US President Donald Trump arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday for the second leg of his Gulf tour, following a high-profile meeting with Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Riyadh. Trump was welcomed at Hamad International Airport by the Qatari emir and senior officials, with a ceremonial crimson carpet marking the occasion. His arrival comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity, with Trump’s delegation including top American officials and business executives, underlining trade as a central focus of his regional agenda.

In Riyadh, Trump made headlines by announcing the lifting of all US sanctions on Syria, a move that drew both praise and criticism from regional and international actors. During his meeting with al-Sharaa, Trump described the Syrian leader as “attractive” and “tough,” signaling a dramatic shift in US policy after years of isolation for Damascus. The decision was lauded by Saudi officials, who called it a “courageous” step and expressed hope that other nations would follow suit, emphasizing the need for a brighter future for the Syrian people.

Trump also used the Riyadh summit to urge President al-Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel, a longstanding US objective in the Middle East. This push for normalization is seen as part of Trump’s broader vision for regional stability, building on previous efforts like the Abraham Accords. However, the move has met resistance from some US allies, including Israel, which has expressed concerns about the rapid rehabilitation of Syria’s government.

As Trump begins his visit in Qatar, discussions are expected to focus on deepening economic ties and addressing regional security issues, including the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Qatar, which maintains close relations with Syria’s new leadership, may also seek US support in further easing Syria’s diplomatic isolation. Trump’s Gulf tour will continue with a stop in the UAE, where additional talks on trade and security are anticipated.