Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump to Diriyah on Tuesday evening, where the two leaders toured the area and had dinner in the historic district due to its significance, following the conclusion of the first day of Trump’s visit to the Kingdom.
Diriyah, the ancestral home of the Al Saud family, holds a special historical and cultural place in the hearts of Saudis. Its importance is further elevated by its rich architectural heritage, making it a vital source of cultural identity.
The area includes landmarks such as the historic At-Turaif district—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site—and Wadi Hanifa, which was once the lifeline of central Arabia’s population.
Footage published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) showed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman guiding President Trump through Diriyah’s notable landmarks.
In his speech at the Saudi-American Investment Forum, Trump said Washington would make its ties with Riyadh “stronger,” adding that the future of the Middle East begins in Saudi Arabia. He praised Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “a great man unlike any other,” saying, “He represents his people in the best way. He works tirelessly—I don’t think he even sleeps at night. And I’ll never forget the exceptional hospitality King Salman extended to me eight years ago.” Trump reiterated that his visit to Riyadh was “a historic one.”
Read more: Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia, kicks off Gulf tour seeking major economic deals
Trump secures $600 billion investment commitment in Saudi Arabia
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a major $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia during his visit to the Kingdom. This investment aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations and is part of a broader strategy to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including energy security, defense, and technology. The White House emphasized that these efforts will build enduring economic relationships.
During the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum, Trump highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating that both countries would work together to increase the investment total to $1 trillion in the coming months. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the transition from an economy reliant on natural resources to one focused on diversification, innovation, and knowledge.
Key deals announced include a $20 billion investment by Saudi Arabian DataVolt in AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the U.S., along with commitments from major tech companies like Google and Oracle to invest $80 billion in transformative technologies. Additionally, American firms are set to participate in significant infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia, totaling $2 billion.
The investment agreements also cover various sector-specific funds aimed at boosting American industries, including a $5 billion Energy Investment Fund and a $4 billion Global Sports Fund. In the defense sector, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a record defense sales agreement valued at nearly $142 billion.
Moreover, the two countries are enhancing their collaboration in energy, with agreements focusing on innovation and mining resources. Cultural and educational partnerships are also being reinforced through initiatives involving the Smithsonian Institution and the Royal Commission for AlUla.
