President Donald J. Trump Visits Qatar
As President Donald J. Trump prepares to visit the State of Qatar, the US-Qatar Business Council is pleased to share this special briefing highlighting the strength and continued expansion of the bilateral business and investment relationship between the United States and Qatar. This historic visit underscores more than 50 years of diplomatic partnership and strategic cooperation—an enduring relationship built on shared values, mutual economic interests, and a commitment to regional and global stability.
This moment marks not only a milestone in our diplomatic history but also a critical opportunity to deepen commercial ties that benefit both nations. We eagerly anticipate that this visit will be crowned with new business and investment agreements, which will further enhance bilateral cooperation, stimulate job creation, foster innovation, and bring long-term prosperity to both the American and Qatari people.
The US-Qatar Business Council, founded in 1996 in Washington, D.C. as a non-profit, non-governmental organization, has been at the forefront of advancing this vital economic relationship. Since its inception, the Council has worked tirelessly to support American companies—large and small—in exploring opportunities, building partnerships, and accessing the growing Qatari market. At the same time, we have proudly collaborated with Qatari businesses and investors to expand their footprint in the United States, strengthen relationships with American partners, and bring high-quality products, services, and investments to Qatar and the United States.
Our efforts are driven by a clear mission: to foster an open, dynamic, and mutually beneficial commercial environment that drives economic growth, innovation, and shared prosperity. We want to reiterate our unwavering commitment to supporting our member companies, stakeholders, and partners. Together, we look ahead to a future of even greater opportunity.
We hope this brief serves as a valuable resource, providing insights and perspectives as we commemorate this significant moment in U.S.-Qatar relations and look forward to the promising developments that lie ahead. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and look forward to our shared success in the future.
Overview
President Donald J. Trump is expected to visit Qatar in mid-May 2025 as part of his broader regional tour across the Gulf. The visit underscores the importance of strengthening the strategic and economic ties between the US and Qatar, with a focus on investment, innovation, and regional cooperation. President Trump’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with Qatari leadership, discussions on enhancing bilateral trade, and renewed engagement on shared infrastructure and energy initiatives. The visit reflects the long-standing friendship between both nations and their mutual commitment to stability and prosperity in the region.
During his previous term, President Trump met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on several occasions, reinforcing the significance of US-Qatar collaboration. Qatar has consistently played a key role in regional diplomacy and has made major investments in the US economy, including in real estate, aviation, and technology. These engagements have not only deepened the bilateral partnership but have also fostered new opportunities for business development and joint ventures, especially in sectors such as defense, education, and energy.
The US-Qatar relationship is rooted in strong economic, security, and cultural cooperation. Qatar is home to the Al Udeid Air Base, which serves as a vital hub for US military operations in the region, reflecting a trusted security partnership. Economically, both countries continue to explore avenues for trade diversification and investment growth, supported by regular dialogue and collaboration. With longstanding educational and cultural exchanges, including prominent US universities operating in Qatar, the two nations continue to build a forward-looking relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared goals.
Economic and Trade Cooperation
Expansion of bilateral trade and investment opportunities
Qatari investments in US infrastructure, energy, and technology
US business access to the Qatari market and diversification under Qatar National Vision 2030
Defense and Security Partnership
Continued cooperation at Al Udeid Air Base
Regional security coordination and military training programs
Defense procurement and technology partnerships
Energy Collaboration
Joint projects in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewables
Energy security and market stability
Opportunities for US energy firms in Qatar's upstream and downstream sectors
Innovation and Technology
Digital infrastructure and smart city initiatives
Cybersecurity cooperation
Collaboration in AI, fintech, and emerging technologies
Education and Cultural Exchange
Expansion of US university exchange programs and academic partnerships in Qatar
Cultural diplomacy and youth exchange initiatives
Regional Diplomacy and Cooperation
Gulf unity and diplomatic engagement
Coordination on humanitarian and development initiatives
Joint support for regional stability and mediation efforts
Real Estate: QIA has made substantial real estate investments in major US cities. This includes the CityCenterDC development in Washington, DC, and significant stakes in Manhattan West in New York, in partnership with Brookfield Property Partners.
Infrastructure: In 2016, QIA announced a $10 billion commitment to US infrastructure, supporting projects aligned with long-term urban development and energy transition goals.
Technology and Innovation: Qatar has entered the US innovation landscape through strategic investments in AI and tech firms, such as Instabase, reflecting a growing interest in emerging technologies.
Financial Sector: QIA has acquired minority stakes in US financial institutions and investment funds, contributing to deeper integration within US capital markets.
Energy Partnerships: QatarEnergy works closely with ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips on LNG projects in Texas and Louisiana. These ventures help expand Qatar's global energy leadership while strengthening US energy infrastructure.
Aviation Sector: Qatar Airways has placed major aircraft orders with Boeing, directly supporting the US manufacturing sector. It also operates direct routes between Doha and several major US cities, enhancing connectivity and commerce.
Private Sector Expansion: Qatari conglomerates such as Power International Holding, Baladna, and Ooredoo have pursued ventures in US sectors including food, healthcare, telecom, and hospitality.
Education and Philanthropy: Qatar Foundation supports six US university campuses in Doha’s Education City, bringing American higher education to the region and fostering educational diplomacy. This presence not only expands access to world-class academic programs but also creates opportunities for greater cross-cultural understanding and long-term economic collaboration. Institutions like Qatar Museums have also partnered with major US cultural organizations, further deepening people-to-people ties.
While Qatari investments in the US are highly visible, US companies have also made strong inroads in Qatar, contributing to its national development goals under Qatar National Vision 2030:
Energy and Industrial Sector: US energy firms like ExxonMobil, Chevron Phillips Chemical, and GE are long-term partners in Qatar’s LNG and petrochemical ventures, playing vital roles in infrastructure development and technological advancement.
Defense and Aerospace: The US is a primary supplier of defense equipment to Qatar, with companies such as Raytheon, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin supporting key defense modernization initiatives.
Technology and Digital Economy: US firms are active in Qatar’s growing tech ecosystem, partnering with local stakeholders on digital infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity solutions.
Education and Research: Through their branch campuses in Doha, institutions like Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon, and Cornell University collaborate with local entities to promote research, workforce development, and cross-cultural engagement.
Business Services and Consulting: Leading US consulting and legal firms such as McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, and Jones Day maintain strong operations in Qatar, advising on strategic economic projects.
Together, these investments and partnerships underscore the strength and resilience of the US-Qatar economic relationship, fostering innovation, job creation, and long-term development in both countries.