President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia on May 13, 2025, marks the first major foreign trip of his second term, signaling a focus on lucrative business deals over traditional diplomacy. Kicking off a tour of Gulf monarchies, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Trump aims to secure significant investments, with Saudi Arabia pledging up to $1 trillion. This article explores the geopolitical and economic implications of the visit, alongside a taste of Saudi culture through a traditional Kabsa recipe.
A Lavish Welcome in Riyadh
Saudi fighter jets escorted Air Force One as Trump landed in Riyadh, greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler. The warm reception, complete with a military honor guard, underscored the strong ties between Trump and Saudi leadership. Trump, visibly enthusiastic, later addressed the Saudi-US Investment Forum, attended by business tycoons like Elon Musk. The visit echoes his 2017 trip, where he famously posed with a glowing orb and joined a traditional sword dance, cementing his affinity for the region’s grandeur.
Business Over Diplomacy
Unlike past US presidents who prioritized Middle East peace talks, Trump’s 2025 agenda centers on economic gains. Saudi Arabia has committed $600 billion to US trade and investments, with Trump pushing for a $1 trillion deal. A Saudi defense official revealed plans to secure advanced F-35 jets and air defense systems, potentially worth billions, with deliveries targeted during Trump’s term. Qatar and the UAE are also poised to announce significant investments, reinforcing the Gulf’s role as a financial powerhouse. Reports suggest up to 100 deals, spanning military sales, energy, and AI chips, are in negotiation.
Geopolitical Context: Navigating Hotspots
While business dominates, Middle East tensions loom large. Saudi Arabia’s insistence on a Palestinian state before normalizing ties with Israel dims prospects for expanding the Abraham Accords, a Trump-era initiative. Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, which has cut off supplies for over two months, complicates diplomacy. The US recently secured the release of American hostage Edan Alexander from Hamas, but a broader ceasefire remains elusive. Iran’s nuclear ambitions also feature prominently, with recent US-Iran talks in Oman yielding cautious optimism despite new US sanctions. Analysts note the Gulf states’ growing diplomatic clout, with Saudi Arabia mediating US-Russia talks and Qatar facilitating Israel-Hamas negotiations.
Historical Fact: The Founding of Saudi Arabia
An intriguing historical tidbit: Saudi Arabia was unified in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who consolidated disparate tribes through strategic marriages and military campaigns. This unification transformed the Arabian Peninsula, creating a nation that now wields significant global influence, from oil markets to diplomacy.
Saudi Culture: Traditional Kabsa Recipe
To celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, try making Kabsa, a beloved rice dish infused with spices and often served with chicken or lamb. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden, then add garlic and spices.
- Add chicken pieces, browning them for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in tomato puree, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Add rice to the pot, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until rice is fluffy.
- Return chicken to the pot, add raisins if using, and heat through.
- Serve garnished with toasted almonds, alongside yogurt or salad.
Enjoy this aromatic dish, a staple at Saudi gatherings, reflecting the kingdom’s hospitality.
Controversies and Criticisms
Trump’s visit isn’t without controversy. His acceptance of a luxury Boeing jet from Qatar’s royal family for use as Air Force One has raised ethical questions, though Trump defends it as a transparent deal. Critics also point to potential conflicts of interest, given the Trump Organization’s real estate ventures in the Gulf, including a new project in Qatar. The 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi remains a sore point, with Saudi Arabia’s image rehabilitation efforts ongoing.
Conclusion
Trump’s 2025 Gulf tour underscores a shift in US foreign policy, prioritizing economic partnerships with oil-rich monarchies over traditional allies. While diplomatic breakthroughs on Gaza or Iran remain challenging, the promise of trillion-dollar investments highlights the Gulf’s strategic importance. Pairing this geopolitical narrative with Saudi Arabia’s cultural richness, like the flavorful Kabsa, offers a glimpse into the kingdom’s multifaceted identity.
Author: Planet-Today.com, via AFP