Mar 31, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Trump confirms he will travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE in coming weeks

Barak Ravid

President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on March 31, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump has signed an executive order against ticket scalping and reforming the live entertainment ticket industry. — President Trump at the White House on Monday. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

President Trump confirmed on Monday Axios' report about him traveling to Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks for his first foreign trip.

What he is saying: "It will be next month or maybe a little bit later," Trump said.

State of play: Axios reported on Sunday that Trump plans to travel to Saudi Arabia in mid-May.

Trump said he will also visit on this trip Qatar, UAE and "other places" outside the Middle East.
Two U.S. officials said at the moment, Trump doesn't plan to visit Israel on this trip.

The big picture: Trump's decision to go to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar on his first foreign trip signals how close the relationship between his administration and Persian Gulf countries has become, especially when it comes to economic cooperation and investment.

"Tremendous amount of jobs will be created as a result of this trip," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday.

Flashback: Trump's first foreign trip during his previous term was also to Saudi Arabia at roughly the same time.

Go deeper: Trump's unconventional first foreign trip

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Trump confirms he will travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE in coming weeks

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