Saudi first: Trump prioritizes Riyadh in pivotal foreign policy push

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will visit Saudi Arabia from May 13 to 16, marking the first stop on a broader Gulf tour that includes Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. 

The visit comes at a pivotal moment for the Middle East, with crises in Gaza, Yemen, and Iran dominating headlines—and potentially shaping U.S. foreign policy for years to come.

According to analysts cited by Asharq Al-Awsat, Trump’s visit is expected to be heavy on strategy and symbolism. Top of the agenda: Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ongoing regional tensions, the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the simmering conflict in Yemen.

“This trip signals a renewed U.S. focus on its Gulf partnerships,” said Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, head of the Gulf Research Center. “Washington needs a clear position on several files, especially Iran, Yemen, and Gaza.”

Trump, who has repeatedly described his ties with the Middle East as “strong,” has praised Saudi Arabia for supporting U.S. diplomacy, particularly in facilitating indirect talks between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv. 

His decision to make Riyadh the launchpad for his regional tour underscores the strategic weight the U.S. places on its relationship with the Kingdom.

“Saudi Arabia remains central to U.S. interests in the region—not just politically, but economically and militarily,” said Saudi political analyst Dr. Khaled al-Habbas. “This is a partnership built over more than 80 years, and it continues to evolve in response to global dynamics.”

Beyond politics and security, economic issues will also be front and center. 

Trump is expected to discuss Gulf investment in the U.S. economy, energy security, and the stability of the U.S. dollar. While tariffs won’t be a hot topic—given the Gulf’s favorable trade balance with the U.S.—global oil prices and the role of OPEC will be critical talking points.

Trump’s visit also coincides with growing momentum around peaceful nuclear energy cooperation between Washington and Gulf nations. Analysts expect discussions to include military coordination and technological collaboration in this area.

The timing and optics of this visit are deliberate. In 2017, Trump chose Saudi Arabia as the destination for his first foreign trip while in office—a move that was widely interpreted as a message of trust and partnership. The repetition of this gesture in 2025 only reinforces Riyadh’s position as a regional power broker and a key U.S. ally.

With Saudi Arabia recently hosting rounds of U.S.-Russia and U.S.-Ukraine talks, and with its central role in stabilizing oil markets through OPEC, the Kingdom’s influence continues to grow. 

Trump’s Gulf tour, starting in Riyadh, may well shape the trajectory of American engagement in the region—and define the contours of diplomacy in a world fraught with uncertainty.