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Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Transforms Into a Global Luxury Destination
As luxury hotels rise from desert sands and ancient historical sites open to international visitors, the travel world is turning its attention to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom, which was closed to international tourists just a few years ago, is emerging as luxury travel's new frontier, blending centuries-old heritage with cutting-edge sustainable design and five-star hospitality. More from WWD The 'Experience Economy' Reshapes Travel Velocity Black Is Transforming Consumers' Luxury Experience Waldorf Astoria Staffers Get Uniforms Designed by Nicholas Oakwell Saudi Arabia's government has invested over $800 billion in tourism, making it the world's fastest-growing tourism market. In the first quarter of 2025, international arrivals jumped 23 percent, building on record numbers from 2024, according to data released last month by the Saudi Tourism Authority. The country surpassed its ambitious visitor target for 2030, seven years ahead of schedule, coinciding with Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global arts and culture destination. World-class exhibitions and high-end hospitality concepts are attracting a sophisticated international audience seeking immersive cultural experiences. Tourism spending has surged, with international visitors contributing about $37.6 billion to the Saudi economy in 2023. The sector now accounts for 5 percent of the country's gross domestic product, up from just 3 percent in 2019, with plans to reach 10 percent by 2030. Saudi Arabia has raised its ambition further, targeting 150 million annual visitors by 2030, including 70 million international arrivals — a goal that would place the kingdom among the world's top seven most-visited countries. Riyadh Air: The Kingdom's New Global Carrier Central to Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy is Riyadh Air, the kingdom's new flagship carrier launched to connect Saudi Arabia to over 100 destinations by 2030. The first flights are set to take off at the end of this year. With a fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft, Riyadh Air represents Saudi Arabia's determination to create a world-class aviation experience. The airline, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has already placed orders for dozens of aircraft, including 39 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 60 Airbus A321neo aircraft. The recently unveiled cabin interiors rival the most luxurious airlines in the world, with four-tier seating including a dramatic 'Business Elite' class featuring 52-inch-high privacy walls, 78-inch fully flat beds, and what the airline claims are the world's largest business class screens at 32 inches. The branding incorporates Saudi heritage through a color palette of deep purples, mocha gold, and veined stone accents. The airline has partnered with high-end French audio company Devialet to embed speakers directly into the headrests, eliminating the need for headphones. Saudi couturier Ashi has designed the uniforms, which were revealed during Paris couture week. 'Riyadh Air will be a digitally native airline, driven by a pioneering spirit with an obsessive focus on attention to detail and innovation at its heart,' said Tony Douglas, chief executive officer of Riyadh Air. 'We aim to permanently transcend our guests' perceptions and experiences of flying in the modern world.' Douglas emphasizes the market necessity driving the airline's creation: 'We're not trying to create a market that doesn't exist. Riyadh, the capital city of a G20 country, is not well enough connected. Today, you do not have the option to fly direct to Tokyo. You do not have the option to fly direct to Shanghai or Seoul or Sydney, and the list just goes on and on.'. Hosting the World: Major Global Events Saudi Arabia's event calendar has expanded dramatically as the country has opened up. Cultural festivals like MDLBeast Soundstorm, one of the world's largest music festivals, are attracting international artists and visitors in unprecedented numbers. The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become a fixture on the racing calendar, and the kingdom has invested heavily in sporting events ranging from championship boxing matches to golf tournaments. The upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup will put the kingdom at the center of the global sports stage. The recently completed Diriyah Gate project, a $50 billion cultural and lifestyle destination near Riyadh, showcases the kingdom's UNESCO World Heritage site while offering luxury retail, dining, and entertainment experiences in a setting that honors Saudi Arabia's historical roots. To accommodate the projected influx of visitors, Saudi Arabia is dramatically expanding its tourism infrastructure. Hotel capacity is scheduled to double from 400,000 rooms to 800,000 rooms by 2035, with major international hospitality brands establishing a presence in the kingdom. Airport development is accelerating, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh undergoing significant expansion and the new King Salman International Airport under construction with a capacity to handle 120 million passengers annually. Ground transportation is being enhanced with new high-speed rail connections and road networks linking major tourism destinations. Red Sea Global: Redefining Luxury Tourism Perhaps no project better exemplifies Saudi Arabia's tourism ambitions than the Red Sea Development. Red Sea Global is creating what aims to be the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism destination, with strict environmental protections and a commitment to operate using 100 percent renewable energy. The project, which will eventually encompass 22 islands and six inland sites, is already welcoming guests to its first luxury resorts. Major international hotel brands are making significant investments in Saudi Arabia. Marriott International has been particularly aggressive in its expansion within the kingdom with 40 hotels and more than 11,000 rooms in its development pipeline for the country. 