In a whirlwind four-day tour from May 13–16, 2025, President Donald Trump redefined U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, blending high-stakes diplomacy with unprecedented business deals. His visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showcased a transactional approach, emphasizing economic partnerships over traditional alliances and democratic values.(AP News, The Times)
Day-by-Day Timeline
May 13 – Saudi Arabia:
Trump arrived in Riyadh, greeted with opulent ceremonies by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders signed a strategic economic partnership focusing on energy and defense. Notably, Trump announced the lifting of all U.S. sanctions on Syria, signaling a significant policy shift. (Financial Times, Wikipedia)
May 14 – Qatar:
In Doha, Trump met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The highlight was Qatar Airways’ agreement to purchase approximately 160 Boeing jets, marking one of the largest aviation deals in history. Trump also accepted a luxurious Boeing 747-8 aircraft from Qatar, raising ethical concerns due to potential conflicts of interest. (Wikipedia, The Times)
May 15 – United Arab Emirates:
Trump’s final stop was in Abu Dhabi, where he met with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Discussions centered on military and technological collaborations, including a $1.4 billion arms deal and a 5GW AI-focused data center partnership. (Wikipedia, Indiatimes)
Key Highlights
- Economic Deals: Trump claimed to have secured deals totaling over $4 trillion. However, experts estimate the actual signed agreements to be closer to $300 billion. (The Times, Financial Times)
- Diplomatic Shifts: The decision to lift sanctions on Syria and the proposed redevelopment of Gaza into a “freedom zone” indicate a significant departure from previous U.S. policies. (The Times)
- Iran Nuclear Talks: Trump revealed that Iran had been presented with a U.S. proposal regarding its nuclear program, urging swift action and hinting at looming consequences. (Indiatimes)
Ethical Concerns and Criticisms
Trump’s acceptance of a $400 million aircraft from Qatar and the involvement of his family’s business ventures in the region have sparked debates over potential conflicts of interest. Critics argue that his transactional approach undermines America’s global influence and long-term interests. (AP News, The Times)
Visual Highlights
Further Reading and Sources
- AP News: Opulence, business deals and a $400M plane from Qatar
- The Times: Now we can see what America First means
- India Times: Donald Trump concludes Gulf tour with military and tech deals
- Financial Times: Trump’s Gulf tour: Jumbo jets, megadeals and flattery
- Wikipedia: 2025 visit by Donald Trump to the Middle East
Trump’s Middle East tour marks a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing economic interests and realpolitik over traditional alliances and democratic values. As the world watches the outcomes of these engagements, the long-term implications for regional stability and U.S. global standing remain to be seen.(The Times)
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
- Trump’s Full Speech in Saudi Arabia During 2025 Investment Forum
President Trump delivers a comprehensive address at the Saudi investment forum, outlining the strategic economic partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
Watch here
🇶🇦 Qatar
- President Donald Trump Arrives in Doha
Footage of President Trump’s arrival in Doha, Qatar, where his motorcade was notably escorted by red Tesla Cybertrucks.
Watch hereNew York Post+3The Daily Beast+3Wikipedia+3 - Trump’s Middle East Trip Accomplishments: Day 2
Coverage of Trump’s engagements in Qatar, including the announcement of a significant Boeing jet deal.
Watch here
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
- President Trump Lands in Abu Dhabi for Final Stop on Middle East Tour
Video capturing Trump’s arrival in Abu Dhabi, marking the final leg of his Middle East tour.
Watch here - Trump Wraps Up Middle East Tour with Major Deals and Announcements
A summary of Trump’s activities in the UAE, including the announcement of $200 billion worth of deals.
Watch here - Trump Closes Out Middle East Tour in Abu Dhabi
Coverage of Trump’s concluding events in the UAE, addressing the acceptance of a jet from Qatar as the new Air Force One.
Watch hereYouTube - Trump Caps Off Middle East Investment Tour
Highlights of Trump’s final engagements in the UAE, focusing on investment discussions.
Watch here
🗣️ Press and Commentary
- Full: Donald Trump Speaks with Reporters on Middle East Tour
President Trump discusses his Middle East tour with reporters aboard Air Force One.
Watch here - What to Make of Donald Trump’s “Historic” Tour of the Middle East
Al Jazeera’s Marwan Bishara provides analysis and commentary on Trump’s Middle East tour.
Watch hereAl Jazeera
These videos offer a comprehensive view of President Trump’s Middle East tour, capturing key moments, diplomatic engagements, and the broader implications of his visit to the region.
Sources
🎥 Key Videos from Trump’s Middle East Tour
- Donald Trump Wraps Up Middle East Tour with Major Deals and Announcements
A comprehensive overview of Trump’s four-day tour, including his final day in the UAE and the announcement of $200 billion in deals. - Trump Wraps Historic Middle East Trip | Fox News Video
Highlights from President Trump’s remarks during his Middle East tour, concluding with major trade deals and policy shifts. - President Donald Trump Arrives in Abu Dhabi for Last Leg of Middle East Tour
Coverage of Trump’s arrival in Abu Dhabi, marking the final leg of his Middle East tour. - Full: Donald Trump Speaks with Reporters on Middle East Tour
President Trump discusses his Middle East tour with reporters aboard Air Force One. - Donald Trump Wraps Up Middle East Tour as He Boards Air Force One
Footage of Trump concluding his Middle East tour and boarding Air Force One.
📰 Notable News Sources Covering the Tour
- AP News: Live updates on Trump’s Middle East tour, including his final engagements in Abu Dhabi and the concurrent situation in Gaza.
Al Jazeera+5AP News+5The Washington Post+5 - The Guardian: Coverage of Trump’s statements regarding Gaza and the broader Middle East crisis during his tour.
The Guardian - Times of India: Report on the unprecedented closure of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for Trump’s special visit.
The Times of India+1Wikipedia+1 - Financial Times: Analysis of Trump’s Gulf tour, focusing on economic deals and diplomatic relations.
- Reuters: Details on the $200 billion in deals announced during Trump’s UAE visit, including AI agreements.
Al Jazeera+3Reuters+3The Guardian+3 - Al Jazeera: Insights into Trump’s Middle East tour, including the $1.4 trillion AI deal with the UAE.
Al Jazeera - The Washington Post: Live updates on Trump’s departure from the UAE, wrapping up his Middle East trip focused on deals and investments.
The Washington Post - Wikipedia: Comprehensive timeline of Trump’s second presidency, including details of his Middle East tour.
