Trump in the Gulf states: billion dollar deals and new peace plans!

Trump in the Gulf states: billion dollar deals and new peace plans!

US President Donald Trump made a significant trip to the Gulf States from May 13 to 16, 2025. The visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were all about financial and strategic partnerships. Trump was generously received by the rulers of the monarchies and praised the progress and developments in the countries. Such meetings provide opportunities not only to comment on foreign policy, but also to promote common business interests, which was done emphatically during the trip, when contracts worth a total of over $600 billion were signed with Saudi Arabia.

Trump plans to close a total of $1 trillion in deals during this trip. This is part of his strategy to increase economic contacts and bind the Middle East more closely to the USA. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reiterated that Saudi Arabia is ready to invest $600 billion in the United States in terms of economic cooperation. At the same time, the Gulf states are striving to improve their military equipment and be less dependent on external partners, which underlines the importance of the USA as a strategic partner.

Between religious dialogue and military cooperation

A highlight of the trip was the visit to the interreligious “House of the Abrahamic Family” and the Sheikh Sajed Mosque in Doha. Trump stressed the need for economic diversification in the Gulf states, which are increasingly moving away from a purely petroleum economy towards technology and other sectors. He spoke of the “birth of a modern Middle East,” reflecting the region's efforts toward progress and development.

With the focus on a new doctrine of non-interference in the affairs of the Gulf states, the possibility of greater interference in European democracies was also discussed. Trump invited the Emirati president to the White House for a bilateral meeting to celebrate future deal signings, further promoting close exchanges between the countries. In addition, business deals worth $1.2 trillion were signed in Qatar, including major defense projects such as aircraft for Qatar Airways.

Geopolitical challenges and new approaches

The president also commented on the geopolitical challenges in the region, particularly regarding Syria, Gaza and Iran. During the business talks, Trump expressed optimism about a possible deal with Iran and even planned to temporarily suspend certain sanctions against Syria to give the new president a fighting chance. He spoke of the creation of a “peace zone” in the Gaza Strip and emphasized that the successes of his trip were “very good for Israel.” This could have a positive impact on US-Israel relations and shows how closely economic interests are linked to political goals.

Overall, Trump's trip represents a significant step in US foreign policy. With a clear focus on economic ties and strategic partnerships with the Gulf states, the relationship between the US and the Arab monarchies could fundamentally change. Middle East expert Daniel Gerlach highlights that Trump is focusing on financial transactions and personal profit, which may move more away from an ideological orientation.