Donald Trump plans high-profile trips to UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar

US President said on Monday that he plans to visit Saudi Arabia as early as next month to sign a major investment agreement. It is going to be his first foreign trip of the second term. There are also stops planned in the UAE and Qatar.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said: “It could be next month, may be a little later,” reported Reuters. Sources briefed on the matter said mid-May is being looked at as the timing of the high-profile foreign visit to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations.

Donald Trump plans major trip to Gulf region

During his first term in office, Trump made Saudi Arabia and Israel the initial stops of his inaugural trip. The upcoming trip to the Kingdom is aimed at sealing an agreement to invest at least $1 trillion in the US economy, including purchases of military equipment.

There is a possibility of similar deals being inked in the UAE and Qatar. Other topics to be possibly discussed during the foreign trip include the Gaza situation and the one raging in Ukraine for the past 3 years.

Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israeli cities in October 2023. Nearly 1,200 people died in the attacks. The Israeli military launched a retaliatory strike soon, leading to the death of more than 50,000 people in the Palestinian territory to date.

GCC and its sizeable diplomatic efforts

Saudi Arabia has played a prominent role in US foreign policy, including hosting US ceasefire talks in relation to Russia and Ukraine. Qatar, on the other hand, has played a substantial role in finding a ceasefire for the Gaza crisis.

The latest Gaza ceasefire ended last month and the Israeli military has launched a fierce campaign in the enclave since. The UAE is famous globally for its diplomatic efforts, including facilitating multiple Russia-Ukraine prisoner exchanges.