Overview

• President Trump has kicked off a four-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, prioritizing economic diplomacy over regional security crises.
• The U.S. president is seeking up to $1 trillion in investments from Saudi Arabia and $1.4 trillion from the UAE, alongside agreements on artificial intelligence and energy partnerships.
• Trump is expected to propose a $100 billion-plus arms deal with Saudi Arabia, including advanced military equipment, as part of broader defense cooperation.
• Qatar's royal family is reportedly gifting a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet for temporary Air Force One use, raising ethical concerns over foreign influence.
• The trip notably excludes Israel, reflecting tensions over the Gaza war and stalled efforts to expand the Abraham Accords to normalize Saudi-Israeli relations.