The U.S. Chamber was on the ground in Riyadh this month to participate in major events showcasing the Kingdom's progress in becoming a global hub for technology and innovation.
With a focus on the digital economy and healthcare, these events highlighted the Kingdom’s considerable investments in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital transformation, and advanced healthcare technologies, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives to diversify its economy and unlock a sustainable, innovation-driven future.
Saudi Arabia’s investments in a high-tech future are paying off, with significant advancements underway in its digital economy, AI, and healthcare sectors. All of this was on display during the recent LEAP 2025 Forum, which the U.S. Chamber attended, and throughout a Chamber-led healthcare fly-in delegation. Through meetings, dialogues, and events on the digital economy and healthcare, the U.S. Chamber emphasized how American companies are contributing to the Kingdom’s transformation.
LEAP 2025
The annual LEAP conference in Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest forums focused on advancing digital technologies and AI. LEAP 2025 in February brought together global technology and innovation leaders to reinforce Saudi Arabia's emergence as a hub for digital transformation and tech investments. The event featured announcements of over $14.9 billion in investments in AI and digital technologies, aimed at empowering digital skills, fostering tech startups, and enhancing innovation. These initiatives aim to accelerate Saudi Arabia's transition towards an AI-driven economy, consistent with Vision 2030.
At LEAP, the Chamber met with many key stakeholders in the Saudi government, including the officials at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT.) Chamber Vice President for Middle East Affairs Steve Lutes moderated the panel, “Collaboration in AI: The Future of the U.S.-Saudi Relationship”, which focused on how both nations can deepen their partnership in AI research, align regulatory frameworks, and address shared challenges given the enormous and transformative potential of AI.
The Chamber and AmCham Saudi Arabia also launched a white paper, “Unlocking the Potential of Artificial Intelligence for Saudi Arabia’s Economic Transformation,” which explores how U.S. companies’ AI expertise can accelerate Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals. The paper also identified collaboration opportunities between U.S. and Saudi entities in AI-powered innovation and advanced policy recommendations to facilitate AI development in the Kingdom with support from the U.S. private sector.
U.S. Healthcare Companies in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector is undergoing rapid growth, driven by significant government investments and initiatives under Vision 2030. The Kingdom plans to invest over $65 billion in healthcare and increase private sector contributions from 40% to 65% by 2030. U.S. companies are playing a crucial role in this transformation, partnering with the Saudi public and private sectors to introduce innovative healthcare solutions and advanced technologies. These collaborations are enhancing patient care and expanding healthcare infrastructure across the Kingdom.
The Chamber also recently led a delegation of U.S. healthcare companies for meetings with key Saudi government stakeholders, marking the first-ever U.S. Chamber healthcare delegation to the Kingdom. During their visit, companies dialogued with the Ministry of Health, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO), the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (LCGPA), and the National Competitiveness Center.
Saudi Arabia's steadfast commitment to embracing innovation and emerging technology is not only transforming its economy but also setting a precedent for sustainable development and modernization across the region. As was demonstrated by the Chamber’s recent engagements, rapid advancements in the digital economy and healthcare sectors are pivotal in this transformation, creating opportunities for American business while driving economic diversification and enhancing Saudi citizens’ quality of life.
About the authors
Liz Clark
Liz Clark is Director, Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
