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President Donald Trump has wrapped up a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar, calling the trip “historic” for US-Gulf relations. Over several days in the Gulf region, Trump highlighted major financial agreements that he says will inject more than $2 trillion into the US economy. The visit combined pomp with purpose — from fighter jet escorts and Tesla Cybertrucks to traditional sword dances and ceremonial camels — underscoring the importance of the US partnership with the wealthy Gulf states.

Trump’s Gulf Visit: Who, What, Where, When, and Why

During his trip in early May 2025, Trump met top leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to boost investment and economic ties. The agreements aim to deepen cooperation in areas such as defense, artificial intelligence (AI), health, and infrastructure. Trump emphasized that these deals represent a major economic boost for the US and signal a shift in US-Gulf relations beyond oil.

Mega-Deals Highlighted but Numbers Face Scrutiny

Trump touted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s pledge of $600 billion in new partnerships, including a record $142 billion defense deal described as the largest arms sale ever. However, experts warn that such large figures often include memorandums of understanding (MOUs) rather than binding contracts.

Tim Callen, former IMF mission chief to Saudi Arabia, cautioned, “The proof with all of these deals will be in the pudding.” Actual US-Saudi trade and investment from 2017 to 2020 totaled under $300 billion, highlighting the gap between announcements and real transactions.

Qatar and UAE Commitments Add to the Picture

Qatar announced an “economic exchange” valued at $1.2 trillion, yet official documents confirm $243.5 billion in deals, including Qatar Airways ordering up to 210 Boeing jets for $96 billion. This contract is expected to create 154,000 US jobs annually over its term.

The UAE committed to building the largest AI campus outside the US, with plans to receive 500,000 advanced Nvidia microchips next year. The UAE’s overall investment plan promises $1.4 trillion in US projects over the next decade.

Oil Prices and Economic Risks Cast Shadows

The success of these ambitious investments depends partly on oil market stability. Oil prices fell to four-year lows in April 2025 due to global growth concerns and OPEC+ decisions to increase supply. The IMF downgraded Saudi Arabia’s 2025 GDP forecast from 3.3% to 3%, raising doubts about Riyadh’s ability to meet lofty financial promises.

Additionally, many agreements remain non-binding. Saudi oil giant Aramco signed 34 deals valued up to $90 billion, but most lack firm financial terms. Some “new” agreements were previously announced, such as Saudi Arabia’s deal to buy liquefied natural gas from US firm NextDecade.

Shift Toward Technology and AI in US-Gulf Relations

Beyond oil, the Gulf states are prioritizing technology and artificial intelligence. Trump’s delegation included top tech figures like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, and Elon Musk. Just before the trip, the White House eased export limits on high-end US chips, lifting Biden-era restrictions that had frustrated Gulf ambitions.

Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE aim to build massive AI data hubs, with Abu Dhabi seeking to become a global AI leader. The UAE has aligned more closely with US interests by distancing from Chinese tech firms. Bader Al Saif, a professor at Kuwait University, noted, “The US and Gulf are planning the future together.”

Political and Economic Stakes for Trump

The trip marked a political win for Trump amid US economic challenges, including the first GDP contraction in three years linked to trade policies. Gulf leaders welcomed a reset after tense relations under the Biden administration.

Trump joked about future presidents taking credit for the deals: “I’ll be sitting home—who the hell knows where—and I’ll say, ‘I did that.’ This guy did it.” Whether these mega-deals translate into lasting economic impact remains uncertain, but Trump has firmly positioned himself as a dealmaker on the world stage.