'We are super excited about what's going on in Saudi,' says Tina Edmundson, president of luxury at Marriott International. 'The vision is very compelling.' Marriott's current investments include the St. Regis and The Ritz Carlton Reserve, Nujuma Reserve at the Red Sea, an upcoming Edition hotel in the Red Sea, and multiple luxury properties across key Saudi cities. Among its newest properties is Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, which opened in January in Diriyah, the historic district of Riyadh known as the birthplace of the kingdom. Bab Samhan — named after one of the most iconic gates in historic Diriyah — is the first luxury hotel to open in the UNESCO World Heritage area. Its location offers panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah and is within walking distance to At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the popular Bujairi Terrace dining district. Edmundson highlights the strategic importance of the Saudi market, noting, 'Luxury is such an important part of the Saudi vision.' She also praised the kingdom's commitment to sustainability: 'They've approached building in a way to really protect the environment.' Even with the remarkable momentum, Saudi Arabia's tourism transformation faces challenges. The kingdom must balance its conservative cultural identity with the expectations of international visitors and continue to develop its tourism infrastructure and workforce. But Douglas highlights that beyond transportation, Riyadh Air serves as a powerful branding vehicle for the kingdom's tourism aspirations, carrying the message of Saudi Arabia's transformation to global markets and helping to overcome some of the perception challenges. 'Riyadh Air will play a considerable role in opening our kingdom to the world for many more people to enjoy our hospitality, warmth and beautiful tourist sites.' Best of WWD The Definitive Timeline for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Sean John Fashion Brand: Lawsuits, Runway Shows and Who Owns It Now What the Highest-paid CEOs at U.S. Fashion and Retail Companies Make Confidence Holds Up, But How Much Can Consumers Take?
NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Flight Check: Business vs Premium Economy on Air New Zealand's retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner
Seat: For the outbound flight, I had a front row seat to all the mod-cons available on board ZK-NZH, the first in the airline's fleet of 14 Dreamliners to undergo a world-first, nose-to-tail retrofit. In the Business Premier cabin, a 1-2-1 configuration means every seat is an aisle seat - the partition privacy screen meant my 2B 'middle' seat felt like sitting solo, though those travelling with a companion will appreciate it lowers. I'm 163cm tall and the 137cm-wide business class seats felt massive. The 2m-long seat reclined fully flat at the push of a button, pairing with a separate memory foam mattress, pillows and duvet to offer a supremely comfortable sleeping quarters I didn't get to take full advantage of on my 3-and-a-half-hour flight to Brisbane. I made full use of the automated head and lumber rests to settle in while reading my book and watching a movie stretched out. On my return leg, I was in Premium Economy seat 27F. This cabin has reverted from slanted pod seating to a linear 2-3-2 layout, but the roomy seats still feel luxe, offering a pitch of 104cm and a 20cm recline. The seats have wraparound side wings for privacy and a fixed outer shell, meaning you can recline without intruding on the person behind you. Double arm rests delineate personal space and the adjustable leg rest and foot-bar meant I could still kick my feet up. The larger seats afford generous work and storage space too, with roomy seatback pockets for your bits and bobs and large bi-fold tray table to work and dine on. There's even a slot to stand your iPad or phone in. Crew: On the first commercial outings for the zhushed-up plane, cabin crew did a stellar job of walking the line between jovial and professional. The captain and flight deck crew greeted us warmly, trialling the new Emilia Wickstead designed uniforms and chatted keenly about the designs (all positive feedback so far). Having the airline's CEO Greg Foran onboard for the landmark flight didn't distract from the airline's characteristically attentive service. Interactions with warm and thoughtful crew member Sapphire were a highlight on both legs of the journey. When my seatmate gave some constructive feedback about their meal, she acted quickly to calmly address their concerns, then gently and proactively inquired with others who might be in the same situation. Passengers: The