Unpacking Trump’s Gulf Tour

President Donald Trump’s first visit of his second term to the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates comes at a pivotal moment in U.S.-Gulf relations. This high-level engagement signals not only the reaffirmation of longstanding security and diplomatic ties, but also the potential for deeper economic cooperation in sectors such as energy, technology, and infrastructure.

Hosted by ORF ME and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, this panel discussion will convene experts to unpack both the symbolism and strategic substance of Trump’s visit. As Gulf states navigate a more multipolar world—balancing traditional Western alliances with emerging partnerships—this conversation will explore the implications of Trump’s outreach for energy collaboration, regional stability, economic diplomacy, and the broader credibility and positioning of the United States in the Middle East.

Driving Questions

• What strategic objectives underpin President Trump’s renewed outreach to the Gulf, and how might this visit reshape the political, economic, and security calculus of regional capitals?
• To what extent does this engagement represent continuity or divergence from the Biden administration’s approach to the Middle East?
• How might this visit influence the Gulf’s evolving relationships with emerging powers such as China, Russia, and Israel—and what does it suggest about the future architecture of global influence in the region?
• Could Trump’s return catalyze new forms of energy cooperation or economic partnership between the Gulf and the United States—particularly through minilateral frameworks such as I2U2 and IMEC—as global competition intensifies?