For three days starting on Monday, Trump will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Actually, the trip was supposed to be Trump's first as newly elected president. But instead of the Middle East, the trip to Rome and Pope Francis' funeral came first.
The first official trip for a president is significant, and Trump's choice of the Middle East, just like during his first term, is not uncontroversial.
Breaking with tradition
Traditionally, American presidents make their first trip to one of the neighboring countries, Mexico or Canada, or some other close ally in Europe. However, the recent conflicts over trade tariffs, among other things, have shaken the USA's relations with parts of the world and the two neighboring countries.
Placing the first stop of the trip can be seen as a sign of the country's growing influence and the American government's broader strategy to prioritize just that, according to NBC News.
The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was, for example, also the first foreign leader Trump spoke to on the phone after taking office.
"Very big"
Prior to the upcoming trip, speculation is rife about whether and how the two countries will deepen their relationship. Trump himself has said that a "very, very big announcement" is coming.
It's not necessarily about trade, he said according to NBC.
The trip has also been preceded by repeated efforts from Israel to get Trump to visit the country, reports Axios. The President is sticking to his decision not to go there – but has pointed out that he may visit the country at some other time in the future.
