INTERNATIONAL
Trump's Riyadh Visit: Saudi Arabia commits $600 billion in U.S. investments across key sectors
U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
RIYADH: In a sweeping show of economic diplomacy, Saudi Arabia has pledged a staggering $600 billion investment across multiple American industries, the White House announced following a high-level meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The multi-sector deal spans technology, energy, and critical minerals, but perhaps most striking is the record-breaking arms purchase by Saudi Arabia—nearly $142 billion in U.S.-made weaponry. This marks the single largest arms sale in American history.
The deal includes advanced missile systems, air defense capabilities, and a comprehensive modernization of Saudi Arabia’s ground forces, border patrol units, and military communications—much of it powered by U.S. technology and services.
In addition, Saudi Arabia has committed $20 billion toward U.S.-based AI data center development and energy infrastructure, signaling a growing strategic interest in next-generation technologies.
In a reciprocal move, major U.S. tech giants including Google, Oracle, AMD, and Uber have unveiled $80 billion in investment plans within Saudi Arabia. Another $2 billion from American firms will flow into Saudi construction projects, including King Salman International Airport, King Salman Park, and the ambitious Qiddiya entertainment city.
Saudi Arabia remains one of the United States' most significant trading partners in the Middle East. In 2024, bilateral trade hit $25.9 billion, with the U.S. recording a trade surplus of $443 million. The Kingdom also stands as the largest buyer of American-made military assets, with current transactions totaling $129 billion.
This flurry of deals underscores not just mutual economic interests, but a deepening strategic alignment between Washington and Riyadh in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