premium cabins were almost full on both legs, with a mix of media, aviation enthusiasts and commercial passengers. From what I observed, everyone received the same level of studious service. Food and drink: The airline says its in-flight menu is 'an expression of who we are and inspired by manaakitanga - the Māori tradition of hospitality'. In Business Class, that started promptly, with a pre-take off glass of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Champagne, orange juice or water, followed by a pre-meal tropical smoothie just after wheels up. For the breakfast service, I picked the herb and spinach omelette with slow-roasted capsicum caponata and chorizo sausage from the three 'bigger breakfast' menu options. Before that warming plate was delivered, an expansive table was unfurled from the side of my pod, laid with a white linen table-cloth, proper plates and metal cutlery. I enjoyed two rounds of pre-breakfast in the form of a fresh fruit platter and pastries, and then a really delicious bowl of overnight oats with hazelnuts, black cherries, pears and puffed buckwheat. I've had the oats before - they taste just as good served in a carboard bowl in economy. Between that and multiple cups of coffee, I was full to bursting, but fresh fruit and refreshments can be ordered through the entertainment console at will. Caponata must have been my culinary word du jour - because it was also a component in my choice of lunch, this time a hearty eggplant version that accompanied New Zealand lamb braised in red wine served over pleasingly al dente farro and walnuts. A Puhoi goat cheese and creme fraiche mousse with fennel, pea and radish was a fresh but decadent starter. The drinks trolley offered a special-edition cocktail called 'The Wickstead', the on-brand violet-hued concoction, a tribute to uniform designer Emilia Wickstead, mixed Scapegrace Uncommon Gin, tonic water with blackcurrant and boysenberries. Entertainment: An all-new inflight entertainment system with larger screens awaits in each seat onboard the refreshed Dreamliner. In Business Class you get a truly impressive 24-inch HD 4K entertainment screen that can connect to your phone for easy remote navigation. The 15.3-inch high-resolution screen in Premium Economy is a good quality too, and not so large that you look over your shoulder when the content advisory displays at the start of your movie (blessed be those privacy screens). High-quality noise-cancelling headphones are offered in both premium cabins and you have the option to connect your own bluetooth headphones as well. The best bit: That lie-flat seat was a thing of glory. I never have trouble sleeping on planes but if you do, and have to get to your long-haul destination refreshed, it'll change the game. The worst bit: I find the consistent, low-frequency rumble of an airplane's engine provides white noise that helps me focus and was looking forward to using a travel day to get some work done, but had difficulty connecting to the inflight wi-fi on both legs. My aisle mate was in the same position, and after crew couldn't solve it for them I took it as a sign to watch a movie instead. Final verdict: After we landed back in Auckland the plane went on to complete its first long-haul service to San Francisco. I would jump at the opportunity to fly Business on a flight of that length, but for transtasman, I think Premium Economy is a great option. Judge for yourself though - all 14 Boeing 787-9s in Air New Zealand's fleet are expected to be updated to the new cabin layout by the end of 2026.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
IndiGo to commence flights from Mumbai to Manchester, Amsterdam in July
IndiGo will start operating direct flights from Mumbai to Manchester and Amsterdam with the leased Boeing 787-9 aircraft in July, and the services to the UK city will also mark the airline's long haul debut. The airline, which has been expanding its fleet as well as overseas connections, will commence Mumbai-Manchester (UK) flight from July 1 and the Mumbai-Amsterdam (the Netherlands) service from July 2, according to releases issued on Wednesday. Both services will be operated thrice a week and complimentary hot meals will be offered to the passengers on these routes. IndiGo said it will be the only airline offering direct connectivity between India and the Northern UK with the flight to Manchester. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track default , selected Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo The airline's CEO Pieter Elbers said its long-haul foray marks a pivotal moment in its global expansion journey. "We are very proud as well as excited to open the sale of our first long-haul service connecting Mumbai with Manchester, a very special route in many ways," he added. Generally, long haul flights have a duration of at least nine hours. Live Events Recently, IndiGo signed agreements with Norse Atlantic Airways to damp lease six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners one of them is operating Delhi-Bangkok flights. "These aircraft will support IndiGo's debut into the European market, starting with Manchester and Amsterdam, while the airline awaits the delivery of its A321XLR from this year and A350-900 aircraft from 2027 onwards," IndiGo said. With a fleet of over 400 planes, IndiGo currently operates more than 2,200 daily flights connecting over 90 domestic and 40 international destinations.
