13.05.2025 - 14:15 [ CNN ]

Trump meets with Saudi crown prince as Middle East trip gets under way

• Middle East visit: President Donald Trump is on the first major international trip of his second term as he works to shore up relations with a trio of key allies and prove his might as a dealmaker on the world stage.

• On the agenda: Trump received a warm welcome from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. Later today, he is expected to speak at a US-Saudi investment forum, where Elon Musk is also listed as a speaker. Trump will travel to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this week.

• Weapons sale: The US announced a weapons sale of over $1.4 billion to the UAE ahead of Trump’s trip. A slew of deals between the two countries is expected to be announced during his visit, including investments in AI, chips, manufacturing and energy. Trump may also announce a major arms sale to Saudi Arabia.