Charles R. Goulding and Aaron Rofe unpack President Trump’s transformative Middle East tour, where over US$2 trillion in investments, high-stakes aviation deals, and a historic shift on Syria mark a bold new chapter in US-MENA relations.
President Donald Trump’s engagement in foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East, has been characterized by an “America First” approach that emphasizes direct economic deals and bilateral commercial relationships. Serving non-consecutive terms has allowed for the development and implementation of this policy, influenced by organizations such as the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). His administration has taken a significant number of actions, including 142 executive orders and 70 other actions, focusing on various domestic and international areas like the federal workforce, immigration, trade and DEI.
The US trade relationship with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region saw total goods traded reach US$141.7 billion in 2024. US exports to the region amounted to US$80.4 billion in 2024, an increase of 5.8% from 2023, while US imports from MENA were US$61.3 billion in 2024, a decrease of 1.6% from the previous year. This resulted in the US having a US$19 billion trade surplus with the Middle East in 2024.
A key demonstration of this policy was President Trump’s recent trip to three Gulf Arab nations: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The stated goal was to enhance bilateral commercial ties, create jobs, and open new trade and investment opportunities. The visit resulted in substantial investment commitments from these nations. Agreements with Qatar were announced to generate an economic exchange worth at least US$1.2 trillion, with deals exceeding US$243.5 billion. This followed a US$600 billion investment commitment secured in Saudi Arabia the day before. Overall, the visit saw commitments totaling over US$2 trillion in investments.
A particularly significant aspect of the trade discussions involved a major aviation agreement between Boeing and Qatar airways. President Trump announced a deal for Qatar Airways to purchase up to 210 American-made Boeing jets, including 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft equipped with GE Aerospace engines. This agreement, valued at US$96 billion, was highlighted by the White House as Boeing’s largest ever widebody and 787 order. It is projected to support 154,000 US jobs annually, amounting to over 1 million jobs throughout the production and delivery period. This deal was seen as a positive development for Boeing amidst recent operational challenges. Boeing also secured commitments for 737 MAX planes from Saudi Arabia’s lease.
Economic engagement with the UAE during the trip focused significantly on AI and technology. A partnership was announced for constructing a large data center complex in Abu Dhabi with 5-gigawatts of capacity to boost AI capabilities. A crucial objective for the UAE was accessing advanced American microchips, which had faced restrictions. President Trump indicated that a “path” was agreed upon for the UAE to purchase some of the most advanced AI semiconductors from the US. Other agreements included Parsons’ infrastructure and engineering projects in Qatar valued up to US$97 billion, Raytheon’s US$1 billion counter-drone deal with Qatar, and General Atomics’ nearly US$2 billion deal for MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft systems with Qatar. Parsons is a large, US-headquartered engineering firm that has been doing business in the US for over 65 years.
QatarEnergy has also made significant investments in the US energy sector, including projects with ExxonMobil and Chevron Phillips Chemical on the Texas Gulf Coast, contributing to US energy security. Soon after the Trump visit, Saudi Arabia announced substantial increases in its share of OPEC oil production. The US and Qatar also signed a statement of intent outlining over US$38 billion in potential investments, including support for Al Udeid Air Base and future defense capabilities.
A particularly notable policy shift during President Trump’s trip concerned Syria. In Riyadh, President Trump announced intentions to lift sanctions on Syria to give the country “a chance at greatness”. This was followed by a historic face-to-face meeting with Syria’s Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on May 14, 2025, the first such meeting between a US and Syrian President in 25 years. This meeting and the recognition of President al-Sharaa’s legitimacy signaled an openness for business in Syria.
The formal relaxation of US sanctions against Syria was announced on May 23, 2025, through actions by the US treasury department. These measures effectively mean that US citizens are no longer broadly prohibited from doing business in Syria. Key actions included the issuance of OFAC General License No. 25, which authorizes “all transactions” with Syria and its government, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his administration, and specified Specially Designed Nationals (SDNs) listed in an annex.
GL 25 does not, however, unblock previously blocked property or authorize dealings with the governments of Iran, North Korea, or Russia in Syria. Additionally, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) provided exceptive relief, lifting measures against the Commercial Bank of Syria (CBoS). The state department issued a secondary sanction waiver under the Caesar Act for 180 days to prevent the use of US secondary sanctions against non-US parties engaging in transaction authorized by GL 25. The state department characterized these steps as a “first step” toward a new US-Syria relationship.
