U.S. President arrives in Riyadh, begins first official foreign tour

U.S. President Donald Trump landed in Saudi Arabia on his first official foreign visit since taking office, marking the start of a multi-day tour of the Gulf region.

Air Force One touched down at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at approximately 9:50 a.m. local time (6:50 GMT), as shown in a live broadcast.

The presidential aircraft was escorted into Saudi airspace by a formation of Saudi F-15 fighter jets in a symbolic and high-profile welcome.

Trump’s visit signals the beginning of a significant diplomatic push in the region.

Trump described his ongoing Gulf tour — covering Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates —as “historic,” saying it will bolster relations and deepen the strategic partnership between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

He arrived in Riyadh, accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes prominent American business leaders, among them billionaire Elon Musk.

Trump is scheduled to participate in a GCC summit tomorrow with Gulf leaders, with a packed agenda addressing regional security, energy cooperation, defense partnerships, and economic collaboration. Washington aims to reinforce its strategic alliances in the Gulf amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

“This visit reflects the high importance the United States places on its partnerships in the Middle East,” the U.S. State Department stated, emphasizing that coordination with Saudi Arabia is critical for addressing global challenges that extend beyond the region.

There is speculation about a potential meeting with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, amid talk that Trump may lift all U.S. sanctions on Syria, citing signs of more “rational” behavior from Iran in nuclear negotiations. Still, Trump stressed that Tehran must never acquire nuclear weapons.

Trump commended his envoy Steve Witkoff, who is handling files on Iran, Gaza, and Ukraine, calling him a “deal man” for his diplomatic efforts. He also hinted at a possible visit to Istanbul, where a summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin may take place soon.