The 2025 Saudi-US Investment Forum opened today at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, setting the tone for a new chapter in the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States. With tourism, innovation, and economic diversification high on the agenda, the forum underscored the Kingdom’s progress under Vision 2030, particularly in positioning itself as a hub for investment and sustainable development across sectors.
The event is taking place alongside the state visit of US President Donald Trump, signalling high-level engagement and underscoring the importance both countries attach to their economic ties. Speaking at the opening session, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih welcomed delegates and emphasised the depth of US-Saudi cooperation, citing more than 90 years of partnership grounded in mutual trust and shared interests.
Al-Falih presented the Kingdom’s 2024 Vision 2030 progress report, with tourism taking a leading role in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. The Minister noted that tourism has grown into a key sector for foreign direct investment, with giga-projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Global, Diriyah, and AlUla now widely recognised as world-class destinations. Investment opportunities now span sustainable tourism infrastructure, cultural and heritage site development, and integrated luxury and adventure experiences.
Redefining urban futures: giga-projects and quality of life
In a standout session titled “Blueprints for Tomorrow: Redefining Urban and Economic Frontiers”, key figures behind Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious giga-projects came together to discuss how visionary planning is reshaping the Kingdom’s urban landscape—and enhancing quality of life for generations to come. Taking place as part of the “Quality of Life” panel track, the discussion brought together leaders such as Minister of Tourism H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Municipalities and Housing H.E. Majed Al-Hogail, and CEOs from NEOM, Diriyah, Red Sea Global, New Murabba, Riyadh Air, and Uber.
The panel explored the complexity, scale, and societal impact of the Kingdom’s giga-projects, each of which reflects a unique blueprint for sustainable living, mobility, and inclusive development. Participants underscored the role of Saudi–U.S. collaboration in realising these transformative goals, not only through capital investment but also in sharing expertise in smart city design, green infrastructure, and cutting-edge transport systems. As John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global, put it, these projects represent “living laboratories” for next-generation urbanism—designed to deliver economic diversification while prioritising human well-being.
The tourism sector, which contributed to a record 116 million visits to the Kingdom in 2024, continues to attract global attention. According to the Saudi Tourism Authority, the goal is to reach 150 million annual visits by 2030. While current visitor numbers from North America and Europe remain modest, these regions represent major growth markets with strong future potential. With several international hospitality brands already expanding their footprint in the Kingdom, opportunities now extend to SMEs and tech-enabled tourism service providers, including travel tech, mobility platforms, and sustainable tourism startups.
Broader opportunities in technology, energy, and healthcare
Alongside tourism, Al-Falih identified energy (both conventional and renewable), artificial intelligence, biotechnology, logistics, and healthcare as high-potential sectors. American companies are already deeply involved in many of these areas, and the Minister called for deeper collaboration, especially in light of technological advancements and global shifts in supply chains.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in its tech ecosystem, launching multiple regulatory and funding platforms aimed at supporting foreign investors and tech entrepreneurs. In 2024 alone, Saudi startups attracted more than $1.3 billion in funding, with growing participation from American venture capital firms.
Shared prosperity through private sector partnerships
The Minister stressed that strategic alignment between Saudi Arabia and the United States is not only economically sound, but vital for global stability and prosperity. “The relationship between the two countries is one of the most important geopolitical connections,” Al-Falih said, highlighting the private sector as a key engine of progress. He added that Saudi Vision 2030 is creating high-yield, long-term opportunities, and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to partner with U.S. firms in achieving mutual growth.
Looking ahead
With a renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and global connectivity, the 2025 Saudi-US Investment Forum sets the stage for a future of stronger bilateral collaboration. Tourism, once a nascent sector, is now at the forefront of investment conversations—reflecting Saudi Arabia’s evolving identity as both a cultural destination and a high-growth economic powerhouse.
As the forum continues, delegates will take part in sector-specific sessions, networking events, and partnership announcements—many of which are expected to deliver concrete investment outcomes in the months ahead.
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Photos: SPA and Saudi-US Investment Forum Press Office
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