Trump Secures $600 Billion Saudi Investment as U.S.-Gulf Business Forum Kicks Off in Riyadh

Watan-U.S. President Donald Trump began his Gulf tour with major economic gains, starting in Saudi Arabia where the White House announced a $600 billion investment pledge by Riyadh into the U.S. economy. In addition, both countries signed a $142 billion defense sales agreement and discussed the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

This announcement coincides with Trump’s regional tour, which also includes Qatar and the UAE. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had previously pledged the $600 billion investment in January. Responding at the time, Trump said: “He’s a great man. I’ll ask him to raise it to a trillion—I think they will because we’ve treated them very well.”

During today’s summit in Riyadh, under opulent chandeliers, Trump welcomed the investment pledge, humorously insisting it should hit the $1 trillion mark. “We have the biggest business leaders in the world here today—and they’ll be leaving with many signed checks,” Trump said, estimating the deals could create two million U.S. jobs.

U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum 2025 Opens in Riyadh

A high-profile welcome ceremony was held, with Saudi royals and business leaders greeting Trump and MBS. Among them was Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk, who appeared in formal attire—an unusual sight.

Strategic Partnership Agreement Signed

Shortly after, Trump and MBS signed a “Strategic Economic Partnership,” including undisclosed memoranda in defense and energy. It also covers technological cooperation and economic planning, aimed at strengthening ties across vital sectors.

Additional agreements included:

• A memorandum in energy to boost sustainable tech and supply security

• An executive agreement for space cooperation in R&D and exploration

• A revised air transport agreement to modernize air travel frameworks

• Several MOUs in cybersecurity, defense innovation, and AI

• A mining MOU to enhance investments and knowledge transfer

• A defense upgrade agreement to modernize Saudi armed forces

• Health-sector MOUs supporting pharmaceutical innovation and medical research

Trump’s Gulf Tour Focuses on Business

According to the Atlantic Council’s Daniel Shapiro, Trump’s focus is on closing business deals: attracting Gulf wealth into the U.S., enhancing energy cooperation, and pushing AI coordination.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are expected to roll out the red carpet for the 78-year-old billionaire, with deals spanning aviation, defense, energy, AI, and finance.

Saudi Military-Industrial Boost

On Tuesday, Saudi company Life Shield signed a $500 million agreement with Colt International to manufacture and localize light and medium weapons in the Kingdom.

Saudi media expect 35 agreements to be signed across six sectors, including AI, transportation, health, finance, and possibly nuclear fuel enrichment—under U.S. monitoring.

U.S. Corporate Giants Join Trump in Riyadh

Trump is accompanied by CEOs of U.S. firms with a collective market value of $7.88 trillion. Saudi news channel Al-Ikhbariya highlighted names like Nvidia, Amazon, and Tesla.

Boeing’s regional head, Kirk Schultz, emphasized the partnership goes beyond aircraft supply—it includes job creation through localization. Saudi Arabia already holds the largest F-15 fleet outside the U.S., and Apache 64-H helicopters, showcasing the deep Boeing-Saudi defense ties.

Autonomous Driving in Saudi Arabia

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated the company is in talks with Saudi partners and ministries to introduce autonomous vehicles this year.

Aramco’s Major Expansion
Aramco CEO Amin Nasser announced a $3.4 billion expansion of the company’s U.S. refinery and revealed a deal with Sempra to supply 6.2 million tons of LNG annually—solidifying Aramco’s U.S. strategic presence.

Nasser confirmed multiple upcoming deals with American partners, aligned with Aramco’s long-term strategy to reinforce global energy security and diversify investments in natural gas and clean energy.