RIYADH: US President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia this week is key to global stability and prosperity, the Kingdom’s ambassador to the US has said.

Princess Reema bint Bandar highlighted the enduring relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US as the president arrives in the Kingdom on Tuesday, his first state visit during his second stint in the White House.

“It is a moment pivotal for global peace, security and prosperity,” Princess Reema wrote in the Washington Times on May 12. “Today, as the world navigates new challenges and conflicts, that partnership is more critical than ever.”

Princess Reema, who presented her credentials to Trump in 2019 when assuming her role as ambassador, said the two nations’ alliance was “not just history; it is a reimagined future.”

Just before his last visit, Saudi Arabia had embarked on major national reforms, under Saudi Vision 2030, which included widespread economic, cultural and social changes, Princess Reema stated.

She added that nearly eight years after he made the Kingdom his first state visit, Trump would “step off Air Force One to find the Vision becoming a reality.”

“As we proudly open our doors to Mr. Trump and his delegation, we look to highlight the tremendous journey our nation has undertaken and the new heights our relationship with the U.S. has reached, now including sectors such as manufacturing, technology, cybersecurity and even space exploration.”

She highlighted the progress the Kingdom has made including the non-oil economy now contributing 50 percent to the country’s real gross domestic product, “marking a historic milestone.”

In addition, Saudi women make up nearly 40 percent of the nation’s workforce, “with many in leadership positions, enjoying the same rights as men, including equal pay.

“Young Saudis are experiencing a renaissance in arts, entertainment, sports and science, all while preserving our proud cultural heritage. This is a new Saudi Arabia, open to the world, and we invite Americans to look more closely.”

A key gathering on Tuesday is the Saudi-US Investment Forum, an invitation-only event at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel.

It has been reported that business leaders including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Fink will attend.

Arab News’ sources reveal that about 15 Saudi ministers and top-level officials will be present, as well as the CEOs of some of the Kingdom’s biggest companies and giga-projects, in addition to hundreds of business leaders from both countries.

Princess Reema stated: “The Saudi Arabia that Mr. Trump will visit is investing billions of dollars in fostering new economic sectors such as tourism, artificial intelligence, clean energy, culture and sports.

“It is a dynamic society where youths are pioneering the future and women are at the forefront of the Vision,” the ambassador stated.

Princess Reema added that sustainable partnership begins with reciprocity, as outlined by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“The crown prince’s pledge of investing $600 billion in the United States over the next four years promises mutual prosperity that aligns with our diversification goals under Vision 2030 and Mr. Trump’s goals for economic growth.”

At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, Trump hinted at even greater ambitions. He said he would ask the crown prince to raise the investment target to $1 trillion, describing it as a natural extension of a robust and trusted partnership.

Saudi Arabia’s Economy Minister Faisal Alibrahim confirmed at the forum that the $600 billion pledge encompassed both government-led procurement and private-sector investment in key areas including defense, energy, infrastructure and technology.

In 2017, the countries signed several investment agreements worth about $400 billion.

The crown prince said in 2018 that part of the “armaments will be manufactured in Saudi Arabia, so it will create jobs in America and Saudi Arabia, good trade, good benefits for both countries and also good economic growth. Plus, it will help our security”.

Princess Reema stated that the two nations’ collaboration has been important for dealing with global crises.

Amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, leadership and alliances are more vital than ever, she wrote.

“Almost every major global challenge is being addressed with urgency through collaboration and a strong Saudi-U.S. alliance.

“From conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip to stability in Syria and Sudan, Saudi Arabia is playing a critical role in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

“Partnership with the United States is essential to success.”

RIYADH: Americans living in Saudi Arabia have found a home away from home, as people-to-people ties reflect the enduring relationship between the two countries.

Ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region, four expats spoke to Arab News about their experiences of living in the Kingdom.

Maria Cometti, who is the cofounder of DQ Living magazine and lives in Riyadh, said: “For me, the safety, economic opportunity and strong moral fabric of society are among the greatest benefits of living in Saudi Arabia.

“As a parent, our top priority is our family’s health and safety … it’s foundational. Healthcare here is also affordable, which makes a big difference.

“As an American married to a Saudi, I am especially grateful for the strong ties between our two countries.”

Hana Nemec, an executive who moved to the Kingdom in 2015 at the age of 24, said that when she arrived the female employment rate was under 20 percent, which “often made me the only woman in meetings and led to some seating arrangement questions and cultural blunders on my part.”

At the end of last year, the figure had risen to more than 36 percent, surpassing the Vision 2030 goal of 30 percent 10 years ahead of schedule.

“I’m pleasantly surprised every single day since I came to Saudi Arabia by the people, their infectious hospitality and their dedication to working hand in hand to achieve Vision 2030 goals,” Nemec said.

“Personally, it has been emotional to witness the incredible changes in Saudi Arabia since Vision 2030 was announced due to the profound impact it’s made on my life.”

As the Kingdom continues to open up to business and overseas investment, it is creating new job opportunities for foreigners and locals alike.

American Sameer Shams said: “I have lived in Riyadh for more than 15 years and enjoyed the rich culture, safety, modern infrastructure and affordable living with unique experiences. Saudi Arabia (offers) excellent career opportunities, particularly in growing sectors.”

He said he had seen how the US-Saudi relationship, historically rooted in oil and defense, had evolved toward technology, AI and renewable energy, a development that could be seen through events like the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh.

“Such events have attracted top business leaders and strengthened people-to-people ties through collaborative initiatives in sustainable development, finance and innovation,” he said.

“The transformation in Saudi Arabia is tangible and impactful, offering new opportunities for both citizens and expatriates. The Kingdom’s trajectory toward modernization is evident. Having witnessed these shifts firsthand, I see the current era in Saudi Arabia as a time of great promise and positive change.”

Daniel Talbot, who is studying applied technology in water desalination at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, said: “I began pursuing my degree in 2024 but already view it (Saudi Arabia) as home.

“It’s where my family and I have chosen to plant roots over the next four to five years while I pursue my master’s and Ph.D.”

Being part of a community of colleagues, many of whom he now calls friends, has made Talbot feel at home and he praised the compassion and generosity of the Saudi people.

“I believe the Saudi people represent the future of the Middle East and I feel honored to play even a small role in that journey.

“With clear vision and ambitious goals, I see the Kingdom not only reshaping its own future but also positioning itself as a global leader in several industries.”

Talbot attributed much of the country’s success to Vision 2030, calling it “one of the most ambitious national strategies of our time.”

Talbot said that one of the best things about moving to Saudi Arabia was the proximity to the Red Sea.

“The stillness and natural scenery have brought tranquil and restful moments for my family, whether it’s a picnic at sunset or simply enjoying a quiet evening under the stars near our home. The Red Sea, with its clear waters and vibrant marine life, has been refreshing.”