President Trump’s Gulf Tour: Strengthening Economic Ties and Strategic Realignments Amid Middle East Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE from May 13 to 16, focusing on economic partnerships, defense cooperation, and technology. The trip, amid Middle East tensions, includes meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders. Trump plans to announce the U.S. will refer to the Persian Gulf as the 'Arabian Gulf,' aligning with Arab states' preferences, a move criticized by Iran. The visit excludes Israel, reportedly at Saudi Arabia's request, and aims to strengthen U.S. ties with Gulf allies while signaling a strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific.

A Return to the Gulf: Business and Symbolism

President Trump’s itinerary includes stops in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, where he will meet with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman. The trip is being framed by the White House as a “historic return” to a region Trump has long described as a “happy place,” referencing his 2017 visit to Riyadh during his first term.

While the trip is not expected to yield major diplomatic breakthroughs, it is designed to reinforce U.S. economic and strategic ties with key Gulf allies. Trump’s focus will be on securing investment pledges, expanding defense contracts, and deepening cooperation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

Economic Engagement at the Forefront

The Trump administration has launched a fast-track investment portal to facilitate foreign direct investment from the Gulf into the United States. This initiative is part of a broader effort to attract capital from the region, with Saudi Arabia reportedly offering $600 billion in trade and investment over four years, and the UAE planning to invest $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over the next decade.

In Riyadh, the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum will serve as a centerpiece of the visit, with discussions expected to cover data centers, cloud computing, and AI infrastructure. Trump is also accompanied by executives from major U.S. defense and technology firms, signaling the commercial weight of the trip.

Qatar and the UAE are also expected to announce new partnerships in AI and aviation. The Trump Organization, now run by his sons, has recently unveiled a luxury real estate project in Qatar and a billion-dollar skyscraper in Dubai, though the White House has stated that Trump’s personal business interests are not on the official agenda.

Defense and Technology Deals

Defense cooperation remains a key pillar of U.S.-Gulf relations. Several arms deals, including aircraft and missile sales to GCC countries, are expected to be finalized during the trip. Trump has previously stated that he would only visit Saudi Arabia if the Kingdom agreed to invest $1 trillion in American companies—a figure that remains unconfirmed by Saudi officials but underscores the transactional nature of the visit.

Artificial intelligence is another major focus. Gulf states are eager to expand their technological capabilities, and the U.S. sees the region as a critical partner in countering Chinese influence in the tech sector. Joint ventures in AI research and development are expected to be announced, particularly in Qatar and the UAE.

A Controversial Renaming: The "Arabian Gulf"

Perhaps the most symbolically charged element of Trump’s visit is his reported plan to announce that the U.S. will begin referring to the Persian Gulf as the "Arabian Gulf" or "Gulf of Arabia." While the move carries no legal weight, it is a significant gesture toward Arab Gulf states, who have long advocated for the name change.

Iran has reacted angrily to the reports, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemning the move as a “politically motivated attempt” to erase historical nomenclature. “Such biased actions are an affront to all Iranians,” Araghchi said, emphasizing that the term "Persian Gulf" is deeply rooted in history and international usage.

The announcement is expected to be made during Trump’s stop in Saudi Arabia, and while it may please his hosts, it risks further straining U.S.-Iran relations at a time when nuclear negotiations remain fragile.

Israel Left Off the Itinerary

Notably absent from Trump’s itinerary is Israel, the United States’ closest ally in the region. The omission has sparked speculation about tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly over the ongoing war in Gaza and the stalled normalization process between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

According to diplomatic sources, Saudi officials requested that Israel be kept off the agenda during Trump’s visit, preferring to focus on economic and defense matters. While U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit Israel on May 12, Trump himself has stated that he may visit Israel at a later date.

Regional Tensions and Strategic Calculations

Trump’s visit comes at a time of significant regional volatility. The war in Gaza, Iran’s nuclear program, and the activities of the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen all loom large. While Trump is not expected to engage directly in conflict resolution, his administration is reportedly exploring ways to include the Yemeni issue in broader nuclear negotiations with Iran.

There is also speculation that Trump’s “very, very big announcement” during the trip could relate to a potential hostage release deal with Hamas, a new phase in U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, or a formal ceasefire agreement with the Houthis. However, no official details have been confirmed.

A Strategic Pivot

Analysts suggest that Trump’s Gulf tour reflects a broader U.S. strategy to entrust regional actors with maintaining stability in the Middle East, allowing Washington to pivot more decisively toward the Indo-Pacific. By strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—countries that are not always aligned but share ambitions of regional leadership—the U.S. aims to secure its interests through economic and security partnerships rather than direct military engagement.

As Trump prepares to land in Riyadh, the stage is set for a visit heavy on symbolism, business, and strategic signaling—one that underscores the evolving nature of U.S. engagement in the Middle East.

References

• Arab countries hope for big US business amid war in Gaza – DW – 05/10/2025
• Trump faces Mideast tensions on return to his 'happy place'
• Trump to announce US recognition of ‘Arabian Gulf’ instead of ‘Persian Gulf’, officials reveal
• Business Tops the Agenda for Trump’s Gulf Trip, Despite Conflicts
• Why Trump's Middle East trip should set sights beyond business deals
• THE FULFILLMENT OF TODAY
• Arabian Gulf Business Insight | AGBI | Middle East Business News