Despite this relaxation of US sanction, some restrictions and risks regarding Syria remain. The underlying sanctions framework allows for potential reversal of the General License. Crucially, the US Export Controls Embargo continues, requiring licenses for most exports. Other concerns include interactions with certain individuals or entities still on the SDN list, potential material support risks when dealing with designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTOs), Syria’s ongoing designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism impacting financial access, and the need to navigate US antiboycott laws due to Syria’s participation in the Arab League boycott of Israel. The EU and UK also announced sanctions relaxation, though some EU measures and planned new ones against human rights violators remain. Sanctions relief in considered vital for attracting foreign investment for Syria’s recovery.
Following the US sanction announcement and coinciding with President Trump’s visit, a notable development was the agreement for the Port of Tartus. Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DP World for an US$800 million investment. DP World, Dubai-based multinational logistics company, specializes in cargo logistics and port operations. The MOU covers funding for the construction, administration, and operation of a multipurpose terminal in Tarus, part of Syria’s efforts to improve its port infrastructure after years of conflict.
This project aims to enhance the port’s efficiency and its role as a regional trade hub. The agreement also covers cooperation on establishing free zones, industrial zones, dry ports, and freight transit stations within Syria. DP World expressed anticipation for executing the MOU and exploring end-to-end solutions in Syria, noting alignment with the evolving regulatory environment.
DP World has considerable global investment ambitions, planning to invest US$2.5 billion in 2025 alone in major infrastructure projects across various continents, including India, Africa, South America, and Europe. These investments include projects like a new terminal in India (US$510 million), a deep-sea port at Banana in the Democratic Republic of Congo (450,000 TEU/year capacity), the Port de Ndayane in Senegal (US$830 million), a berth expansion at the Port of Posorja in Ecuador (US$140 million), and a US$1 billion investment at the London Gateway logistics hub in the UK. These reflect DP World’s confidence in long-term trade growth and their strategy to build comprehensive infrastructure solutions across their global network.
Beyond the direct deals and policy shifts during President Trump’s trip, it’s relevant to consider broader technological and manufacturing trends in the Middle East, such as Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing, which align with the economic diversification and innovation goals pursued by the countries in the region.
In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, AM is being increasingly adopted across sectors like utilities and construction. The Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) is a notable example, integrating technologies like 3D printing into its operations. DEWA utilizes a Markforged Metal X 3D printer to produce prototypes and replacement parts for its various divisions, contributing to reduced time and cost while improving efficiency and productivity. Dubai has set an ambitious goal for 25 percent of all new buildings to be 3D printed by 2030.
Local firms like 3DXB and US-based AC3D are actively involved, with projects aiming to commence as early as 2025. 3D printing in construction offers significant advantages, including being quicker and cheaper than traditional methods, with potential time savings of 40 percent on wall sections and overall cost reductions of 15-20 percent. It also holds environmental benefits by potentially reducing concrete use and can help address global housing shortages and rapid rebuilding needs. Regulatory frameworks in Dubai are being adapted to support this, with licenses for 3D printing construction being issued.
In Saudi Arabia, AM is also being strategically employed to support national development goals, specifically Vision 2030. The National Additive Manufacturing & Innovation Company (NAMI), a joint venture between 3D Systems and Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company, has installed multiple 3D Systems machines to support a collaboration with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). Through this partnership, NAMI is establishing a localized supply chain for SEC spare parts. This initiative aims to create a digital inventory system to reduce production time, physical storage needs, and cost, while also helping to mitigate supply chain risk for critical components used by SEC. NAMI’s work supports Saudi Arabia’s objective of building domestic additive manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on key sectors like energy.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
In summary, President Trump’s approach to the Middle East, framed by an “America First” policy and evidence by numerous executive actions, has strongly emphasized economic partnerships and direct deals. This is demonstrated by the substantial investment commitments secured and the significant agreements reached during his trip to the Gulf states, including landmark aviation deals with Qatar, strategic technology partnerships with the UAE focused on areas like AI, and a dramatic policy shift towards Syria involving sanctions relief aimed at facilitating economic recovery and foreign investment, exemplified by the DP World deal for the Port of Tartus. These interactions occur within a regional context where countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are actively pursuing advanced technologies and economic diversification, with significant investments in areas such as additive manufacturing playing a role in their broader innovation strategies. The substantial trade volume and US surplus with the MENA region in 2024 highlight the existing economic ties that these new deals aim to build upon.
