Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum 2025 Marks a New Chapter in Bilateral Business and Investment

The U.S.-Saudi Business Council (The Council) had the honor of serving as a partner and supporter of the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum 2025, held in Riyadh on May 13, 2025. Organized in connection with the visit of U.S. President Donald J. Trump to the Kingdom, the Forum convened senior government officials, global and local business leaders, and industry experts from both countries to strengthen bilateral business ties and spotlight investment opportunities.

The Council played a pivotal role in generating record attendance, in working behind the scenes with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and in leading the Forum’s “Quality of Life” roundtable, focused on opportunities for innovation, investment, and partnership in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving creative and cultural economy.

The Quality of Life: Creating a Vibrant and Enriching Ecosystem session, moderated by Charles S. Hallab, President and CEO of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council, specifically explored collaborative opportunities in tourism, culture, sports, and entertainment and spotlighted the Kingdom’s Quality of Life initiative.

Featured U.S. speakers in the roundtable included:

· Francesco Suarez, Mayor, City of Miami

· Greg O’Hara, Chairman, World Travel & Tourism Council

· Aryeh Bourkoff, Founder and CEO, LionTree

· Dr. Steve Karacic, President, Chronicle Heritage

· Jake Silverstein, Owner, D.C. United

· Ed Mermelstein, Commissioner of New York City for International Affairs

· Ahmad Nassar, CEO, Professional Tennis Players Association

· Matthew Salloway, CEO, GSI Ventures

Featured Saudi speakers in the roundtable included:

· Adhwa Alarifi, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Sport

· Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO, Saudi Tourism Authority

· Dr. Jasir Al-Herbish, CEO, Heritage Commission

· Esteve Calzada, CEO, Al Hilal Football Club

· Mohamed Saad, President, Diriyah Development Company

The Investment Forum’s full list of speakers included other Saudi and U.S. members of the Council with close ties to the Kingdom’s economic development, including Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), SAMI AlSalam Aerospace Industries, NEOM, Saudi Aramco, Alfanar, RTX Corporation, Citigroup, Chronicle Heritage, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and NOV.

The Forum included a number of signing ceremonies, including with President Trump and H.R.H. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, for memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between U.S. and Saudi businesses. Council President and CEO, Charles Hallab, was thanked in recognition of the Council’s role with respect to several of the companies and signings featured.

Following the Forum, Mr. Hallab joined several Saudi Ministers and a group of top U.S. executives for a dinner to celebrate the connections forged that day and exchange insights and ideas. The Ministers, representing much of the innovation and leadership driving Vision 2030, were H.E. Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Investment; H.E. Dr. Majid Al-Qassabi, Minister of Commerce; H.E. Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance; and H.E. Faisal Alibrahim, Minister of Economy & Planning.

The Council, in coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the U.S. Embassy, also hosted a VIP Welcome Reception on the eve of the Forum. This high-level networking event brought together over 300 guests including Forum speakers, Council members, stakeholders, and senior representatives from both governments for a relaxing evening of celebration and connection.

The U.S.-Saudi Business Council extends its sincere gratitude to the Reception’s sponsors for their generous support and for making the memorable evening possible.

Platinum Sponsors: AlTurki Holding Company and Resecurity, Inc.
Gold Sponsors: Entanglement Inc. and Front End Limited Company (FELCO)