Former President Donald Trump has embarked on a high-stakes tour of the Middle East from May 13 to 16, visiting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar—three economic powerhouses in the Gulf. This marks his first foreign tour of his second term, and while the visit is framed as a diplomatic mission, it is deeply intertwined with personal business ventures.
Trump’s choice to return to the Middle East, instead of prioritizing North American allies like Canada or Mexico, underscores his longstanding ties to Gulf monarchies. The tour comes on the heels of the release of U.S.-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander by Hamas, a move being highlighted as part of Trump’s agenda to showcase foreign policy victories.
As he meets Gulf leaders, Trump is pushing for greater investment in the U.S. economy. Saudi Arabia has already pledged $600 billion in American investments, and Trump is reportedly lobbying for a $1 trillion commitment. Meanwhile, the UAE and Qatar are increasingly influential in global diplomacy and regional conflicts, making them valuable strategic partners.
Trump’s message remains clear: he wants to secure deals that deliver both political wins and economic gains. His administration has promoted the visit as a means to strengthen commercial and cultural ties, particularly in energy, real estate, and defense.
Behind the scenes, however, many observers note that this trip is blurring the lines between public duty and private interest. Trump’s family business—the Trump Organization—is active in all three countries. In recent months, his sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., have signed high-profile real estate and cryptocurrency deals in the UAE and Qatar.
During this visit, discussions include a planned Trump-branded golf resort in Qatar and a luxury hotel project in Dubai with Dar Global, a Saudi firm with close royal ties. There are also ongoing negotiations over a Trump-branded residential tower in Jeddah.
Analysts suggest these ventures raise ethical questions about the separation between Trump’s presidential duties and his personal wealth-building efforts. Critics argue that this intermingling of diplomacy and enterprise is reminiscent of concerns from his first term.
In Riyadh, Trump received a ceremonial welcome including a traditional sword dance, reviving imagery from his 2017 trip. Yet, the political climate has shifted. The Abraham Accords, which he brokered in his first term to normalize relations between Israel and Arab states, have not expanded significantly, largely due to ongoing conflict in Gaza. Saudi Arabia remains firm in its stance that normalization with Israel depends on halting military operations.
Observers familiar with Middle East diplomacy say Trump hopes to revive momentum for these accords. His envoy Steve Witkoff recently hinted at upcoming announcements that may expand the pact.
Meanwhile, Trump’s potential acceptance of a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet from Qatar’s royal family has sparked debate about conflicts of interest. Such gestures raise red flags among ethics watchdogs, especially considering past controversies surrounding presidential aircraft.
The trip also highlights unresolved human rights issues. Saad Ibrahim Almadi, a U.S.-Saudi citizen imprisoned in 2021 for social media posts critical of the kingdom, remains unable to leave the country. His family is appealing to Trump for intervention, hoping the president can leverage his ties with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Trump Organization has denied comment, but critics argue that the overlapping timelines of business deals and diplomatic visits cannot be ignored.
While Trump defenders say the visit promotes U.S. interests and job creation, skeptics warn that it may set a precedent for blending personal business with national leadership. What remains to be seen is whether Trump’s Gulf tour will ultimately strengthen America’s foreign policy—or simply serve as a platform for advancing his business empire.
