Riyadh — Top executives from major U.S. corporations praised Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for global investment, citing the Kingdom’s rapid transformation under Vision 2030 and its emergence as a model for the future economy.
Speaking during sessions at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday, CEOs highlighted the scale of opportunities across sectors and the structural reforms that have positioned Saudi Arabia as a magnet for advanced projects and capital inflows.
Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, said the Kingdom has evolved from a capital-exporting economy to a top-tier investment destination, driven by mega-projects and market liberalization. “Saudi Arabia is on track to become one of the world’s top 10 economies,” he stated, adding that the expansion of local capital markets could mark a historic turning point for the region.
Fink also noted that global firms are increasingly establishing regional headquarters in the Kingdom, supported by innovative investment tools and regulatory clarity.
In the automotive sector, James DeLuca, CEO of electric vehicle manufacturer Ceer, announced the launch of a full-scale EV industry in Saudi Arabia, supported by global partnerships. He noted that 65% of Ceer’s workforce is Saudi, with ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Education and U.S.-based partners to build local talent pipelines.
Mark Winterhoff, interim CEO of Lucid Motors, emphasized joint efforts with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to train Saudi talent for automotive manufacturing. “We’re investing in people,” he said, noting that Saudi employees make up more than 65% of Lucid’s local workforce, with many undergoing six-month training programs in the U.S. before returning to work at Saudi facilities.
Executives agreed that Saudi Arabia’s blend of industrial capacity, human capital development, and regulatory modernization makes it a compelling long-term investment destination.
