U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, May 13, marking the beginning of his Middle East tour with an extraordinary display of diplomatic courtesy from the host nation.
Breaking with protocol, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally welcomed Trump at the airport—a gesture rarely extended to foreign heads of state. Traditionally, provincial governors or junior royal family members receive visiting dignitaries. The Crown Prince’s presence signaled the strategic importance and closeness of the relationship.
Adding to the ceremonial reception, two Saudi F-15 fighter jets escorted Trump’s aircraft from the moment it entered Saudi airspace until landing in Riyadh. Upon arrival, the U.S. president was greeted with traditional Arab hospitality, including the serving of classic Arabic coffee at the Grand Hall.
While the diplomatic welcome drew headlines, the visit also featured major economic and defense agreements. According to Arab News, the two nations signed multiple deals, including a $120 billion package involving U.S. military and technological support. Under the agreement, Saudi Arabia will acquire advanced weapons systems, missile defenses, and surveillance technologies from the U.S.
Analysts believe these deals will significantly bolster Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities, especially amid rising tensions involving Iran and the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The deepening cooperation also indicates a strategic alignment in regional affairs.
Many are calling this a “historic” trip—not only for the scale of the agreements but also for its broader diplomatic implications. Trump’s tour comes amid the Gaza conflict, Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen, and renewed concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The visit is seen as an opportunity for the U.S. administration to reassess its stance on these pressing issues.
Interestingly, current tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have emerged, particularly regarding Washington’s comparatively soft position on Gaza. Netanyahu has expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting a possible rift between long-standing allies.
During the visit, Hamas released dual U.S.-Israeli citizen Eidan Alexander, who had been held in Gaza. The release, facilitated by the Red Cross, was hailed by Trump as a “major achievement.”
Notably, Trump began his first international trip in 2017 as president with a visit to Saudi Arabia. Now, in his second term, he is once again starting his foreign engagements in Riyadh—but this time, Israel is absent from the itinerary.
Experts view this as a strategic signal, emphasizing the U.S.’s shifting priorities in the Gulf region and broader Middle East. The Crown Prince’s gesture of respect, the high-profile military contracts, and the overall reception point to a deepening, more strategically aligned relationship between Washington and Riyadh.