Skift
21-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
IndiGo Reveals Launch Dates for Long-Haul European Expansion
IndiGo is using leased Dreamliners and just enough premium (think free meals, extra legroom) to tap into India's booming long-haul demand, creating a smart middle ground between no-frills fares and full-service comfort. IndiGo is launching its first long-haul route between Mumbai and Manchester starting July 1. Just a day later, on July 2, the low-cost carrier will begin its non-stop service from Mumbai to Amsterdam. These will be the airline's first intercontinental flights using wide-body aircraft, operated with damp-leased Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic Airways. IndiGo will become the only airline offering nonstop flights from Mumbai to Manchester. These long-haul launches come at a time when demand for travel between India and Europe continues to rise. For Amsterdam and Manchester, both important business and diaspora hubs, there is a clear need for more direct connectivity. 'We are stretching our wings further to enhance accessibility and convenience to customers traveling to Europe for leisure, business, and education, as well as unlocking IndiGo's unparalleled domestic network, showcasing 'India by IndiGo' to foreign travellers,' IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers said. Connectivity to Northern England Elbers earlier told Skift that a major new trade deal between India and the UK was good news for IndiGo. The new thrice-weekly flights will offer European travelers easier access to IndiGo's extensive domestic network, which covers more than 90 Indian cities. With half a million people of Indian heritage living in Manchester Airport's catchment area, the service is likely to serve both leisure and family travel, as well as student and business segments, Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said. 'On top of that we have this summer's England vs India Test series to look forward to. It's great to see tickets for this exciting route going on sale and I'm really looking forward to welcoming the first passengers in the summer,' added Woodroofe. What to Expect Onboard These Flights? The airline is using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, configured with 338 seats in total — 56 in IndiGoStretch and 282 in standard economy. IndiGoStretch is the airline's version of a premium economy or hybrid business class product. It offers 43-inch seat pitch, greater recline, and a 2x3x2 seating layout. Economy seats have a 31-inch pitch in a 3x3x3 layout. On board, the experience will be noticeably different from the typical IndiGo flight. All passengers, regardless of cabin, will receive complimentary hot meals, a first for the carrier. In IndiGoStretch, this will include alcoholic beverages, while economy passengers will receive complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, with the option to purchase alcohol. Meals will be vegetarian by default, with the ability to pre-select non-vegetarian options during booking. IndiGo's Long-Haul Strategy This move is just the beginning of IndiGo's widebody operations. The airline has leased four 787-9s from Norse, one of which already operates on the Mumbai–Bangkok route. These aircraft will bridge the gap until IndiGo's own Airbus A321XLRs begin arriving later this year, followed by Airbus A350-900s from 2027 onwards. With these aircraft, IndiGo aims to gradually build a long-haul network that mirrors its successful domestic and regional operations, which includes low-cost, point-to-point flights. 'International air travel in India was catered to by non-Indian airlines for a long time. The further away you go from India, the lower is the market share of Indian carriers. There is an opportunity for us to offer a product that is operated by an Indian operator and address that market,' Elbers said at the Skift India Forum. However, Elbers did say that there will still be some time before IndiGo enters ultra long-haul operations: 'There is a lot of long-haul flying to do before we go the ultra long-haul route.' Recorded March 2025 What am I looking at? The performance of airline sector stocks within the ST200. The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including network carriers, low-cost carriers, and other related companies. The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more airlines sector financial performance. Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.
