Energy-Rich Gulf Nations Seek to Turn Trump Ties into Tangible Gains During His Visit
Three influential Gulf Arab nations are poised to leverage their close relationships with U.S. President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit, hoping to turn personal ties into strategic advantages.
These energy-rich countries have cultivated strong connections with the president and collectively pledged trillions in investments into the U.S. economy. Additionally, they’ve positioned themselves as key players in resolving some of the most pressing conflicts that Trump seeks to address — from Gaza to Ukraine and Iran.
Now, their efforts are being rewarded with the honor of hosting Trump’s first state visit of his second term. The president is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, with subsequent visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, spanning until May 16.
Given Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, these Gulf states are well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities his visit presents.
Gulf States Seek Major Gains from Trump Visit, Focusing on Security and Economic Ties
As President Donald Trump prepares to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next week, the Gulf states are eager to solidify their positions as indispensable partners to the U.S. They are hoping to leverage their personal ties with the president, hoping to turn these relationships into tangible benefits across security, trade, and political cooperation.
Trump’s Appeal to Gulf States: Investment and Weaponry
Hasan Alhasan, senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Bahrain, explained Trump’s appeal: “In Trump’s book, the Gulf states tick all the right boxes.” They “pledge to invest trillions in the U.S. economy and spend colossal amounts on U.S. weapons systems.”
These countries are not just looking for friendly gestures but are keen to formalize their roles as pivotal allies to the U.S. in both security and economic terms. By forging stronger ties, the Gulf states hope to extract as much benefit as possible, particularly as they seek to bolster their influence in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
A Shift in US-Gulf Relations
Relations between the U.S. and Gulf states have significantly improved since Trump’s return to office. Frustrated with what they saw as a lack of engagement from the Biden administration, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have looked to diversify their military, technological, and economic partnerships. With Trump back in power, they see a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” according to one Gulf official, to align with U.S. objectives in a way that serves their own interests.
Ebtesam AlKetbi, founder of the Emirates Policy Center think tank, further explained, “Now is the time to cement ties with Washington and secure greater privileges in their relationship with the world’s most powerful nation.”
Country-Specific Priorities: Saudi Arabia’s Focus on Security
For Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region, the main priority remains “security, security, and security,” said Ali Shihabi, a commentator on Saudi politics and economics. “Gulf states are looking for reassurance of the U.S. security commitment to the Gulf’s stability,” Shihabi told CNN. “Trump has many priorities and has been known to lose interest quickly … and they want to keep him engaged.”
Saudi Arabia’s primary aim is to secure a major U.S.-Saudi defense and trade pact. Last year, the two sides nearly finalized such a deal, but it stalled over Saudi demands that Israel make commitments toward Palestinian statehood. However, experts like Firas Maksad, managing director for the Middle East and North Africa at Eurasia Group, believe Trump is likely to push ahead with significant deals, regardless of the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which many analysts see as “dead.”
The Broader Gulf Strategy
Beyond Saudi Arabia, both Qatar and the UAE have their own objectives for Trump’s visit. These nations are eager to build on their existing partnerships with the U.S. by seeking more economic ties, expanded defense cooperation, and political influence, particularly as they navigate a turbulent Middle East.
For these Gulf states, Trump’s visit is more than just ceremonial; it’s a pivotal moment to secure long-term benefits that could shape their relations with the U.S. for years to come.
Riyadh’s Push for Civil Nuclear Program Faces US Roadblocks Over Uranium Enrichment Concerns
In addition to defense and economic priorities, Saudi Arabia is seeking U.S. cooperation to develop a civil nuclear program. However, this initiative has hit a major roadblock due to Riyadh’s insistence on enriching uranium domestically — a move that has raised significant concerns in both the U.S. and Israel regarding the potential for nuclear weapons proliferation.
Uranium enrichment, when carried out to high levels, can be used to produce nuclear weapons, prompting fears that Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions could spark a regional arms race. This has led to mounting tensions over how far the U.S. should go in supporting Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program, with security experts warning of the long-term risks involved.
Saudi Arabia Seeks US Support for Nuclear Program, But Faces Economic and Geopolitical Challenges
The White House’s backing for a Saudi nuclear program could open the door for lucrative contracts for American firms, a move that would strengthen the bilateral relationship. Riyadh appears to be framing its ties with the U.S. as a mutually beneficial arrangement. In March, President Trump remarked that he would visit Saudi Arabia if it invested $1 trillion in the U.S. “They’ve agreed to do that, so I’m going to be going there,” he said.
While Saudi Arabia has not officially confirmed the $1 trillion figure, it did announce in January plans to expand trade and investment with the U.S. by $600 billion over the next four years, with the potential for further growth.
However, to achieve its goal of diversifying away from oil dependency, Saudi Arabia still needs to sell oil at a high price to fund this transition. Recent drops in oil prices, partly driven by Trump’s tariffs, threaten to undercut these ambitions. Trump has made clear his desire for lower oil prices, a stance that contradicts Saudi Arabia’s need for robust revenues to finance its economic transformation.
