US President Donald Trump has left the UAE: Here's a quick recap of his trip

All the updates from Trump’s first official visit to the UAE… 

The President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, will be landing in Abu Dhabi either this morning or early morning for his first formal overseas visit since taking over the office this year.

*In pics: Top moments from US President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi*

Here’s a quick recap of his trip

MAY 16

2.10pm | US President Donald Trump leaves the UAE

Photo credit: Getty Images

US President Donald Trump waves goodbye as he prepares to board Air Force One in Abu Dhabi at the end of his Middle East tour on May 16, 2025.

Photo credit: Getty Images

He was pictured talking to HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan just before he boarded his plane and departed from Al Bateen Executive Airport.

1.20pm | US President visits Abrahamic Family House

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US President Donald Trump is photographed at the Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House.

The Abrahamic Family House is a mega project holding places of worship for the three Abrahamic religions: a mosque ( Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque), a church (St. Francis Church) , and a synagogue (Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue) within the same space.

It is a special beacon of love, tolerance and peace – which is found abundantly here in the UAE.

Photo credit: Getty Images

He was also photographed signing the guest book, where he was asked to pass on a message to the people of the UAE. He said “Just a message of unity. When you look at what we’ve just seen, it’s great unity, great faith. They’re incredible people with a tremendous leader.”

12pm | Donald Trump attends a business forum

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On May 16, US President Donald Trump attended a business forum in Abu Dhabi. He was joined by Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled and other business officials.

The US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Martina A Strong is also pictured in the panel.

Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum (not pictured) was also present.

Photo credit: CNN

Donald Trump was also presented with a drop of crude oil in a symoblic gesture, by ADNOC CEO, HE Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber.

MAY 15

11pm | US President departs Palace of the Nation

At approximately 11pm, US President Trump is seen leaving the Palace of the Nation with his motorcade.

President Trump was seen in conversation with the UAE President after the state dinner at the Presidential Banquet room.

What’s On will bring you any further developments as and when we know it.

9pm | UAE President bestows the Order of Zayed upon President Trump

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After the UAE President and US President shared messages of bilateral relations and friendship with each other in front of royals, dignitaries, and distinguished guests, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bestowed the Order of Zayed upon US President Donald Trump.

This was ‘in recognition of Donald Trump’s exceptional efforts to strengthen the long standing ties of friendship and strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.’

The Order of Zayed is considered the highest civilian honour granted by the UAE and is bestowed upon world leaders and heads of state.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Later on, Donald Trump is pictured with the UAE President as he signs the guest book.

He said, ‘This has been a great visit with a great man, and a great country”.

“It’s an honor to be here” he added, and added that the last four days have been “really amazing.”

It is most likely that President Trump and The UAE President went to dine at the Presidential Banquet room – a space reserved for official occasions.

8.15pm | President Trump meets the UAE astronauts

Photo credit: Getty Images | US President Donald Trump with UAE Astronaut Sultan Saif AlNeyadi

During his visit to Qasr Al Watan, President Trump was introduced to Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansoori – the first Arab and Emirati astronaut; and Sultan Saif AlNeyadi. Al Mansoori could be seen chatting to Donald Trump – most likely about the UAE’s space missions (both past and upcoming).

The astronauts guided President Trump as he visited the Guided by the Stars exhibition, which showed the UAE’s journey in space exploration.

President Trump also spoke to Nora Al Matrooshi – the UAE’s first female astronaut, and Mohammad Al Mulla. Al Matrooshi and Al Mulla are part of a program that will (hopefully) soon see them jetting off to space.

8pm | President Trump receives a royal welcome at Qasr Al Watan

Photo credit: Getty Images

At the entrance of the Palace, Trump was welcomed by UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and then led to the Palace. Here he received a warm welcome from children waving the US and UAE flags and by the traditional Khaleegy hair dance.

Further inside, the sounds of the Al-Ras drums and traditional Arabic song were heard.

This was followed by the national anthem of the United States, with Donald Trump and Sheikh Mohamed standing side by side. It was followed by the UAE national anthem.

Further in the palace, Donald Trump and Sheikh Mohamed said hello and shook hands with other royals, dignitaries, and guests.

7.30pm | The US President is making his way to Qasr Al Watan

After his tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, US President Donald Trump most likely took a little (much-needed) rest at his hotel.