The Herald Scotland
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Key moments from Trump's Mideast jaunt: Deals, disco and a blue carpet
"That's not what they want," Trump said. "They don't want a fist bump. They want to shake his hand." Trump wrapped up a four-day excursion to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates on May 16. It was heavy on pageantry, commerce and camel-appreciation. He signed multi-billion dollar deals. Toured Riyadh's gilded palaces. Expressed a luxury hotel builder's admiration for marble floors and columns in Doha. In Abu Dhabi, Trump was dazzled by the white minarets and domes of the "incredible" Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Throughout, Trump was treated to opulent state dinners and feted like only three of the world's wealthiest monarchies likely can. There were escorts from fighter jets and flag-bearing Arabian horsemen. The disco hit "YMCA," a song familiar from Trump's rallies, and to some a LGBTQ+ anthem, was blasted at least twice. There was also time for serious policy asides - on Syria, Russia's Ukraine war, Gaza and Iran. Here are some of the key moments and takeaways from the trip. Dealmaker-in-chief gets deals, deals, deals The White House made no secret of its main goal for Trump's visit: to sign trade and economic deals that benefit Americans. In Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated a pledge to invest $600 billion in U.S.-Saudi partnerships encompassing artificial intelligence data centers, infrastructure projects, healthcare technologies, science collaborations, and various defense and security ties and initiatives. In Qatar, Trump announced an economic exchange worth $1.2 trillion. One headline-grabbing agreement: Qatar Airways said it would buy up to 210 Boeing jets for $96 billion. The White House said the deal would support 154,000 jobs in the U.S. each year of their production, totaling 1 million jobs over the deal's lifecycle, and that the deal represented the largest-ever order of 787 Dreamliners, a wide-body, long-range aircraft. Qatari 747: How Air Force One stacks up to Trump's coveted 'palace in the sky' The UAE's leaders want American help to make the nation a global leader in AI. The UAE and U.S. signed a framework deal to allow the UAE to import each year hundreds of thousands of Nvidia's most advanced AI chips. The UAE will also invest billions in the U.S. energy and manufacturing sectors. "Somebody's going to be taking the credit for this," Trump said in Abu Dhabi. "You remember," he added, addressing reporters, "this guy did it." Royal red carpets - and one lavender one The three Gulf nations - all rich petrostates - did their best to charm and impress a man who admitted in his book "The Art of the Deal" to be smitten by royalty and all the glitz and glamor that surrounds it. In Riyadh, Trump was greeted at the airport not just by the crown prince and an honor guard lined up with golden swords, but a lavender carpet - a color that celebrates Saudi identity and is reserved for the most high-profile dignitaries. A cavalry of Arabian horses accompanied his presidential limousine - nicknamed the Beast - everywhere it went. More: Trump denies talking golf, real estate in Saudi meetings "As a construction person, this is perfect marble," Trump said to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani as he gestured to the walls and columns of Amiri Diwan, Qatar's presidential office. "This is what they call perfecto. We appreciate those camels," Trump added. His motorcade in Doha was trailed by a parade of red cybertrucks and camels. "I haven't seen camels like that in a long time," he said. Trump was welcomed at Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, by dozens of children waving U.S. flags and line of women in white gowns who stood along a walkway, rhythmically flipping their long hair from side to side in a traditional dance known as "Al-Ayyala," while men behind them beat drums and chanted. Al-Ayyala is intended to simulate a battle scene, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO. "I love it!" Trump said after observing the performance. He then toured one of the world's largest mosques, removing his shoes to take heed of Islamic customs. "Isn't this beautiful? It is so beautiful," Trump said, as he marveled at the arches, white pillars and intricate flower inlays at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. "Very proud of my friends. This is an incredible culture." A Syrian meeting unthinkable months ago Trump met in Riyadh with a man who only months ago had a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head. Ahmed al-Sharaa has transformed himself from an al Qaeda militant to Syria's president. Sharaa joined al Qaeda in Iraq around the time of 2003 U.S.