Donald Trump heads to the Gulf: How his family's businesses are tied to the Middle East

President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates this week is drawing renewed attention to the enduring business relationships between the Trump family and the Middle East.

While the stated goal of the trip is to reinforce strategic partnerships and economic cooperation, observers suggest that personal and financial interests remain closely intertwined with official diplomacy.This is Trump’s first formal visit to the region in his second term, but it closely mirrors the beginning of his presidency in 2017 when his debut foreign trip was to Saudi Arabia. At that time, he was feted by Gulf leaders, and according to analysts, this latest tour could offer a similar atmosphere.

“This is his happy place,” Jon B. Alterman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies told reporters, noting that Trump thrives in settings where flattery and business opportunities are plentiful.However, Trump’s itinerary has raised eyebrows he is pointedly not visiting Israel, despite escalating violence in Gaza and ongoing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The omission has not gone unnoticed in Israel, particularly after Trump halted strikes on the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, a move that reportedly surprised Israeli officials.

Trump has also opened backchannel talks with Tehran over its nuclear programme, further fuelling speculation in Israel that its interests may be slipping down Washington’s priority list.As Newsweek reported, Trump's trip is coinciding with ongoing expansion of Trump Organization projects in the Middle East, now managed by his sons Eric and Donald Jr. The company recently announced a $530 million luxury development in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Dar Global, the international arm of Dar Al Arkan.

CEO Ziad El Chaar said the firm was “delighted to strengthen our ongoing relationship with The Trump Organization.” Two additional projects are reportedly underway in Riyadh, and Qatar has also revealed plans for a Trump-branded development.Further complicating the picture is the financial activity of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who secured a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman just months after leaving the White House.

Though Kushner insists his business is legitimate and conflict-free, critics argue his diplomatic work while in office may have opened doors for private enrichment. Lawmakers such as Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Jamie Raskin have urged a Department of Justice investigation into the matter.Trump's links to Saudi Arabia extend beyond property. LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league, has hosted tournaments at Trump-owned resorts in Florida.

His defenders argue that Trump has never hidden his willingness to do business, even while in office. Despite tensions in the region, including Iran’s nuclear threat and the conflict in Gaza, Trump appears focused on his Gulf allies. Analysts from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy suggest Trump can secure a diplomatic win simply by reaffirming commitment to the region. But with oil prices low and memories of the 2017 Qatar crisis still fresh, the stakes remain high.This time, Trump has reportedly been offered a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet by the Qatari royal family a move that, if accepted, would provoke further ethical scrutiny.