Trump's visit to the Gulf: Will it open the door to investment in the Kurdistan Region?

 US President Donald Trump's visit to several Gulf states has raised questions about its political and economic impact on the Kurdistan Region, given the region's well-known positive relationship with Gulf capitals and its close ties with Washington on development and security issues.

In this context, researcher and political analyst Yassin Aziz told Baghdad Today on Sunday (May 18, 2025) that "Trump's visit has significant repercussions for the entire region, including Iraq. Since the Kurdistan Region is part of Iraq, the region—although it has constitutionally granted special status—remains bound by the public interests and frameworks set by Iraqi foreign policy."

The Gulf and the region: a stable partnership and open prospects

Aziz adds that "the region's relations with the Arab Gulf states have been distinguished and positive for a long time, particularly with pivotal countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and even the rest of the Gulf states," noting that "these countries already have investments in the region, and there is ongoing economic activity, although the ambition is for it to expand further in the coming period."

He believes that Trump's visit to the Gulf states "could be a catalyst" in this direction, as it reshapes the region's economic priorities and could create a new climate that encourages Gulf states to increase their investment engagement in safe and stable regions such as the Kurdistan Region.

Washington - Gulf - Erbil... a triangle of intersecting interests

In response to the possibility of competition between Gulf and American investments in the region, Aziz ruled out this proposal, asserting that "each party has its own perspective, and Gulf state investments do not come at the expense of foreign companies, but may complement them." He emphasized that "the Kurdistan Region is viewed by the Gulf as a stable model, suitable for investment, due to the availability of security and supportive laws."

The open opportunity... when will it become a reality?

Aziz concluded his remarks by emphasizing that "Trump's visit to the Gulf will not negatively impact the relationship between Erbil and the Gulf capitals, but may contribute to accelerating economic cooperation between them, within an environment that encourages multilateral partnerships."

He believed that "the next phase may witness greater openness by Gulf companies towards the region, driven by external political encouragement and a domestic desire to develop non-oil sectors."  link