Saudi and US relations have entered a new phase of qualitative development, Saudi officials and analysts said, citing expanding cooperation in defense, investment, and the knowledge economy under Vision 2030, which is reshaping the Kingdom’s economic priorities and its strategic partnerships with Washington.
The partnership between Riyadh and Washington has moved beyond its traditional frameworks toward deeper cooperation built on knowledge transfer, industrial localization, and cross border investment platforms.
Commitment of RTX
In this context, Dr. Sultan Almorqi, director general of Raytheon Saudi Arabia, said RTX, the parent company of Raytheon Saudi Arabia, has maintained its position for eight decades as a trusted partner of the Kingdom, supporting its defense and aviation needs.
Almorqi told Asharq Al Awsat that RTX has contributed to strengthening localization, developing talent, and achieving long term strategic goals.
He added, “Today, RTX continues its deep commitment to working with the Kingdom, drawing on its advanced technologies and global expertise to reinforce this longstanding partnership and support its future defense and industrial capabilities in line with the goals of Vision 2030.”
RTX is one of the world’s largest defense and aerospace groups and includes leading companies such as Raytheon and Pratt and Whitney. Its portfolio spans advanced defense systems, sensing, space, and communications solutions. The company builds on a long technological legacy in developing radars, air defense systems, and guided missiles, along with civil and military aviation solutions.
Beyond geography
On the economic and investment fronts, Kamal Bahamdan, founder and chief executive of Safanad, a global holding company based in New York, and vice chairman of the Bahamdan Group, said relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States are a “deep rooted strategic partnership that spans decades” and has strengthened regional stability while boosting cooperation in the economy, industry, trade, energy, and investment.
He said what brings Riyadh and Washington together “goes beyond geography and politics and rests on a deep historical legacy and a shared vision for a future that serves the interests of both countries.”
Bahamdan said Vision 2030 has reshaped the trajectory of economic relations with the United States, with cooperation shifting from a traditional oil based framework to more diverse and flexible partnerships that include direct investment, technology, education, renewable energy, and innovation.
He added, “Through my participation in several economic events in the United States, I have observed a clear positive shift in how American investors view the Kingdom. They now see it as a genuine platform for opportunity, backed by a clear vision, strong strategies, and a proven ability to deliver.”
Investment platforms
He said Safanad was established in 2009 as an investment platform that serves as an “economic bridge between the two countries” and operates from its offices in Riyadh and New York to strengthen investment ties and develop sustainable value partnerships, benefiting from Saudi Arabia’s strategic location, regional weight, and central role in its surroundings.
Bahamdan described the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States as “a pivotal moment in the trajectory of relations between the two countries.” He said it was “a clear expression of the Kingdom’s direction toward building deeper and more sustainable partnerships that align with US priorities which place the economy and technology at the forefront.”
He said the impact of the partnership extends beyond the official level or the ties of large corporations to include universities, research centers, and academic exchange programs.
He said investment in people through the exchange of expertise, support for innovation, and stronger educational partnerships represents one of the most important pathways for consolidating long term Saudi American relations.
Bahamdan said relations between the two countries “are undergoing a phase of qualitative development and accelerated growth” driven by political and economic alignment that is reshaping the concept of partnership to make it broader and deeper.
He added that digital economy fields, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship have become natural spaces for enhanced cooperation, supported by advanced infrastructure capable of absorbing mutual investment in innovation and knowledge based production.
