U.S. President Donald Trump returned to Washington, D.C., on Friday, May 16, 2025, after a four-day Middle East tour that included stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The trip, his first major international visit of his second term, focused on strengthening economic ties and addressing regional issues. During the tour, Trump met with several prominent leaders, as outlined below.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13–14, Trump held meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He also attended a Gulf Cooperation Council summit, engaging with leaders including Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and representatives from Oman and the UAE. A notable meeting occurred with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first U.S.-Syrian presidential encounter in 25 years. Discussions with al-Sharaa, attended by Crown Prince Mohammed and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, centered on Syria’s future and potential inclusion in the Abraham Accords.
On May 14, Trump traveled to Doha, Qatar, where he met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The visit included discussions on military cooperation, given Qatar’s hosting of the Al Udeid Air Base, a key U.S. military hub. Trump also participated in a business roundtable, highlighting a $200 billion deal for Qatar Airways to purchase 210 Boeing jets.
The tour concluded in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on May 15–16, where Trump met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Abrahamic Family House, a site symbolizing interfaith cooperation. A significant outcome was a U.S.-UAE agreement to build a major AI data center complex in Abu Dhabi, announced by the U.S. Commerce Department.
Trump’s meetings emphasized economic partnerships, with reported deals totaling billions in investments, defense, and technology. The tour also addressed regional concerns, including Syria’s transitional government and Gaza’s ongoing conflict, though Trump did not visit Israel. The White House described the trip as a step toward a “prosperous and stable” Middle East, while analysts noted its transactional focus on securing U.S. economic benefits.