Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — In a significant diplomatic move, Saudi Arabia is set to host a Gulf-U.S. summit in mid-May, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s first visit to the kingdom during his second term. This summit follows a similar gathering in May 2017, which was marked by broad discussions on regional security and cooperation.
As anticipation builds, President Trump has hinted at delivering a “very important announcement” during his upcoming meetings, igniting speculation about various potential agreements, including those related to security, military partnerships, and advancements in technology and artificial intelligence. The summit aims to strengthen ties between Gulf nations and the United States amid changing geopolitical dynamics.
All Gulf leaders are expected to be present at this high-profile event, although King Salman bin Abdulaziz will not attend due to ongoing health concerns. His absence raises questions about the discussions and agreements that may take place in his stead.
One source with knowledge of the negotiations suggested that Trump may go beyond economic agreements and announce a recognition of a Palestinian state. This move could symbolize a transformative shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy, potentially altering the balance of power across the region and prompting more nations to engage in the Abraham Accords.
Despite the optimism surrounding new economic partnerships, including exempting Gulf states from tariffs, skepticism exists regarding the focus on Palestine, especially given the notable absence of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who have traditionally been involved in Palestinian-related discussions.
Former Gulf diplomat Ahmed Al-Ibrahim remarked that substantial economic deals are likely to emerge from this summit, drawing parallels to the more than $400 billion in agreements forged during the 2017 summit. He noted that both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have previously pledged over $600 billion and $1 trillion, respectively, in investments in the United States, underscoring the significant economic stakes involved.
The summit discussions will further touch on the future of nuclear energy in Saudi Arabia, where plans to develop the country’s first nuclear reactor are well underway. Several international firms are competing to bring these energy initiatives to life. Neighboring the Kingdom, the UAE has already established its Barakah reactor, becoming the first Arab country with a multi-reactor nuclear power facility, highlighting the growing interest in nuclear energy as part of the region’s development strategy.
Political analyst Ahmed Boushouki expressed that the summit will herald economic advancements in Saudi Arabia, reflecting Trump’s earlier suggestions for Americans to invest in stocks before forthcoming announcements. Analysts are closely watching how these developments will reshape not only U.S.-Gulf relations but also the intricate web of Middle Eastern diplomacy.
As the countdown to the summit begins, the implications of the potential agreements, especially those tied to recognition of Palestine and nuclear energy collaboration, leave many wondering how they may influence both regional stability and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East moving forward.
