Trump starts Gulf trip in Saudi Arabia

President eyes deals in ‘return’ to region

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Donald Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday on the first leg of a Gulf tour that will also take him to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, eyeing business deals even as accords on the Middle East’s hotspots will likely be harder to reach.

The trip marks the US president's first major visit abroad of his second term, with the White House saying he looked forward to a “historic return” to the region.

Eight years ago Mr Trump also chose Saudi Arabia for his first overseas trip as president — when he memorably posed with a glowing orb and participated in a sword dance.

His decision to once again bypass traditional Western allies to travel to the oil-rich Gulf states underscores their increasingly crucial geopolitical role — along with his own business relations in the region.

Saudi fighter jets escorted Air Force One as Mr Trump landed in the capital Riyadh. The Saudi royal family has planned a lavish welcome for the 78-year-old billionaire, who will also address an investment forum.