Riyadh forum marks new era of Saudi, US partnership 
In a world increasingly defined by economic interdependence and cross-border collaboration, the recently held Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh stands out as a key platform for strengthening ties between two major economies.
Bringing together more than 2,000 senior government officials, Fortune 500 companies, and leading investors from both nations, the forum has opened new avenues of cooperation across energy, technology, healthcare, and infrastructure — resulting in $300 billion in formalized investments.
This is a major step toward the $600 billion in commitments previously announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to deepen the strategic partnership between the Kingdom and the US.
In his address, the crown prince said that the next phase aims to build on the $600 billion, with plans to increase Saudi Arabia’s investment commitment to $1 trillion.
As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 goals and the US seeks stronger global alliances, the forum marks a milestone in shaping the future of bilateral economic cooperation.
The deeply rooted Saudi-US relationship has played a vital strategic role in both nations' prosperity over the past 92 years, beginning in 1933 when the Kingdom granted an oil exploration concession to the Standard Oil Co. of California.
The historic 1945 meeting between King Abdulaziz and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the USS Quincy laid the foundation for this enduring partnership.
The Saudi and American private sectors have been instrumental in driving bilateral trade and investment growth. Between 2013 and 2024, trade between the two countries totaled $500 billion, with $32.5 billion recorded in 2024 alone.
Saudi Arabia now hosts 1,266 US-registered investment companies — an 80 percent increase in 2023 over 2022. As of early 2025, 200 regional headquarters licenses have been granted to US firms.
Among US-registered companies in the Kingdom, the top sectors include professional and technical services (289), ICT (253), manufacturing (220), construction (130), and wholesale and retail trade (80).
American foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia has grown significantly, making the US the Kingdom’s largest FDI source. The US holds $54 billion in FDI stock — 25 percent of Saudi Arabia’s total FDI.
With Saudi investments in the US exceeding $770 billion, Saudi investors show strong confidence in the stability and appeal of the American market.
These growing economic ties reflect the enduring strength of the US–Saudi partnership and signal continued opportunities for mutual growth.
The forum has laid the groundwork for forward-looking collaboration, uniting key players to explore new opportunities in a rapidly changing global economy.
By promoting innovation and strategic dialogue, it has reinforced the foundation for long-term partnerships and economic progress.
The momentum from these discussions could lead to transformative investments and breakthroughs across sectors.
The forum has also created unique business opportunities, strengthening existing partnerships between Saudi Arabia and the US.
The high-level participation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Trump highlights its importance as a pivotal event where ideas turn into action and collaborations drive long-term impact across industries.
Both governments have played a key role in ensuring stable bilateral trade, while the private sector continues to fuel economic growth through strategic investments.
The US-Saudi Business Council remains vital in advancing trade and investment, offering practical support and strategic guidance to businesses navigating both markets.
Over the past 30 years, it has facilitated billions in cross-border agreements, further deepening economic ties between the two nations.
• Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst.
X: @TalatHafiz
