From May 13 to 15, 2025, Donald Trump visited three Gulf nations (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE), a trip that proved significant for both U.S. policy and further binding these states to American interests.
The Military-Financial Side of the Visit
One of the key outcomes of the talks was the massive arms deals signed with the region’s major players—Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia agreed to “largest arms sale in history” worth $142 billion, covering cooperation in air defense, missile defense, naval, aerospace, and air forces, including purchases of C-130 transport aircraft, missiles, and radar systems. However, detailed information remains scarce, likely because the deal not only involves new acquisitions but also overlaps with previously signed agreements.
During his visit to Qatar, Trump announced an «unprecedented economic deal» alongside a more “modest” military-technical agreement worth tens of billions: Doha committed to purchasing $1.2 trillion in goods and services, plus an additional $42 billion in defense contracts. This includes up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X jets (worth $96 billion) and, on the military side, THAAD missile defense systems (previously exclusive to the U.S. until recent sales to the UAE and Saudi Arabia), KC-46 Pegasus tankers, LAV 700 Desert Viper armored vehicles, amphibious combat vehicles (likely wheeled ACVs), and large drones like the MQ-9B and Sky Guardian. Beyond the $42 billion arms purchase, Qatar will invest another $10 billion in expanding the Al Udeid Air Base, the Pentagon’s largest Middle Eastern facility.
In the UAE, Trump announced deals totaling over $200 billion, including a $14.5 billion partnership between Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Etihad Airways for 28 Boeing 787 and 777X jets with GE engines. Additionally, Abu Dhabi pledged to increase its U.S. energy investments to $440 billion over the next decade.
However, experts note that these arms purchases and industrial investments are seen less as genuine security enhancements and more as political concessions made under U.S. pressure. Many Arab states already possess similar weaponry, raising doubts about the necessity of new acquisitions. Moreover, integrating diverse systems into their militaries often proves challenging. Despite this, the U.S. continues pushing new contracts, leveraging its influence and even threatening reduced military support if deals are rejected.
Western support often leads to deepening internal political instability, with growing discontent among the population demanding justice and support for the Palestinian struggle against a backdrop of economic growth.
Economic Investments: One-Sided Benefits?
Beyond military agreements, Trump’s visit also secured massive investments in the U.S. economy—deals that analysts argue will largely favor American interests. The UAE and Saudi Arabia expressed willingness to pour billions into U.S. tech, startups, and finance, including joint ventures and infrastructure funds. Yet, frustration is growing among Arab elites who see these profits flowing into American corporate hands rather than boosting their own economies.
There are concerns that deepening dependence on the U.S. could hinder economic development and undermine sovereignty. Skepticism about these deals is spreading beyond leadership circles to the general public, with many Arabs questioning what tangible benefits they actually receive from Washington.
A Betrayal of Arab Unity?
The visit also highlighted a contentious issue: Arab leaders risk alienating their people by aligning too closely with the U.S., particularly given Washington’s unwavering support for Israel. While seeking security and economic growth, Gulf rulers may be complicit in the oppression of Palestinians, undermining Arab solidarity. This approach also raises questions about their legitimacy, as populations grow increasingly frustrated with leaders prioritizing foreign agendas over domestic welfare.
The Need for Restructuring U.S.-Arab Relations
Trump’s Gulf trip marked a milestone in military-financial cooperation but also exposed a paradox: Arab leaders, in pursuing security and economic gains, may be sacrificing their nations’ long-term interests. The visit underscored the growing divide between short-term strategic deals and the broader struggle for Arab dignity and Palestinian rights.
Behind the scenes, public discontent simmers, with protests demanding governments prioritize citizens over elites profiting from foreign deals. Corruption and social inequality fuel justified anger, leaving many Arabs wondering: Are their leaders truly serving the people, or just themselves?
While Trump’s visit strengthened U.S. influence in the Gulf, it also revealed deepening rifts that could reshape future relations. The trip highlighted the urgent need for a more balanced partnership—one that fosters sustainable development not just for Gulf states, but for the entire Arab world.
Viktor Mikhin, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RAEN), Middle East expert
