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Showcasing Stability and Investment Potential
Dina Esfandiary, Middle East lead for Bloomberg Economics, emphasized that Saudi
Arabia is likely to use Trump's visit to highlight its strengths and ambitions. She stated
that the leadership in Riyadh aims to show that the country is not only politically stable
but also following a "no problem with neighbors" approach. Saudi Arabia wants to signal
that it is welcoming to investors and brimming with significant development ideas and
projects. The timing of the visit comes as the kingdom pushes forward with its long-term
economic transformation plans.
Defining Regional Goals and Avoiding Conflict
Trump's presence in Riyadh also gives Saudi Arabia a chance to outline its expectations
from the US regarding involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. Esfandiary noted that
today's regional landscape differs greatly from the one Trump encountered during his
first presidency. Saudi Arabia has opened channels with Iran—once considered an
adversary—and is taking a cautious stance to avoid becoming part of any military
conflict involving Iran, the US, or Israel. The kingdom has expressed strong support for
talks aimed at reducing tensions.
A Familiar Path Across the Gulf
Trump's stop in Riyadh is just one leg of a broader trip that will also take him to Doha,
Qatar, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. This itinerary echoes his first
international tour as president in 2017, once again placing the Gulf region in the
spotlight. Saudi Arabia is expected to use this diplomatic moment to reaffirm its
importance in the region and align with global powers on key strategic issues.
