Warplanes and chandeliers: Trump’s glamourous welcome in Riyadh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: With fighters jets and mounted cavalry, Saudi Arabia´s Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman gave Donald Trump a lavish royal welcome in Riyadh on Tuesday, as the president kicked off a multi-day tour of the Gulf.

Shortly before Air Force One landed in the Saudi capital, Trump´s adviser Dan Scavino posted a video on X showing Saudi warplanes -- American-made F-15s -- escorting the presidential aircraft during its final approach to Riyadh.

After touching down, Trump was greeted on the tarmac by Prince Mohamed, waiting on a purple carpet flanked by a guard of honour -- a privilege only bestowed upon the most favoured of guests.

The wealthy Gulf monarchy´s penchant for luxury likely found a receptive audience with Trump´s own taste for military decorum mixed with opulence.The US president recently announced plans to hold a rare military parade in Washington next month to mark the 250th anniversary of the US army alongside his 79th birthday.

The warm welcome highlighted the two powerful leaders´ close personal ties -- in sharp contrast with the frosty relations that marked the beginning of Joe Biden´s term.“I really believe we like each other a lot,” Trump said during a bilateral meeting with the Saudi de facto ruler.Under Trump, the Saudi crown prince was the first head of state to be granted a call with the newly-elected president.