major deals, many analysts question how much regional support he can truly win. The Gulf states have become less reliant on U.S. security guarantees. They now collaborate more with China and Russia on trade, technology, and even defense.
According to Brookings Institution analyst Tamara Cofman Wittes, Trump’s trip reflects an older U.S. worldview. “There’s a growing mismatch between Washington’s expectations and regional realities,” she wrote in a recent policy brief.
While Trump focuses on big-ticket economic deals, regional governments seek broader strategic balance. They’re no longer content with acting as junior partners in U.S.-led alliances.
The Council on Foreign Relations has noted that U.S. influence in the Middle East is declining. “The region is becoming more multipolar,” a recent report said. “Gulf leaders now pursue hedging strategies between great powers.”
During his trip, Trump is expected to announce several investment pledges from Gulf sovereign wealth funds. These include potential contributions to U.S. infrastructure, defense manufacturing, and clean energy. However, experts caution that these pledges often take years to materialize.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is reportedly involved in facilitating some of the deals. Representatives from major firms including Raytheon Technologies, Chevron, and Microsoft are accompanying the president.
White House officials have promoted the trip as a show of U.S. global leadership. They argue that Trump’s direct diplomacy is more effective than multilateral negotiations.
Still, critics point to the lack of attention to human rights in Trump’s itinerary. None of the three countries he is visiting are considered democratic by Freedom House. In past presidencies, human rights were often a key topic in U.S. foreign visits.
By bypassing Israel, Trump also risks alienating a powerful domestic constituency. Pro-Israel lawmakers and advocacy groups have voiced concern about the decision. Some have urged the president to clarify his long-term vision for U.S.-Israel ties.
At a press briefing, White House National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien dismissed speculation of a rift. “The president remains committed to Israel’s security,” he said. “This visit is about deepening ties with other key partners.”
Still, the omission is notable. Every U.S. president in recent memory has visited Israel early in their term. Skipping it now sends a message — even if that message is not entirely clear.
As Trump continues his second-term agenda, the Middle East remains a critical test. His ability to forge deals, balance rivalries, and manage expectations will shape U.S. influence for years to come. But the political dynamics of the region have evolved. So have the priorities of its leaders.
Trump is betting that direct diplomacy, backed by economic muscle, can still yield results. The coming days will show whether that bet pays off.
