Trump visit a long-overdue recognition of Gulf's transformation
https://arab.news/4cyj4
US President Donald Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar last week was significant not only for the sake of business deals and showcasing diplomatic engagement, but also for bringing long-overdue recognition to a region that is going through a tremendous transformation. While some may focus solely on the business aspects, Trump's public acknowledgement of their progress sends a vital message that change in these traditionally conservative, Muslim nations is not only possible, but it is happening before our eyes.
Since Trump's 2017 visit to Saudi Arabia during his first term, all the Gulf countries, not just the Kingdom, have made remarkable progress. The economic growth, technological advancements, business development, innovation, gradual yet meaningful emergence of youth leadership, increased participation of women in society, and the region's growing engagement on the global stage are all a testament to the progress occurring in the region.
For instance, Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is a comprehensive progressive agenda that is reimagining the Kingdom's future in the most transformative way. Since its announcement, the country has witnessed sweeping changes — women are becoming an integral part of the reform, participating in sports and holding leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. While some challenges remain, the pace and breadth of these reforms are simply undeniable.
Similarly, the UAE has positioned itself as the region's leader in innovation, space exploration, renewable energy and now artificial intelligence. It was the first Arab nation to send a probe to Mars and has built a world-class ecosystem for startups and global business. Anyone visiting the UAE for the first time gets the feeling that they have travelled into the year 2050, with all the cutting-edge technology integrated into daily life. Beyond just the skyscrapers and sprawling city skylines, there is also a sense of safety, a thriving business environment and a growing economy, which reflects a country that is moving at an unstoppable pace.
Since Trump's 2017 visit, all the Gulf countries, not just the Kingdom, have made remarkable progress
Adela Raz
Qatar, for its part, successfully hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, showcasing its modern and forward-looking image to billions of people around the world despite the scrutiny it faced. It is increasingly active in global diplomacy and is positioning itself as a trusted mediator and peacemaker in regional conflicts.
The notable changes across the Gulf region are supported by the vast numbers of students returning after years living and studying abroad. Significant numbers of Saudi and Emirati students have been studying at universities across the globe, the majority of whom are supported by government-sponsored scholarships. These years abroad plant important seeds of change. But real change can only take root when paired with leadership that has a clear vision and places trust in its youth, recognizing their potential as a critical driver of national development.
In addition, the way these countries present themselves in international organizations such as the UN displays great openness, confidence and clarity. Their evolving policies and positions signal a genuine commitment to progress and reform, and are clearly visible both through multilateral engagement and on the ground.
However, despite all these positive changes, there has still been skepticism. In Washington and beyond, the instinctive reaction is to question the sincerity and sustainability of these reforms. The Gulf states are usually seen through the outdated lenses of oil wealth, conservatism and authoritarianism. The progress and changes they have been making are too often dismissed as cosmetic or strategically self-serving. The assumption that these countries are incapable of genuine reforms or that they are somehow incompatible with modernity has long overshadowed their efforts, raising questions about their authenticity and sustainability. But this progress is also consequential, not only for the countries themselves but for the broader Muslim world.
The way these countries present themselves in international organizations displays great openness, confidence and clarity
Adela Raz
Today, when radical Islam remains a threat exploited by extremists to advance divisive and isolating agendas, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar offer a different vision, one of balance and coexistence. This is extremely important for those Muslim nations struggling to reconcile faith with the demands of the 21st century. They have shown leadership and a willingness to support those eager to move away from radicalism.
A notable example of this is Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia last week, when he met with the Syrian leadership, a meeting facilitated by the Kingdom. His announcement of the lifting of sanctions was a major and welcomed development. Saudi Arabia's facilitation to help Syria reintegrate into the regional fold with an emphasis on rejecting extremism in favor of stability and peace reflects the direction these countries are advocating.
Trump's visit, and the accompanying media coverage, helped to lift the long-hanging curtain of doubt and skepticism. His public acknowledgement that these reforms are being driven from within is very important. It affirmed something that many in the region have long been waiting for: respect for their agency.
It is also important to stress that such recognition should not be dismissed as political rhetoric or folded into domestic critiques of Trump. It is time for the international community to recognize it not with suspicion, but rather with the respect it deserves. Such acknowledgment and recognition may well contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of the progress that is underway and help to amplify a story that the region is very eager to share with the world.
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