Des Moines (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper)
23 January 2026 – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds completed a five-day official trip
to the Middle East on 22 January 2026, meeting leaders in Israel, Saudi Arabia,
and the United Arab Emirates. The visit focused on trade expansion,
agricultural exports, and security cooperation. Reynolds secured commitments
for increased Iowa soybean and pork shipments to Gulf markets.
Governor Kim
Reynolds returned to Iowa following meetings with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in
Riyadh, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
The trip, organised
by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, produced three memoranda of
understanding for agricultural trade valued at $450 million annually. Reynolds
departed Des Moines on 18 January via commercial flight to Tel Aviv.
Iowa Department of
Agriculture reported discussions centred on tariff reductions for Midwest
grains entering Gulf ports. Netanyahu hosted Reynolds at a state dinner, where
both sides affirmed defence industry ties. Saudi meetings addressed renewable energy
partnerships combining Iowa wind expertise with desert solar projects.
Itinerary Details of Governor Reynolds' Middle East Visit
Credit: northiowatoday.com
Reynolds landed in Tel Aviv on 18 January, proceeding directly to Jerusalem for NetanyahCredu talks at the Prime Minister's residence. Discussions covered water technology exchanges, with Iowa committing to pilot desalination projects using Gulf funding. A tour of Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial followed, accompanied by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar.
On 19 January,
Reynolds flew to Riyadh, receiving royal protocol at Al Salam Palace. Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman outlined Vision 2030 food security goals, targeting
50% local production by 2030. Joint statements announced $200 million soybean
purchases for Saudi milling operations. Evening events included a falconry
demonstration and traditional sword dance.
The UAE leg
commenced 20 January in Abu Dhabi, where President Sheikh Mohamed hosted
luncheon at Qasr Al Watan. Talks emphasised halal certification streamlining
for Iowa pork products. Dubai Chamber of Commerce briefing detailed logistics
hubs for refrigerated exports. Reynolds visited the Abrahamic Family House
interfaith centre before departing 22 January.
Trade Agreements Signed During the Five-Day Trip
Iowa signed a $250
million pork export pact with Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment
Company during Riyadh meetings. UAE Barzan Holdings agreed to $150 million
soybean imports, with delivery commencing Q2 2026 via Jebel Ali port. Israeli
AgriTech firm Netafim contracted $50 million irrigation systems for Iowa farms.
Documents outlined
phytosanitary protocols harmonised across three nations, reducing inspection
times from 14 to three days. Iowa pork producers gained access to 12 new Gulf
retail chains. Soybean varieties resistant to Gulf salinity secured fast-track
approval.
Governor's office
released photos of signing ceremonies attended by 40 business leaders from John
Deere, Tyson Foods, and Cargill. Export targets project 15% growth in MiddleEast revenue by 2027.
Statements from Iowa and Host Nation Officials
Governor Reynolds
described the trip as "transformational for Iowa farmers" during Des
Moines press conference upon return. She highlighted personal invitations for
reciprocal visits by Gulf royals to the Iowa State Fair. "These
partnerships secure markets for generations," Reynolds stated.
Netanyahu praised
Iowa's "unwavering support for Israel," noting $30 million annual
defence contracts with Des Moines firms. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
called Reynolds "a true friend of the Kingdom," extending hospitality
to 20 Iowa students for Riyadh scholarships. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah
bin Zayed welcomed commitments to Masdar clean energy ventures.
Iowa Secretary of
Agriculture Mike Naig accompanied Reynolds, coordinating with 15 exporters
present. Naig confirmed veterinary exchanges placing two Iowa specialists in
Dubai labs.
Background on Iowa's Middle East Trade Relations
Credit: ar.inspiredpencil.com
Iowa exports to the Middle East reached $1.2 billion in 2025, led by soybeans (40%), corn (25%), and pork (15%). Saudi Arabia ranks third after China and Mexico. UAE serves as transshipment hub for 20% regional volume. Israel imports $80 million Iowa machinery yearly.
Previous Reynolds
visits occurred in 2022 (UAE only) and 2019 (Saudi Arabia), yielding $300
million prior deals. Iowa hosts Saudi agricultural attaches in Johnston since
2020. Trade missions follow annual patterns since 2010, rotating Gulf capitals.
State incentives
include $10 million export grants matching Middle East purchases. Tax credits
cover 50% shipping costs to GCC ports.
Security and Diplomatic Engagements During Visit
Reynolds met Israeli
Defence Minister Israel Katz, touring Iron Dome battery near Gaza border.
Discussions addressed cybersecurity training for Iowa utilities using Israeli
software. Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud received briefings
on rural policing models.
UAE National
Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed hosted intelligence sharing session
on agricultural terrorism threats. No classified details disclosed publicly.
Travel security provided by Iowa State Patrol and host nations' protocols.
Group visited US
Embassy in Abu Dhabi for consular updates on 800 Iowans residing regionally.
Economic Impact Projections for Iowa Constituents
Iowa Farm Bureau
estimated 2,500 jobs supported by new contracts, concentrated in Sioux City and
Des Moines processing plants. Pork producers project 12% revenue increase from
Gulf access. Soybean crushers anticipate $40 million margins from volume
growth.
Wind turbine exports
to Saudi NEOM city target $100 million over three years. John Deere precision
agriculture kits secured UAE distribution rights. Ethanol blending talks
advanced for Gulf fuel mixes.
Consumer benefits
include stabilised pork prices through export relief.
Cultural Exchanges and People-to-People Ties
Delegation attended
Iftar dinner in Riyadh, sampling kabsa prepared by Saudi chefs. Abu Dhabi
cultural evening featured oud performances and Iowa country music exchange.
Jerusalem visit included Western Wall prayer service with Rabbi Johnathan
Perlman.
20 Iowa 4-H students
selected for summer internships on Gulf kibbutzim equivalents. Saudi guests
invited to 2026 Iowa Games track events. UAE falconers demonstrated hunting
techniques at Iowa fairgrounds preview.
Interfaith dialogues
linked Des Moines mosques with Gulf imams.
Logistical Arrangements and Travel Protocol
Chartered Gulf Air
flights accommodated 45-member delegation including spouses and staff. Lodging
comprised King David Hotel (Jerusalem), Ritz-Carlton (Riyadh), and Emirates
Palace (Abu Dhabi). Daily briefings by Iowa Commerce Department ensured
alignment.
Customs clearances
expedited via pre-negotiated diplomatic channels. Medical teams on standby
addressed heat precautions. No incidents marred itinerary.
Previous Iowa Governor Trips to Middle East
Terry Branstad
visited Saudi Arabia six times 2010-2017, securing $500 million deals.
Reynolds' 2022 UAE trip launched halal pork certification. 2019 Riyadh mission
opened ethanol markets. Cumulative exports grew 300% since 2015.
Pattern establishes
annual rotation: Israel odd years, UAE even years, Saudi alternating. Egypt and
Qatar slated for 2027.
Follow-Up Actions and Implementation Steps
Iowa Commerce schedules contract ratification 15 February. Export finance guarantees activate
March. First shipments depart Sioux Gateway Trade Center April. Monitoring
teams embed with Gulf importers six months.
Reciprocal trade
fair planned Doha November 2026. Governor's office tracks metrics quarterly.
Legislative briefings cover 26 January Des Moines hearings.
No further overseas travel scheduled through June primaries. Domestic ag tour commences 25 January across 10 counties.