By Dr. Sameera Aziz
Jeddah – Saudi Arabia’s recent diplomatic movements, culminating in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the United States, have ignited unprecedented global attention. In less than 48 hours, more than 120,000 media pieces were published worldwide, reaching a staggering four billion views, as confirmed by the Saudi Minister of Information Salman Al-Dosary. This extraordinary global engagement was not just a reaction to a political visit — it reflected the world’s recognition that Saudi Arabia is no longer a peripheral observer in global affairs. It is now a central decision-maker, shaping the conversation in technology, energy, defence and economic transformation.
Critics often claim that Saudi–U.S. relations are transactional, or that Washington views Riyadh as merely a “resource hub.” Such commentary oversimplifies a relationship that spans over 80 years of economic and strategic cooperation, evolving far beyond oil. It began in the 1930s when King Abdulaziz granted exploration rights that led to the birth of Aramco, and it transformed again in the 1970s with the formation of the U.S.–Saudi Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation. That partnership built the foundational infrastructure for a modern Saudi state. Today, the relationship is entering a third phase — the AI and digital era, where collaboration is not about dependency, but about mutual advancement.
Political scientist Gregory Gause recently argued that the U.S. looks at Saudi Arabia as an “ATM” because of the deals signed during high-level summits. Yet, even his critique inadvertently reveals the truth: Washington seeks Riyadh not only for capital, but for strategic stability, digital capacity, and regional leadership. In fact, Gause himself admitted that if Riyadh and Washington secure a shared AI data center, it becomes “the best guarantee of U.S. security.” That statement quietly dismantles decades-old stereotypes about the Gulf and places Saudi Arabia exactly where it now stands — at the heart of global technological progress.
The Crown Prince’s visit aligned with this new geopolitical reality. Agreements were signed across AI, defence, nuclear energy, cloud infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Saudi Aramco alone finalized 17 separate memoranda with U.S. companies, valued at more than $30 billion. HUMAIN, the kingdom’s rising AI powerhouse, partnered with leading American firms to support the creation of a 500-megawatt data center capable of powering next-generation AI applications. Fortune magazine highlighted HUMAIN as a future global anchor for cloud hyperscalers — evidence that the AI race is no longer confined to Silicon Valley.
These developments are not abstract future plans; they translate directly into national growth. Saudi Arabia recorded 1.8 million commercial registrations by October 2024 — an 18% rise from the previous year. Military expenditure localization reached 25%, with a target of 50% by 2030, pushing the kingdom toward defence independence. Cultural investment exceeded 5 billion riyals during the Cultural Investment Conference 2025, strengthening both the creative economy and national identity. Tourism is also advancing. With 120 countries attending the Riyadh World Tourism Forum, over $113 billion in global tourism investment flowed into the sector — a direct reflection of Saudi Arabia’s strengthened international credibility.
Those who attempt to reduce Saudi Arabia’s diplomacy to oil politics overlook that the kingdom is now the region’s largest digital economy, the central hub for AI and cloud investment, and a major force in energy diversification. In 2024， bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. reached $25.9 billion, with Saudi investments in the American economy surpassing $9.5 billion, focused largely on transportation, real estate and automotive innovation.
Saudi–American ties have always adapted to global changes. From the historic 1945 Roosevelt–King Abdulaziz meeting aboard the USS Quincy to the upcoming Trump–MBS session in Washington, each era produced a new dimension in partnership. The difference today is that Saudi Arabia approaches the relationship not from a place of dependency, but from a position of economic strength, domestic stability and technological ambition.
This is why the Crown Prince’s visit resonated globally. It symbolised the confidence of a nation transitioning from an oil-based economy to an innovation-based society. It reassured global investors that Saudi Arabia is a stable, forward-thinking partner. And it challenged outdated narratives that portray the kingdom as stagnant or one-dimensional.
Saudi Arabia is neither retreating into isolation nor seeking passive alliances. It is building a diversified future, one driven by human capital, economic resilience and strategic alliances that reflect the realities of the 21st century. The world’s overwhelming response to the Crown Prince’s visit proved that the global community understands this shift.
Some may continue to criticize, but thoughtful observers can see that the kingdom’s actions reflect maturity, responsibility and long-term vision — qualities essential for any nation seeking to play a constructive global role.
Saudi Arabia did not just sign agreements in Washington. It reintroduced itself to the world — as a nation confidently shaping its future, and contributing to a more stable and innovative international order.
About the Author:
Dr. Sameera Aziz is a senior Saudi journalist, businesswoman, author, poet, and cross-cultural commentator based in Jeddah. Holding a PhD in Mass Media, she is one of the pioneers of female journalism in Saudi Arabia and a strong advocate for Vision 2030. She can be reached at: Consultant.sameera.aziz@gmail.com
