Trump Begins State Visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE to Strengthen Security, Economic Ties

President Donald Trump is preparing for his first state visit of his second term to three wealthy Gulf nations: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries have cultivated strong personal ties with Trump and pledged significant investments in the U.S., viewing themselves as crucial partners in resolving conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran. Saudi Arabia prioritizes strengthening security ties and advancing its civilian nuclear program, while the UAE aims to deepen technological cooperation, particularly in AI, with hopes of easing U.S. export restrictions. The Gulf states see this visit as a unique opportunity to solidify their roles as indispensable security and economic partners and to secure greater privileges in their relationship with the U.S. Relations between these Gulf nations and the U.S. have improved markedly since Trump's return to office, partly due to dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's approach. Their strategy is transactional, leveraging investments and arms purchases to maximize benefits from the Trump administration.