The heads of state from the Middle Eastern nations that President Donald Trump Those visiting this week have uncovered the secrets to winning over the American leader through extravagant shows and dazzling structures.
Trump was excited about the grand spectacle showcased in both places. Qatar and Saudi Arabia As he departs for the UAEThursday noon.
He was entertained by both rulers across various palaces and magnificent structures that catered to his penchant for flamboyance.
On Wednesday evening, Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted a state dinner for Trump at the lavish Lusail Palace.
Camels were present – even served as food for the guests – while Arabian horses guided the Beast, the presidential limousine, to the entrance of the palace.
Once Trump got out of his vehicle, he was immediately treated to a performance by sword-dancers.
As he signed both business and defense accords with the emir shortly after 6 PM on Wednesday, the 78-year-old ex-real estate tycoon paused to ask everyone present to appreciate the room’s design.
This space truly lives up to its promise. That material is known as white marble," Trump stated. "It’s extremely difficult to acquire, trust me; I’ve learned this firsthand since you attempt to get it but end up unable to purchase it. Just observe what we have here instead. The achievements of your country have been remarkable.
The state visit from Qatar was occurring at the Amiri Diwan, the official administrative headquarters of the Emir, originally established as an 18th-century fortress.
Trump arrived to the Amiri Diwan Wednesday afternoon to great fanfare.
His convoy was preceded by two customized Cybertrucks – an allusion to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s presence within Trump’s sphere. The multi-billionaire, known as the DOGE leader, made an appearance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the beginning of Trump's visit.
When the Beast reached the Amiri Diwan, Trump got to see many camels.
There were riders mounted on Arabian horses positioned outside for him too—but the camels were new, since there had been Arabian horses for Trump the previous day in Saudi.
'We really appreciated those camels. It’s been ages since I last saw camels like that. What a warm welcome,' the president said to the emir at their first meeting.
At this juncture, he also praised the marble.
"As someone from the construction industry, I see flawless marble here. They refer to this as 'perfecto,'" Trump stated.
The evening prior, Trump received an extensive look at Diriyah — heralded as Saudi Arabia’s ‘top lifestyle hub’ — a massive project situated next to At-Turaif, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This location once served as the initial residence of the currently reigning Saudi royal dynasty, known as the House of Saud.
The development of the site will feature approximately 40 hotels along with over 300 residential units.
Trump's own company, the Trump Organization, is developing projects in all three of the countries that he's visiting, with one property in the UAE already open and another six planned.
In Diriyah, the president was welcomed by robed singers and percussionists as the historic Salwa Palace glowed behind them.
During each halt in Saudi Arabia, Trump was personally welcomed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, also known as 'MBS.'
They exchanged conversation and laughter, posed for photos together, and subsequently explored a scale model of the mega-project accompanied by their respective teams. In Mr. Trump’s group were notable figures such as Elon Musk along with various Cabinet members.
Subsequently, MBS took personal charge of driving Trump around the expansive area in a golf cart.
Following this, the Saudis hosted Trump for two formal welcoming events—the first being at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport, which grants entry exclusively to royal family members and diplomatic visitors—and subsequently at the Royal Court.
Purple rugs symbolizing regality were laid down at every venue.
Military personnel stood along the carpets at the airport, while the Beast was escorted to the Royal Court by Arabian horses.
Upon entering, Trump took part in a coffee ritual and conducted multiple discussions with MBS and both Saudi Arabian and American entrepreneurs within grandiose decorative halls.
On Tuesday afternoon, the president gave his foreign policy speech at yet another grand venue — the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center. This place boasts an entrance adorned with a dome that is significantly more lavish than the one in the U.S. Capitol, complete with a massive chandelier hanging overhead.
Trump also resided in an impressive place - yet one with a vibrant history.
He remained at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, where MBS had detained purged Saudi officials and family members in 2017 to strengthen his control.
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