-led invasion. He spent years in a U.S. prison in Iraq before returning to Syria to join the insurgency against now deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia with his family, and according to reports, much of his vast wealth in December 2024. Syria's leader: How he rose from al-Qaeda to a meeting with President Trump "I think he has got the potential," Trump remarked after his meeting with Sharaa. It came after Trump announced the U.S. was lifting sanctions on Syria that have hurt its economy. Talk of Ukraine, Iran, Gaza Trump said in Qatar the U.S. was getting very close to securing a nuclear deal with Iran, and that Tehran had "sort of" agreed to the terms. A senior advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appeared to confirm progress is being made in an interview with NBC News. The U.S. wants Iran to halt its uranium enrichment. Washington suspects Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear activities are for civilian energy purposes only. The U.S. and Iran have been holding talks over Tehran's nuclear program for weeks, with Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, calling the last round in Muscat, the capital of Oman, "encouraging." A deal with Iran? Trump says he's close to one As Trump capped the first foreign tour of his second term, he also made brief comments on Gaza, acknowledging reports from Gazans, the UN and rights groups that "a lot of people are starving." A two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in March, shortly after Israel reimposed a total blockade on Gaza that aid agencies say has sparked critical food shortages. Trump also addressed Gaza when he was in Qatar, saying he wants to make the Palestinian territory into a "freedom zone," a variation on his "Riviera of the Middle East" proposal for the seaside enclave where tens of thousands have been killed. 'Riviera of the Middle East' no more? Trump has new plan for war-torn Gaza And over the course of the four-day trip, it also emerged Trump could add Turkey to his itinerary to take part in peace teaks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. But when Putin didn't show, Zelenskyy bailed and then so did Trump, though a lower-level delegation of Russian and Ukrainian negotiators did show up in Istanbul on May 16 for what was billed as their first direct peace talks in more than three years. As did Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "Look, nothing's going to happen until Putin and I get together," Trump said. Young man! Cue 'YMCA' It was also, at times, a music-filled trip. Trump was welcomed on stage at an investment conference in Riyadh, and the next day at a U.S. military base in Qatar, while Nashville singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" was played. The patriotic country song is a staple at Trump's political rallies. A familiar tune: Trump ends Saudi Arabia and Qatar visit with 'YMCA' Trump walked off the stage in Riyadh, and one at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, to The Village People's 1978 hit "YMCA." The crown prince stood next to Trump on the stage in Saudi Arabia, a country that has outlawed homosexuality and alternative forms of gender expression, sometimes punishable by death. "That was a great four days, historic four days," Trump told reporters on the flight home. "The jobs and money coming into our countries - there has never been anything like it." Sanam Vakil, a Middle East analyst at the London-based think tank Chatham House, said ahead of Trump's regional jaunt that "human rights will not be part of Trump's agenda." They weren't. Trump's Gulf tour: personal diplomacy and family business intersect On Air Force, Trump warmed to his theme. "Everyone's talking about it," he said. "The respect shown to our country was incredible." Trump then said it was time to get back to Washington, not least because he wanted to go see his new grandson. As grandpa was inking billion-dollar deals in faraway gleaming cities built in deserts, his daughter Tiffany gave birth to a baby boy, her first child, the president's 11th grandchild. At the airport in Abu Dhabi, Trump's Emirati hosts rolled out a baby blue carpet for his exit.
