President Trump Begins Middle East Tour with Saudi Royal Welcome and High-Level Talks

President Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning, marking the beginning of his first major overseas tour during his second term in office. The multi-nation trip, which includes stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, aims to deepen international cooperation and drive new economic partnerships in the Middle East.

A Grand Welcome in Riyadh

Trump’s visit began with a striking show of hospitality from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As Air Force One entered Saudi airspace, six F-15 fighter jets from the Royal Saudi Air Force escorted the aircraft, flying in tight formation—three jets on each side. The rare military display, captured in videos shared on social media, symbolized a warm gesture of respect toward the visiting U.S. president.

“Thank you for the escort, and having President Trump’s back,” wrote Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino on social media, posting video footage from the plane. “We all appreciate it. See you on the ground shortly.”

Upon landing in Riyadh, Trump was greeted on the runway by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two shared a brief exchange before walking together down a purple carpet—a color used for official royal receptions in the kingdom.

The ceremonial welcome continued with a traditional Saudi coffee reception at the Royal Court. An exchange during this ceremony briefly drew attention online after footage appeared to show Trump leaving his cup of coffee untouched. While some speculated it was due to personal preference—Trump is known to avoid coffee and alcohol—alternative footage later confirmed he did take a sip, countering rumors that the gesture had been intentionally avoided.

Cabinet and Diplomatic Presence

The president was accompanied by several senior members of his administration, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Their presence underscored the strategic focus of the trip, which centers on investment, trade, and diplomatic relations.

The streets of Riyadh were decorated with American flags and digital billboards, some of which also promoted the upcoming Disney theme park set to open in neighboring Abu Dhabi. The visual reminders of regional development helped frame the tone of the trip—one focused on collaboration and modernization.

Business and Technology at the Forefront

President Trump’s schedule in Saudi Arabia includes a high-level investment forum featuring some of the world’s top technology executives. Attendees at the roundtable include prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman. The forum is expected to explore technology partnerships, infrastructure investments, and the digital transformation of the region.

Later in the evening, Trump will attend a state dinner hosted by the Saudi royal family. The event will further solidify diplomatic ties between the two nations and set the stage for broader discussions throughout the week.

A Strategic Regional Tour

The president’s tour across the Middle East includes additional stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. According to the White House, the trip’s goals include fostering peace through commerce, promoting cultural exchanges, and securing mutual investment in energy and innovation sectors.

“President Trump will return to the Middle East to reaffirm his vision for a stable and prosperous region,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “The United States remains committed to working closely with its partners to expand opportunities and confront shared challenges.”

A visit to the U.S. military base in Qatar is also scheduled during the tour, where the president will meet with American service members and express appreciation for their commitment and service.

Looking Ahead

This trip echoes Trump’s first international visit during his prior term in 2017, when he also selected Saudi Arabia as the opening destination. That visit laid the groundwork for several regional agreements and economic initiatives, including early negotiations that led to normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.

Adding to the anticipation surrounding the tour, President Trump hinted last week at a major announcement to be made before or during the trip. Though no specific details were shared, he described it as “very, very big” and “extremely positive.”

“We’re going to make one of the most important announcements in years,” Trump said during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House. “It will be before we leave for the Middle East, or shortly after.”

As President Trump embarks on this four-day international mission, observers worldwide will be watching closely—not only for geopolitical developments, but for the potential unveiling of new international initiatives that could shape the future of U.S. relations in the region.