Some of the biggest names in global technology and innovation—Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman—gathered in Riyadh for the highly anticipated US-Saudi Investment Forum, signaling a deepening relationship between Silicon Valley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Held under the banner of economic transformation and future technology, the forum served as a platform for dialogue between American tech giants and Saudi leaders about mutual investment opportunities, emerging technologies, and strategic partnerships.

Tech Titans Take the Stage

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, spoke about the growing role of artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and space exploration. Musk emphasized the need for global collaboration, particularly with nations like Saudi Arabia that are actively investing in futuristic industries.

“This is not just about business—it’s about building a better future for all of humanity,” Musk said during a keynote panel. “Saudi Arabia has shown bold vision and serious commitment to innovation.”

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure and the metaverse in the next wave of economic development. He also discussed potential cooperation in building virtual education platforms, healthcare technology, and AI-driven communication tools.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed the ethical and economic challenges posed by artificial intelligence. He called for international frameworks to ensure AI development benefits society as a whole. Altman also praised Saudi Arabia’s interest in becoming a responsible player in the AI space.

A Focus on Vision 2030

The event was closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy—a national plan to diversify the economy, reduce reliance on oil, and foster growth in sectors like technology, education, and renewable energy.

Saudi officials, including Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to being a global hub for innovation. “We are not just inviting investment—we are offering partnership,” Al-Falih stated.

Investment Deals and New Collaborations

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and preliminary investment deals were signed during the forum, focusing on AI research, clean energy development, and smart city infrastructure. These include potential projects involving U.S. tech firms partnering with Saudi institutions and sovereign wealth funds.

While no single deal dominated the headlines, the presence of figures like Musk, Zuckerberg, and Altman highlighted the strategic importance of U.S.-Saudi tech relations moving forward.

A Defining Moment for Global Tech

Analysts view the forum as a pivotal moment in the evolution of global technology policy and investment. It reflects both Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a technological powerhouse and America’s search for new global partners amid rising competition in the tech sector.

As the world faces accelerating change in AI, energy, and digital infrastructure, events like the US-Saudi Investment Forum may help shape the future of global cooperation.