As President Donald Trump commenced his Middle East tour, he was met with a ceremonious welcome in Saudi Arabia. His arrival in Riyadh was marked by a grand display as his armored limousine, known as The Beast, was escorted by Saudi horsemen bearing American and Saudi flags en route to Al Yamamah Palace. Before entering the palace, Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, observed an honor guard. The leaders proceeded to greet officials from their respective delegations before a scheduled lunch.
In parallel, Steve Witkoff held private discussions with families of hostages in Tel Aviv’s Hostage’s Square. Among those he met was Edan Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier who had been released by Hamas after 19 months in captivity in Gaza. This move by Hamas is seen as a gesture towards President Trump, potentially paving the way for a new ceasefire. Negotiations for a more enduring ceasefire are reportedly underway.
Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman participated in an arrival ceremony at the Royal Palace, where they were greeted with respect as they entered the opulent Royal Court. The meeting was a platform for discussions with Saudi leadership.
Meanwhile, the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh buzzed with activity as journalists from various outlets, including Israel’s i24news, conducted interviews. The center was heavily secured, with armed police and patrol dogs safeguarding the area. This venue was poised to host a Saudi investment forum later in the day, an event Trump was expected to attend.
Prominent business figures, including CEOs of major corporations such as Blackstone Group, BlackRock, and Tesla, were invited to a lunch at the Royal Court. The event was part of a broader U.S.-Saudi investment conference.
Simultaneously, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine expressed a desire for Trump’s presence at upcoming Ukraine-Russia discussions in Turkey.
Trump’s trip, initially aimed at fostering Gulf investments into the U.S., has evolved into a diplomatic mission tackling global crises. The president remains optimistic, asserting that the world is safer now than in recent history. Behind closed doors, regional leaders are expected to seek Trump’s strategy on various issues, including the Gaza conflict, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and South Asian tensions.
Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih spoke highly of U.S.-Saudi relations, emphasizing the strategic and economic partnerships between the countries. The visit is seen as an opportunity to enhance cooperation in energy, technology, and defense sectors.
The presence of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at a concurrent investment forum highlighted efforts to mitigate tensions with China, introducing a new diplomatic mechanism aimed at fostering economic balance.
The visit also includes discussions around accepting a luxury Boeing 747-8 from Qatar, which could serve as a future Air Force One. This potential gift has sparked debate over its implications for U.S. ethics and security.
Trump’s Mideast itinerary, encompassing Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, aligns with real estate ventures by the Trump Organization in these regions. The trip underscores ongoing geopolitical dynamics, including the critical role of oil production in stabilizing economies and resolving international conflicts.
In anticipation of the visit, Riyadh has been adorned with American and Saudi flags, with heightened security measures in place. The event reflects the longstanding, albeit complex, relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, further complicated by regional and international politics.
