Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani met US President Donald Trump at a state dinner in Qatar. The event took place at Lusail Palace in Doha. First, Ambani warmly greeted Trump and chatted with him for a few minutes. Then, he shook hands with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Trump meets with Mukesh Ambani in Qatar after Saudi visit.@Amockx2022 @mohitlaws @RoshanKrRaii @mr_mayank pic.twitter.com/6RnmsjlW3L
— Nemo D'Souza (@philipbudeikin) May 14, 2025
After that, Ambani talked and laughed with US Commerce Secretary Steve Lutnick as he moved inside the palace.
This was Ambani’s second meeting with Trump since the president took office. Earlier, Ambani and his wife, Nita, had attended a dinner in the US before Trump’s inauguration in January.
A Grand Dinner at Lusail Palace
The state dinner was a grand event. For example, the hall smelled of incense. Moreover, guests heard drums and singing as they arrived.
According to the Washington Post, Elon Musk also attended the dinner but arrived 30 minutes late. In fact, Musk used a “chat and cut” tactic to get ahead in the line.
Other important guests included Chris Ruddy, founder of Newsmax; Stephen Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone; and Antonio Gracias, a close friend of Musk.
Trump’s Middle East Tour
Qatar was the second stop on Trump’s Middle East tour. He first visited Saudi Arabia and then flew to Qatar. His tour also includes the United Arab Emirates.
During the state dinner, Trump asked Qatar to use its influence on Iran. Specifically, he urged Qatar to help convince Iran’s leaders to slow down their nuclear program.
Trump made this appeal during the dinner hosted by Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Overall, the visit is part of Trump’s three-country Middle East trip.