From co-hosting the U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum and the high-level CEO Roundtable, to organizing the Business Reception and representing the bilateral partnership at the White House, the Council played a central role in a historic week of engagement that helped catalyze $267 billion in new deals and $1 trillion in investment commitments between Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Last week marked one of the most consequential moments in modern U.S.–Saudi engagement, with the historic visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington D.C. and the conclusion of ground-breaking agreements and alliances between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The U.S.-Saudi Business Council is proud to have been at the center of the action and to have played a key role in the success of the visit.
On November 18, the Council was honored to host the formal Business Reception in celebration of the visit. The event was hosted and sponsored by the Council’s Co-Chairs, Lubna Olayan, Chair of the Corporate Board of The Olayan Group, and Jane Fraser, Chair of the Board and CEO of Citi. Charles Hallab, President & CEO of the Council, who opened the Reception, noted “the inspirational leadership of Lubna and Jane exemplifies the new chapter in Saudi-U.S. business relations and the essential role of the Council in the burgeoning partnership between our two great nations.” More than 400 U.S. and Saudi business leaders, executives, and innovators attended along with ministers, secretaries and dignitaries from both governments. That same evening, Charles Hallab, Lubna Olayan and Jane Fraser were honored to be invited by President Trump to an exclusive White House Dinner with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
On November 19, the Council was particularly proud to co-host the U.S.–SAUDI INVESTMENT FORUM, a landmark gathering that brought together senior leaders from government and industry to advance new opportunities across the bilateral relationship. The event was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Donald J. Trump, underscoring its strategic importance for both nations.
As part of the Forum’s program, the Council co-hosted the high-level CEO Roundtable with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia and co-chaired by The Honorable Howard W. Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and His Excellency Khalid Al Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment. The Roundtable convened leaders from some of the largest U.S. and Saudi companies for a strategic dialogue on strengthening bilateral business cooperation and pursuing partnership across key sectors.
In addition, the Forum saw the announcement of more than $267 billion in investment deals between the United States and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the growing scale and momentum of bilateral economic collaboration. The Council also supported the signing of many Memoranda of Understanding, enabling concrete steps toward greater partnership and investment across major sectors.
Last week was not simply ceremony. It was a strategic business accelerator intended to action and achieve unprecedented outcomes, and the Council is proud and privileged to play such an important part in such an important endeavor.
