Lahore – April 23, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump, now serving his latest term in office, is set to make his first official visit to the Middle East from May 13 to 16, with stops in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, the White House confirmed on Tuesday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the visit just days after the U.S. paused a controversial series of tariffs on all trading partners, including these three Gulf nations. The decision has sparked both relief and anticipation among regional allies, as they prepare to host the U.S. leader for high-stakes talks.
A Packed Agenda: Crisis, Trade, and Tough Talk on Iran
President Trump is expected to hold discussions on several key issues during the trip, including:
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The ongoing Middle East crisis, with a focus on regional stability and U.S. partnerships
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The tariff policy recently paused by Washington, which had rattled trade relations
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And a strong message to Iran, as Trump reiterated this week that the U.S. “will take military action” if Tehran does not agree to a new nuclear deal to limit its nuclear activities.
The visit comes at a crucial time as Washington recalibrates its stance on global trade while also confronting rising regional tensions.
READ MORE: Trump hits pause on Tariffs (except China), Wall Street surges as trade policy shifts
$1 Trillion Investment Promise from Saudi Arabia
In a statement ahead of the trip, Trump claimed that Saudi Arabia is prepared to invest up to $1 trillion in U.S. companies during the visit — a bold figure that, if materialized, could mark one of the largest single foreign investment commitments in American history.
While the figure has yet to be independently verified, the promise signals a potential deepening of economic ties between Riyadh and Washington.
A Diplomatic Balancing Act
The UAE and Qatar, both major U.S. partners in the Gulf, will also host the president during his three-day tour. Officials in both countries are expected to raise concerns over tariffs, defense cooperation, and energy market stability.
Trump’s first overseas trip in his latest term is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for U.S. foreign policy in the region. It will offer the chance to reaffirm alliances, reset economic terms, and send a strong geopolitical message to both partners and adversaries.
More details on the itinerary and official meetings are expected in the coming days.
