For his first state visit since taking office, Donald Trump chose the Gulf. This tour of the Middle East resulted in record investment agreements worth $2 trillion with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, marking a turning point in US-Gulf economic relations.
The Gulf, Washington's new geostrategic priority
For the second time in a row, Donald Trump has chosen the Middle East as the destination for his first state visit, bypassing traditional partners such as Canada and Europe. This strategic choice can be explained by the competitive advantages enjoyed by Gulf countries in the current global economic environment: solid growth prospects, robust financial reserves, stable political environments and considerable energy reserves.
$2 trillion in agreements signed in three major stages
The US president said he had signed agreements worth a total of nearly $2 trillion, including:
- $600billion with Saudi Arabia (including $142 billion in US military equipment)
- $243 billion with Qatar (including a giant $96 billion order for Boeing)
- $200 billion with the United Arab Emirates, the first stage of the $1.4 trillion investment plan announced last March.
In addition to investments in aviation, energy and other industrial sectors, artificial intelligence plays a prominent role, with the announcement of the construction of the largest AI data center (outside the United States) in Abu Dhabi.
A strong but still symbolic signal of the rapprochement between the United States and the Gulf
Beyond the spectacular announcements, this visit demonstrated a strategic convergence between Washington and the Gulf capitals. The leaders carefully calibrated their messages around common priorities: strengthening defense capabilities in the face of growing regional tensions, securing critical supply chains, and the desire to build a more coherent and sustainable energy policy.
For the United States, these investments are a lever to revive domestic industry and assert its technological leadership. For the Gulf countries, they represent an opportunity to accelerate their economic diversification, particularly through artificial intelligence, while consolidating their status as major geopolitical players.
However, behind the declarations of intent, the concrete realization and effective implementation of these investments remain uncertain. In a tense geopolitical context, the coming weeks will be decisive in assessing whether this rapprochement translates into lasting action or remains a diplomatic signal.
A direct response to Beijing's growing influence in the region
This tour is also a response to China's strategic foothold in the Gulf through its Belt and Road Initiative.
Beijing is stepping up its concrete investments in infrastructure, energy – both fossil fuels ($25 billion) and green energy ($12 billion) – and logistics, with $70 billion in construction contracts signed in 2024, plus $51 billion in non-financial investments.
Donald Trump's visit is therefore aimed at reaffirming American influence in a region that has become a major geo-economic battleground.
