On December 10, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council (USSBC) and the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA) co-hosted an exclusive Executive Roundtable in Houston. The event brought together 25 senior representatives from leading U.S. companies and Saudi Government executives in the industrial sector to explore significant opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s thriving manufacturing sector.
The program began with welcome remarks by Neil Wasserstrom, Managing Partner of Mayer Brown’s Houston office, where the event was held. Mayer Brown also generously sponsored the networking lunch. This was followed by opening remarks from David Callahan, Senior Vice President of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council. Mr. Callahan introduced the Council’s mission and its role in facilitating business development for U.S. and Saudi companies. He also welcomed the delegation and attendees, setting the stage for the day’s discussions.
Key speakers included Abdullah Alkhodair, Associate Director of MISA’s Americas Office, who provided an insightful overview of Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing opportunities and MISA’s critical role in facilitating investments. Maen Alkhamis, Business Development Manager at MISA, further elaborated on Saudi Arabia’s machinery and equipment value proposition, highlighting financial incentives and the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding market under Vision 2030.
Following the presentations, Mr. Callahan moderated an engaging discussion, addressing a diverse array of topics from the logistics of opening manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia to visa procedures.
Charles Hallab, President and CEO of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council, highlighted the importance of these types of interactions, saying:
“The Executive Roundtable with MISA exemplifies the U.S.-Saudi Business Council’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections between U.S. companies and Saudi Arabia’s thriving industrial sector. Events like this highlight the immense opportunities available under Vision 2030 and the strong alignment between the innovative capabilities of American businesses and Saudi Arabia’s strategic growth initiatives. We are proud to facilitate these discussions and look forward to supporting U.S. companies as they explore new avenues for collaboration and success in the Kingdom.”
The morning concluded with closing remarks from Omar Altuwaijri, Machinery & Equipment Director at MISA, who expressed enthusiasm for continued U.S.-Saudi partnerships:
“Our delegation’s visit to the United States has been incredibly fruitful, and the Executive Roundtable in Houston was a key highlight. This event provided us with the opportunity to directly engage with U.S. companies and showcase the vast potential of Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector under Vision 2030. Throughout our roadshow across several states, we’ve been inspired by the innovation and expertise of American businesses, and we are committed to fostering partnerships that drive mutual growth and success. We look forward to continuing these conversations and welcoming U.S. companies to explore the wealth of opportunities in the Kingdom.”
The program also included a networking lunch and one-on-one meetings, offering attendees ample opportunities to connect with MISA officials and other participants.
With its expansive domestic market, advanced R&D facilities, strong government support, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly regulations, Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global leader in the manufacturing sector. Potential projects valued at approximately $1.4 billion underscore the Kingdom’s attractiveness for U.S. businesses seeking sustainable growth and strategic partnerships.
We would like to thank all participants for making this event a resounding success and to Mayer Brown for hosting. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with U.S. companies as they explore and capitalize on the vast opportunities in the Saudi market.
For more information on opportunities by industry, visit our Industry Page [here]. If you’re interested in exploring the Saudi market, contact Jamil Alothman at jalothman@ussaudi.org.
Industrial and Manufacturing Overview
Saudi Arabia stands among the world’s fastest-growing countries in the manufacturing sector, achieving a 7.5% average annual growth. This sector is driving the Kingdom’s economic diversification, localization, and privatization goals, becoming the third-largest non-oil contributor to Saudi Arabia’s economy.
Saudi Arabia is a significant importer of U.S. machinery and equipment, with imports valued at $4.4 billion in 2023, representing approximately 14% of the Kingdom’s total M&E imports between 2017 and 2023.
Key Drivers of Growth
- Large Market Size: Expansive domestic demand and access to regional markets.
- Advanced R&D Facilities: Innovative research hubs that support sector advancements.
- Strong Government Support: Financial incentives and strategic policies aligned with Vision 2030.
- Modern Infrastructure: State-of-the-art industrial zones, logistics networks, and utilities.
- Business-Friendly Regulations: Simplified processes to facilitate investment and operations.
Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector is positioned as a global player, offering substantial opportunities for investors and businesses looking to leverage a rapidly growing market backed by robust support and a clear vision for the future.
