Opulence and business deals among takeaways from Trump’s Middle East tour

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani welcomes US President Donald Trump during an official welcoming ceremony at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar (Alex Brandon/AP)

US President Donald Trump used the first major foreign trip of his second term to outline a vision for restoring global stability that is grounded in pragmatism and self-interest rather than values, holding out ties to wealthy Gulf countries as a model for America’s long-time foes.

Mr Trump’s four-day swing through Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, which ends on Friday, put a spotlight on his transactional approach to foreign affairs as he was feted by autocratic rulers with a trio of lavish state visits where there was heavy emphasis on economic and security partnerships.