POTUS is currently now on his way to Qasr Al Watan – a cultural landmark housed within the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Qasr Al Watan is Arabic for ‘Palace of the Nation’, and is a working palace that hosts official state visits and summits. In the past, the UAE President has hosted His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman; Chinese President Xi Jinping and even the late Pope Francis.

To commemorate the huge visit, the entrance to Qasr Al Watan was illuminated in red and blue – colours of the United States flag.

5pm | The US President arrives at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Photo credit: Getty Images

Donald Trump has arrived at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where he is being given a tour of the 30-acre space.

He was joined by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other officials.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Trump visited the Main Prayer Hall, which houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet (Guinness World Records in 2007).

He was also shown the Mihrab and the Minbar (Pulpit) in the hall.

Trump commented, saying, ‘Is this beautiful? It is so beautiful. I am so proud of my friends. This is an incredible culture.’ 

4.40pm | President Trump leaves the airport

After spending around 10 to 15 minutes having a conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and other officials, Trump was seen on video bidding farewell to the UAE President before entering a black car.

A motorcade then escorted the President away from the airport. The USA President will now most likely make his way to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for a tour.

4.15pm | The eagle has landed

The US President, Donald Trump, has landed in Abu Dhabi at the Presidential Airport, and is welcomed by UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Photo credit: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

After greetings were exchanged between the two rulers, a large bouquet of white flowers was presented to the US President.

A number of dignitaries were also present to welcome the president, and from live videos of the event, we can see the USA and UAE flags being waved by little children.

The welcome also included the playing of Al-Ras drums – a musical instrument usually paired with Ayyala dancing.

During the welcome, Donald Trump also spoke to a number of other officials including Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed.

3.45pm | Air Force One has entered UAE airspace

As Air Force One entered UAE airspace, it was greeted with a number of Emirati military aircraft.

2.55pm | Trump has left Qatar for the UAE

Associated Press confirmed that Trump departed Qatar on Air Force One at around 2.55pm.

Abu Dhabi is just a short 50-minute flight away from Qatar. We should be expecting his arrival any minute now.

As he made his way into the UAE, Trump shared, ‘I’m heading to the United Arab Emirates, which has a great and remarkable leader.’

2.30pm | Arrival delayed

The President of the United States, Donald Trump’s arrival into Abu Dhabi is delayed – as announced by the White House.

He was expected to arrive by this time, but Trump was addressing the US troops in Doha, Qatar.

11.50am | Expected arrival time announced

According to a release by the White House, Trump is expected to land in Abu Dhabi, UAE, at around 2pm.

POTUS will then take a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, after which he will make his way to the Presidential Palace, Qasr Al Watan.

Qasr Al Watan is the cultural landmark housed within the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. Qasr Al Watan is Arabic for ‘Palace of the Nation’, and is a working palace that hosts official state visits and summits.

The meeting will be followed by a state dinner

Stay tuned as we will be bringing you all the updates as and when we know them. 

*Heavy vehicle movements will be restricted in Abu Dhabi today*

Earlier this week

On May 13 and 14, Trump was in Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. An investment agreement was signed (including a defense deal), and the US President also announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria.

From Saudi Arabia, Trump then flew into Qatar, where he attended a state dinner at Lusail Palace and oversaw the signing of major agreements. This included the purchase of 160 Boeing twin-aisle jets. He also discussed regional security and economic cooperation.

When in Riyadh, Trump posted a video about his official trip to Saudi with a caption praising Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. It said, “The gleaming marbles of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation builders, neocons, or liberal nonprofits. The birth of a modern Middle East has been brought by the people of the region themselves. Peace, prosperity, and progress ultimately came not from a radical rejection of your heritage, but rather from embracing your national traditions and embracing that same heritage that you love so dearly.”

Previous official meetings

Trump has not visited the UAE in an official capacity but has maintained close ties with the country through business ventures and diplomatic engagements.

In 2024, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the then-former President Trump during an official visit to the United States. During the meeting, the UAE President thanked Trump for the flourishing partnership between the two countries over the past 50 years. 

On Sheikh Mohamed’s official Instagram account, he said ‘Building on more than five decades of cooperation between the UAE and the US, we continue to foster ties across government, business, and society. Our strategic and dynamic partnership is based on a shared vision of sustainable progress for our nations and the world, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration in pursuit of a more stable and prosperous future for all’.

Images: Getty Images