Inside the Spectacular Displays Created by Mideast Leaders to Impress Trump

The heads of state from the Middle Eastern nations that President Donald Trump Those visiting this week have uncovered the secrets to capturing the interest of the American leadership through extravagant shows and dazzling architectural designs.

Trump was pumped for the pomp put on display in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia As he departs for the UAE late morning on Thursday.

Both leaders welcomed him into a sequence of palaces and magnificent structures that catered to his penchant for extravagance.

On Wednesday evening, Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani hosted a state dinner for Trump at the grand Lusail Palace.

Camels were present – even served as food for the guests – while Arabian horses guided the Beast, the presidential limousine, towards the entrance of the palace.

As soon as Trump exited his vehicle, he was greeted by a performance from sword dancers.

As he signed both business and defense accords with the emir shortly after 6 PM on Wednesday, the 78-year-old ex-real estate tycoon paused to ask everyone present to appreciate the chamber’s design.

This space is genuine. What we're looking at is true white marble," Trump stated. "It’s extremely difficult to acquire; trust me, I’m quite aware of this since you attempt to purchase it but end up unable to do so." He continued, "Just observe what has been accomplished here—it's astounding how much your country has managed to achieve.

The state visit from Qatar was happening at the Amiri Diwan, the official administrative headquarters of the Emir, originally established as an 18th-century fortress.

Trump arrived to the Amiri Diwan Wednesday afternoon to great fanfare.

His convoy was preceded by two Qatari-modified Cybertrucks—a reference to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's influence within the Trump administration. The multi-billionaire, known as the DOGE leader, made an appearance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, coinciding with the beginning of Trump’s visit.

When the Beast reached the Amiri Diwan, Trump got a chance to see numerous camels.

There were riders mounted on Arabian horses positioned outside for him too—but the camels were new, since there had been Arabian horses for Trump the previous day in Saudi.

'I must say we were quite taken with those camels. It’s been ages since I last saw such remarkable ones. They certainly made for an impressive welcome,' the president remarked to the emir at their first meeting.

At this juncture, he also praised the marble.

"As someone from the construction industry, I can appreciate top-notch marble. They refer to this as 'perfecto,'" Trump stated.

The evening prior, Trump received an introduction to Diriyah — billed as Saudi Arabia’s ‘top lifestyle hub’ — a massive project situated next to At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site which once housed the initial residence of Saudi Arabia’s continuously reigning royal dynasty, known as the House of Saud.

Development of the site will include 40 hotels and more than 300 residential units.

Trump's own company, the Trump Organization, is developing projects in all three of the countries that he's visiting, with one property in the UAE already open and another six planned.

In Diriyah, upon his arrival, the president was welcomed by robed singers and drummers with the historic Salwa Palace aglow behind them.

At each location in Saudi Arabia, Trump was personally welcomed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, known as 'MBS.'

They exchanged conversation and laughter, posed for photos together, and subsequently explored a scale model of the mega-project accompanied by their respective teams. In Mr. Trump’s party were notable figures such as Elon Musk along with various Cabinet members.

Subsequently, MBS took personal charge of driving Trump around the expansive area in a golf cart.

Following this, the Saudis hosted Trump for two formal welcoming events—the first being at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport, which grants entry exclusively to royal family members and diplomatic guests—and another time at the Royal Court.

Purple tapestries, symbolizing regality, were laid down at every venue.

Military personnel stood along the carpets at the airport, whereas the Beast was escorted to the Royal Court by Arabian horses.

Upon entering, Trump took part in a coffee ritual and conducted multiple discussions with MBS along with Saudi Arabian and American entrepreneurs within spacious, elaborately decorated banquet halls.

On Tuesday afternoon, the president gave his foreign policy speech at yet another grand venue — the King Abdulaziz InternationalConferenceCenter. This place boasts an elaborately domed entrance much more lavish than the one at the U.S. Capitol, complete with a massive chandelier hanging overhead.

Trump also stayed at an impressive place - yet one with a vibrant history.

He was staying at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, where MBS had previously detained purged Saudi officials and their relatives in 2017 as part of his efforts to consolidate power.

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