Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a global investment hub, according to top U.S. executives at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh. They cited the Kingdom’s rapid reforms, expanding economy, and alignment with Vision 2030 as key reasons for growing investor interest.
Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, said the Kingdom had transitioned “from a capital-exporting economy to a top-tier investment destination.” He emphasized the role of mega-projects and financial reforms in attracting foreign capital. “Saudi Arabia is on track to become one of the world’s top 10 economies,” he added.
Fink also noted that global firms are now choosing Saudi Arabia for their regional headquarters. He attributed this trend to regulatory clarity and a stable investment environment.
Talent-Driven Growth in the Saudi Investment Hub
James DeLuca, CEO of electric vehicle firm Ceer, highlighted the creation of Saudi Arabia’s first full-scale EV industry. “Today, 65% of our workforce is Saudi,” he stated. Ceer is also partnering with the Ministry of Education and U.S. institutions to train engineers and technicians.
Lucid Motors’ interim CEO Mark Winterhoff shared similar updates. The automaker is working with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to build a skilled Saudi labor force. Many employees are trained in the U.S. before working at Lucid’s advanced Saudi facilities.
The Saudi Standard’s View: Competitiveness Meets Credibility
Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global investment hub marks a significant inflection point. Vision 2030’s roadmap is translating into real-world impact: not just in mega-project visibility but in talent development, investor confidence, and regulatory reliability. The emphasis on localization—especially in advanced sectors like electric mobility—signals that the Kingdom isn’t just importing capital, but also exporting expertise.
As institutional players like BlackRock and Lucid expand their footprint, Saudi Arabia cements its position not just as a strategic gateway to the Gulf, but as a credible and self-sustaining global economic player.
