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Suhaib Shaukat takes us through what to expect ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s visit to the US next week
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s (MBS) upcoming trip to the United States (US) on November 18 holds significant importance in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, amidst the regional tensions. This will be the first visit of MBS to the US since 2018, signalling the ever-growing importance of Saudi Arabia in the US’s foreign policy. The talks will cover a variety of issues: ranging from cooperation in technology to facilitating a possible signing of a defence treaty. The crown prince’s visit seeks to build on the major economic partnership promised during President Trump’s visit in May.
Investment at the Top of the Hierarchy
Trump’s visit to Riyadh in May was predominantly focused on signing business deals, mostly in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Saudi Arabia AI company Humain is investing millions into becoming a global hub of AI. Interestingly, Humain was launched just prior to Trump’s trip earlier this year.
Expect much of the same with MBS’s trip to Washington, where business will play an integral part in the talks, furthering the strategy of transnationalism in the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia. Attracting foreign direct investment is a central component of MBS’s Vision 2030, aimed at boosting investment and diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy. With transactional relationship, Trump will be expecting investments from Saudi Arabia to appease its domestic crowd, fulfilling his electoral promise of bringing jobs home.
Security Cooperation in a Complex Regional Order
After investments, security cooperation is a critical part of the visit, with discussions expected on several important issues. The visit comes amidst a complex regional situation, a tenuous ceasefire and Israel’s attacks on Lebanon. The Saudis have been eyeing a defence treaty with the US for some time now. With Israel attacking Qatar, the Saudis are looking for a rock-solid security assurance from the US to mitigate the level of threat that it faces. Israel’s attack on Qatar in September was a reality check for the Gulf states that, no matter how strong the relationship is with the US, they remain exposed to Israel’s attempt to recalibrate regional power dynamics to its advantage. After the attack, President Trump signed an executive order that stated any attack on Qatar would be taken as an attack on U.S forces. MBS no doubt expects a similar kind of agreement to be signed during his tour.
Next steps?
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to the United States marks a pivotal moment in Saudi–U.S. relations, reflecting both nations’ efforts to redefine their partnership in a shifting global and regional landscape. As MBS pursues Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and technological advancement, his discussions in Washington will likely strengthen investment ties and lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration. However, beyond economics, the visit underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing security concerns and its desire for concrete U.S. guarantees amid regional instability. Ultimately, the trip represents not just a diplomatic engagement but a strategic recalibration, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s emerging role as a central player in the geopolitics of the Middle East.
Edited by: Cora Jamieson
Image Credit: “Donald Trump and Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud in the Oval Office,” Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead // Public Domain
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