In a sweeping display of diplomacy and dealmaking, US President Donald Trump and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, signed a series of major agreements on aviation and defence during what both sides hailed as a “historic” visit to Doha.
At the heart of the deals was a blockbuster announcement: Qatar Airways is purchasing 160 aircraft from Boeing, a transaction valued at over $200 billion, marking the largest single aircraft order in the company’s history, according to President Trump.
The bilateral talks produced a range of other high-stakes commitments, including:
- A letter of intent on expanded defence cooperation
- A signed deal for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles
- An overall economic exchange projected to exceed $1.2 trillion
“We are taking this relationship to another level,” said Sheikh Tamim. “Thank you, Mr. President, for this historic visit.”
Trump’s visit to Doha — his second stop on a high-profile Gulf tour — began with a ceremonial welcome at Hamad International Airport and continued to the Amiri Diwan, where the leaders held a two-hour private meeting, extending well beyond the scheduled time.
Topics reportedly discussed included the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions with Iran, trade, and the ongoing Gaza war. While no formal statement was issued on Gaza, Qatari and US officials have been key players in ceasefire negotiations. Trump’s delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, among others.
A Diplomatic and Personal Affair
The evening concluded with a state dinner at Lusail Palace, attended by Sheikh Tamim, his wife Sheikha Jawaher, and high-profile guests including Elon Musk. Trump praised the warm hospitality, joking, “As a construction person, I’m seeing perfect marble.”
“President Trump, I know you are a man of peace,” said Sheikh Tamim. “We hope this visit brings us closer to stability in the region.”
Trump, in turn, called Qatar a “beautiful partner” and emphasized the “loyal friendship” between the nations.
Wider Gulf Strategy and Geopolitical Aims
Trump’s trip — dubbed a “trillion-dollar tour” — is part of a broader effort to deepen economic and security ties across the Gulf. His prior stop in Riyadh included a ceremonial welcome by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the announcement of US sanctions being lifted on Syria — a significant foreign policy shift.
Trump also reiterated his desire to bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords, though progress remains stalled due to the war in Gaza and lack of a clear path to Palestinian statehood.
The final leg of the tour will bring Trump to the UAE, where further economic partnerships and regional security agreements are expected to be signed.