May 13, 2025 | Riyadh & Washington D.C. — In a landmark economic announcement today, Saudi Arabia unveiled a colossal $600 billion investment package into the United States, marking one of the largest foreign investment pledges in U.S. history. The multi-sector deal, revealed during a high-level economic forum in Riyadh, spans defense, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and clean energy industries.
The announcement underscores the growing economic ties between the two nations, even as geopolitical tensions and global market uncertainties persist.
Major Focus on AI and Defense
According to details released by Saudi officials, a significant portion of the investment will go toward purchasing next-generation AI technology from American chipmaker Nvidia, with Saudi Arabia aiming to position itself as a regional leader in artificial intelligence and smart infrastructure.
In addition, a $142 billion defense deal was signed, covering advanced missile defense systems, fighter jets, and cybersecurity infrastructure. U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin and Boeing are reportedly among the primary beneficiaries of the contract.
“This is a transformative moment for U.S.-Saudi economic relations,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Linda Marcus during the announcement event. “These investments will create tens of thousands of American jobs and expand the global reach of our cutting-edge technologies.”
Clean Energy and Infrastructure Boost
Beyond AI and defense, the investment package includes a $20 billion clean energy initiative, spearheaded by Saudi-backed DataVolt in partnership with U.S. renewable energy firms. The project aims to build state-of-the-art data centers powered entirely by solar and wind energy across several U.S. states.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will also invest heavily in American infrastructure, real estate, and entertainment sectors, as part of its Vision 2030 diversification plan to reduce the kingdom’s economic dependence on oil.
Global Implications
Experts suggest this sweeping investment could reshape global energy and tech markets, strengthening the economic interdependence between the two countries while also signaling Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a technological and financial powerhouse.
“Saudi Arabia is making a bold statement here. It’s not just about oil anymore — it’s about AI, defense, infrastructure, and digital leadership,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a Middle East policy analyst at the Atlantic Policy Institute.
Mixed Reactions
While U.S. business leaders largely welcomed the deal, some lawmakers raised concerns over deepening financial ties with a country criticized for human rights issues and restrictive governance.
“This deal requires scrutiny. We must ensure that U.S. interests and values are not compromised in the pursuit of profit,” said Senator Mark Dalton (D-CA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.