Trump arrives in Doha to a grand welcome, Qatar signs $200b deal to buy jets from Boeing

President Donald Trump arrived on Wednesday in Qatar, where he was greeted by the country's emir, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, as he kicked off the second leg of his three-nation Middle East tour this week.

Trump's dealmaking in Qatar comes amid controversy over the country's gift - which Trump said he'd accept - of a luxury Boeing 747-8 that the US could use as Air Force One.

On his flight from Saudi Arabia, Air Force One was escorted by Qatari F-15 jets, according to a post on X by White House official Margo Martin.

It was a repeat of Tuesday's escort by Saudi Arabian fighter jets, which was a high-profile move without recent precedent.

Trump was greeted at the airport by Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim Al Thani.

Both leaders then walked down a receiving line of representatives from each country at the Amiri Diwan, the government palace.

The ceremonial greeting also included an escort of riders on camelback.

While Al Thani shook hands with US officials, he had a warmer greeting for Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy who has played a key role in Middle East negotiations.

They clasped hands and pulled each other in for an embrace.

Trump then sat down briefly with Al Thani and marveled at the government palace.

Qatar signed a deal on Wednesday to purchase jets from US manufacturer Boeing for Qatar Airways during Trump's visit to the Gulf Arab country.

Trump said the deal was worth $200 billion and included 160 jets.

Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim witnessed the signing ceremony in Doha.

The deal was announced during Trump's second stop on a tour of Gulf states after he struck a string of deals with Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

Trump said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told him at the signing ceremony that "it's the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing, that's good."

Trump added: "It's over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets, that's fantastic. So that's a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there."

Agencies