Introduction
Donald Trump’s whirlwind Middle East tour in May 2025 was a spectacle of diplomacy, business, and viral moments. Spanning Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the trip was marked by lavish receptions, headline-grabbing deals, and a new tone in U.S. regional engagement.
Here are the top 10 highlights from the tour:
1. Royal Welcome in Saudi Arabia
Trump’s arrival in Riyadh was nothing short of regal. Air Force One was escorted by Saudi F-15 fighter jets, and the U.S. presidential limousine, “The Beast,” rolled into the Royal Court with a parade of horses bearing American flags, setting the stage for a high-profile visit.
2. Golf Cart Diplomacy with MBS
In a viral moment, Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) were seen riding together in a golf cart across the palace grounds, symbolizing the close rapport between the two leaders and the informality that marked parts of the trip.
3. Sword Dancing in Qatar
In Doha, Trump joined a traditional sword dance, a gesture of cultural respect that quickly went viral on social media. The performance underscored the ceremonial warmth extended to the U.S. president by his Qatari hosts.
4. Camel Parades and Tesla Cybertrucks
The spectacle continued with camel parades and a fleet of red Tesla Cybertrucks escorting Trump’s motorcade, blending tradition and modernity in a display of Gulf opulence.
5. Record-Breaking Arms Deal in Saudi Arabia
The trip’s most significant commercial highlight was the signing of a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia-the largest in U.S. history-covering military systems, gas turbines, and future energy cooperation.
6. Billion-Dollar Boeing and Defense Deals in Qatar
In Qatar, Trump secured a $96 billion order for Boeing jets by Qatar Airways and a $42 billion weapons deal, further cementing U.S.-Qatari business ties.
7. $1.4 Trillion AI Agreement in the UAE
The UAE leg featured the announcement of a landmark $1.4 trillion artificial intelligence and data center deal, positioning Abu Dhabi as a future global tech hub and deepening U.S.-Emirati cooperation.
8. First U.S.-Syria Presidential Meeting in 25 Years
Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first such encounter in a quarter-century. Trump urged normalization of ties between Syria and Israel, signaling a new U.S. approach to regional diplomacy.
9. Calls for Non-Intervention and Critique of Past U.S. Policy
At an investment summit in Riyadh, Trump advocated for a pragmatic, non-interventionist U.S. policy in the Middle East and sharply criticized previous administrations’ military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
10. Lavish Honors and Light Shows
The tour concluded with Trump receiving the UAE’s highest civilian honor and a spectacular light show on the Burj Khalifa, which was illuminated in red, white, and blue in his honor
Final Thoughts
Trump’s Middle East tour combined dazzling diplomacy with massive business deals, signaling a shift toward pragmatic, transaction-focused U.S. engagement in the region. While the multibillion-dollar agreements and historic meetings marked notable milestones, the long-term impact remains uncertain. The trip showcased Gulf ambitions and new partnerships but left key regional conflicts largely unresolved. Overall, it was a bold mix of spectacle, strategy, and economic opportunity.