UAE’s Ambitious Push for AI Dominance and Deeper US Ties
Among the Gulf states, the UAE stands out for its aggressive investment strategy, viewing it as central to deepening ties with the U.S. and securing long-term returns. As one of the world’s richest countries per capita, the UAE has pledged trillions in investments into the U.S. economy, positioning itself as a critical player in global finance. Abu Dhabi has even branded itself as “the capital of capital.”
“Expanding trade and investment is a way to reinforce this strategic partnership,” explained Ebtesam AlKetbi. “The U.S. remains a critical security guarantor for the Gulf region, while also offering a dynamic economy full of opportunities and capabilities that align with the long-term Gulf development plans.”
The UAE has also set its sights on becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), an area where it is investing heavily, aiming to leverage cutting-edge technology to boost its economy and strengthen ties with the U.S.
UAE’s $1.4 Trillion Investment Plan to Strengthen US Ties and Drive Technological Innovation
In March, the UAE unveiled an ambitious $1.4 trillion investment plan spread over the next 10 years, focusing on cutting-edge sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, manufacturing, and energy. This bold move aims to position the UAE as a leader in these transformative industries, while also deepening its strategic relationship with the U.S.
The UAE’s existing investments in the U.S. already total $1 trillion, according to its embassy in Washington, highlighting the long-standing economic ties between the two nations. The new investment plan is expected to further bolster these connections, offering opportunities for American businesses to benefit from the UAE’s push for technological advancement and economic diversification.
With its focus on innovation, the UAE hopes to solidify its role as a key partner for the U.S. in shaping the future of these critical sectors.
UAE’s Ambitious $1.4 Trillion Investment Plan Faces Challenges and Opportunities
“The UAE sees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a significant contributor in AI and advanced technology,” said Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, in an interview with CNN. “The commitment to invest $1.4 trillion… aligns with the UAE’s goal to diversify its economy away from its over-reliance on hydrocarbons to ensure prosperity for the country in the future.”
However, achieving the UAE’s ambitious goal of becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2031 will not be easy without access to advanced American microchips. The final days of the Biden administration saw the U.S. tighten curbs on AI exports to prevent adversaries like China from acquiring critical technology. These curbs were set to take effect on May 15, placing countries like the UAE in a difficult position.
Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope. On Thursday, the U.S. announced that President Trump would rescind a set of the Biden-era export restrictions during his visit, potentially giving the UAE the access it needs to pursue its technological aspirations.
Qatar’s Growing Role in Global Diplomacy and U.S. Security Ties
Among the Gulf nations, Qatar stands out for its strong and formalized security ties with the U.S. It hosts the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, a base that the State Department calls “indispensable” for U.S. military operations in the region.
In 2022, Qatar’s security partnership with the U.S. was further solidified with a 10-year extension of the U.S. military presence at the base and an amendment to their 1992 defense cooperation agreement. Additionally, Qatar was designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally by the Biden administration, a title reserved for nations with close strategic relationships with the U.S. military.
Beyond its military ties, Qatar has also played a significant diplomatic role as a key mediator in several global conflicts, including those in Gaza and Afghanistan. Experts suggest that these diplomatic efforts are part of Qatar’s strategy to maintain its relevance and strengthen its relationship with Washington.
Gulf States’ Mediation Efforts Enhance Influence in Trump’s Political Agenda
“The Gulf states view conflict mediation as a source of influence and prestige,” Hasan Alhasan, senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told CNN. “They have managed to use their role as mediators to position themselves as indispensable partners for Trump’s political agenda.”
This diplomatic strategy is part of a broader effort by Gulf states to cement their influence in global geopolitics, especially with the U.S. By positioning themselves as key players in resolving conflicts, they aim to increase their leverage in dealings with Washington, showcasing their ability to maintain stability and engage in high-level diplomacy.
Doha’s Growing Influence with Syria
Doha has also cultivated a strong diplomatic relationship with Syria’s newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has long sought to ease his country’s burdensome sanctions imposed by the West. Qatar’s role in this diplomatic sphere highlights its ambition to expand its influence not only within the Gulf but also in broader Middle Eastern affairs. By engaging with Syria, Qatar further positions itself as a key mediator in regional conflicts, a move that aligns with its efforts to remain relevant on the global stage.
Qatar’s Push for Sanctions Relief on Syria During Trump Visit
Syria is expected to be a central topic of discussion when Trump visits Qatar, according to an official with knowledge of the matter who spoke to CNN. Doha is reportedly urging the Trump administration to lift sanctions on Syria, particularly those under the Caesar Act, which imposes stringent economic sanctions on the Syrian government in response to its civil war actions. The official added that Qatar is cautious about providing any financial assistance to Syria without Washington’s approval, highlighting the delicate balance Doha seeks to maintain in its relations with both Syria and the U.S.
Trump’s Gulf Visit: Focus on New Deals
Experts agree that Trump’s visit to the Gulf is ultimately driven by his interest in securing deals that benefit the U.S. economy and potentially his own political or business interests. “He’s coming here because he believes it is in the interest of the US economy, perhaps his interest and those around him, to have those deals here with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar,” said Firas Maksad, managing director for the Middle East and North Africa at Eurasia Group. “So expect big announcements.”
Each of the three Gulf states is likely to see the visit as an opportunity to strengthen their ties with Washington and secure new agreements that will advance their national priorities, including defense, investment, and technological collaboration.
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