It was a remarkable gesture for a man whose political career has been marked by intolerance and derision of Muslims, showcasing his willingness to accede to unfamiliar cultural norms to forge potentially lucrative partnerships.

Trump expressed his admiration for the mosque's beauty, saying, "Isn't this beautiful? It is so beautiful. This is an incredible culture." He also marvelled at the fact that the mosque had been closed for the day in his honour.

Follow the latest on Trump's Gulf trip US President Donald Trump paid a visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Thursday evening. Mr Trump was accompanied by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi,