Summary:
-
Trump begins a 4-day Middle East tour with a grand welcome in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
-
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Trump at King Khalid International Airport.
-
Traditional Arabic hospitality was showcased, including coffee service by attendants with ceremonial gun belts.
-
Trump expressed personal warmth, saying, “I really believe we like each other a lot.”
-
The visit’s focus is Strengthening U.S.-Saudi economic ties and discussing regional security (Iran’s nuclear threat, Gaza conflict).
-
Crown Prince pledged $600 billion in U.S. investments; Trump pushed for $1 trillion.
A Grand Arrival in Riyadh
U.S. President Donald Trump was welcomed in grand style on Tuesday as he landed in Riyadh to begin his four-day Middle East tour. The reception was nothing short of spectacular, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the kingdom’s ruler personally greeting Trump as Air Force One touched down at King Khalid International Airport.
The two leaders shared a warm exchange before proceeding to a ceremonial hall inside the airport. There, they were offered traditional Arabic coffee by attendants dressed in ceremonial attire complete with gun belts a symbol of Saudi hospitality and respect.
Strengthening Ties Amid Global Tensions
The visit comes at a crucial time as both countries seek to bolster their strategic partnership. The primary focus of Trump’s trip includes:
-
Expanding economic cooperation
-
Addressing regional security concerns, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the ongoing war in Gaza
Trump’s presence symbolizes a renewed push for deeper diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
A Personal Bond Between Leaders
During a brief public appearance alongside the crown prince, Trump highlighted their rapport, stating,
“I really believe we like each other a lot.”
View this post on Instagram
This remark reflects a more personal and cordial tone between the two leaders, setting a foundation for the bilateral talks that followed.
Big Business on the Agenda
Economic collaboration took center stage during the visit. According to The Associated Press, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has already pledged $600 billion in new Saudi investments in the U.S. But Trump, ever the dealmaker, humorously suggested:
“$1 trillion would be even better.”
The message was clear this visit wasn’t just about diplomacy, it was about making deals.
A Show of Royal Opulence
Trump’s arrival was marked by a striking display of Saudi pageantry. As his aircraft approached the capital, it was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets, signaling the importance of the visit.
Later in the day, Trump joined Prince Mohammed for a formal luncheon at the Royal Court. The setting was nothing short of royal crystal chandeliers, royal blue decor, and an elite guest list that included business tycoons such as:
-
Stephen Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone
-
Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock
-
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX
A Stark Contrast to Biden’s 2022 Visit
Trump’s enthusiastic reception stood in contrast to President Joe Biden’s 2022 visit to Saudi Arabia, which was mired in political discomfort. Biden’s trip was largely overshadowed by global fuel tensions and public scrutiny over a symbolic fist bump with Prince Mohammed.
That meeting was further clouded by the fallout from the U.S. intelligence report linking the crown prince to the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump’s visit, by comparison, was free of such tension, filled instead with smiles, business optimism, and ceremonial grandeur.
What’s Next on Trump’s Itinerary?
Trump is scheduled to:
-
Attend a high-profile U.S.-Saudi investment conference
-
Participate in closed-door strategic discussions
-
Be honored at a formal state dinner hosted by the crown prince