U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, 2025, at 9:49 AM local time, launching his first major international tour of his second term with a high-profile state visit.
Greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump’s visit aims to secure trillion-dollar investments and strengthen U.S.-Gulf ties, with stops planned in Qatar and the UAE. The trip, marked by a warm welcome and economic forums, underscores Saudi Arabia’s global ambitions and U.S. strategic priorities in a shifting Middle East.
Trump descended Air Force One to a purple-carpeted reception, joined by Crown Prince Mohammed for a coffee ceremony at the Royal Terminal. Accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and others, Trump’s day includes a Royal Court ceremony, CEO lunch, bilateral meetings, and a U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum address.
BREAKING: President Trump has stepped off Air Force One in Riyadh and is greeted at the bottom of the stairs by Saudi Arabia's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) May 13, 2025Saudi F-15 jets escorted his plane, and American flags lined Riyadh’s streets, signalling the kingdom’s intent to showcase its stature, as Bloomberg Economics’ Dina Esfandiary noted.
Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih opened the forum, emphasising expanded U.S.-Saudi ventures beyond energy, stating, “When Saudis and Americans join forces, great things happen.” To bolster economic ties, Trump seeks $1 trillion from Saudi Arabia, surpassing its $600 billion pledge. Following Trump’s first-term Gulf focus, the visit aligns with Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic outreach to Iran and conflict-avoidance strategy, per Esfandiary.
Regional Tour and Private Interests
Trump’s itinerary includes Doha and Abu Dhabi, focusing on security and investment partnerships. However, the Trump Organisation’s real estate ventures in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, managed by Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, raise conflict-of-interest concerns, though no family members joined the trip. Eric Trump’s recent Dubai remarks on Gulf reliance on a “strong America” fueled X discussions, with critics questioning transparency in Trump’s business ties.
The visit occurs amid a transformed Middle East, with Saudi Arabia balancing economic ambition and regional stability. While human rights and gender equality are unlikely to be raised publicly, Saudi officials reiterated their commitment to citizen opportunities.
