Bahrain Mirror: US President Donald Trump arrived to Saudi Arabia on Saturday (May 20, 2017) to hold talks with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as well as Arab and Islamic leaders on his first overseas visit.

According to a US official, Trump will deliver a "inspiring" and live speech before the leaders of at least 50 Muslim countries. He said that the speech is aimed at unifying the wider Muslim world against the common enemies of all civilizations and showing America's commitment to its Muslim partners.

National security adviser General Herbert Raymond McMaster announced in a news conference that Trump would participate in the opening of an Islamic center aimed at "fighting extremism and promoting moderation".

In an unprecedented fashion, the streets of the capital Riyadh and the main buildings were decorated with the green national flag bearing the words "No God but Allah, Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah" along with the stars of the American flag. Some sources say that the preparations cost tens of millions of dollars.

تتأهب العاصمة استعدادًا وترحيبًا لاستقبال ضيف #قمة_الرياض فخامة الرئيس الأمريكي دونالد ترامب وقادة دول العالم العربي والإسلامي. pic.twitter.com/77sFZua6Y3

— RiyadhSummit (@riyadhsummit) May 19, 2017

The ruling family in Saudi Arabia sees Trump's visit as a big crowning moment. Concerning the visit, Riyadh says it comes to confirm that the United States believes that Saudi Arabia is the leader of the Islamic world and the most influential country in the Middle East.

رسائل العزم والريادة..
الرياض، الوجهة الأولى للرئيس دونالد ترامب
#قمة_الرياض pic.twitter.com/qyC7LNuARa

— RiyadhSummit (@riyadhsummit) May 19, 2017

Saudi Arabia expects from this "historic visit" to get assurances that the Trump administration will continue to press Iran to stop what Riyadh considers Tehran's attempts to destabilize the region. Riyadh is also looking for more US support for its military operations in Yemen.

In fact, the US does not see Saudi Arabia as the most influential country in the region, but sees it as one of the Gulf states most capable of making unbelievable arms deals.

A senior White House official said last week that the United States was about to complete a series of over $100 billion worth of arms sales to Saudi Arabia. He noted that this package could eventually add up to $3,000 billion in 10 years to help Saudi Arabia strengthen its defense capabilities.

During his campaign, Trump said that Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries should pay more billions in return for US protection. During his visit as president, Trump is scheduled to meet Gulf Sheikhs to discuss strategic relations and perhaps how to collect jizyah (taxes).

Arabic Version