Join us as we dissect the profound implications of a hypothetical May 2025 Donald Trump visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. This episode dives deep into Trump's signature transactional diplomacy, exploring how it's poised to reshape the US-Gulf relationship through unprecedented economic activity.

Discover the scale of the announced mega-deals, including Saudi Arabia's potential $1 trillion investment commitment and a historic $142 billion arms deal, alongside the UAE's vast $1.4 trillion strategic partnership. We examine how these massive financial flows, heavily aligned with Gulf nations' ambitious Vision 2030 and similar plans, aim to deliver tangible economic benefits for the US under the "America First" banner.

A central theme emerging is the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Gulf. Learn about ambitious national AI strategies, the critical role of access to advanced US chips like Nvidia and AMD, and massive investments in AI infrastructure and "sovereign AI" capabilities. We also unpack how this technological push is becoming a key arena for the US-China tech rivalry.

Beyond the economic bonanza, we navigate the complex geopolitical landscape. How does the ongoing Gaza conflict impact the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords, particularly Saudi-Israeli normalization? We analyse Trump's unpredictable Iran policy and the surprising decision to lift US sanctions on Syria, reportedly at the request of Gulf leaders.

This episode also touches on potential challenges and risks, including the economic sustainability of the pledges, national security concerns related to technology transfer and arms sales, and the delicate balance Gulf states maintain with both the US and China in a multipolar world.

Tune in for an insightful look at the economic, technological, and geopolitical currents unleashed by a return to Trump's transactional tide in the Gulf.