Saudi Crown Prince to Visit White House for Strategic Agreements in AI, Defense, and Trade

The White House has confirmed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will visit Washington, D.C., on Nov. 18, 2025, for a high-level meeting with U.S. President . The visit, while designated as a working-level engagement, will be hosted with the full ceremonial honors typically reserved for state visits. The Crown Prince’s itinerary includes a formal arrival ceremony on the South Lawn, a meeting in the Oval Office, and a joint signing of agreements in the Cabinet Room.

According to a senior White House official, the visit will be marked by a structured sequence of events beginning with an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn, followed by a greeting on the South Portico. The bilateral discussions will center on multiple areas of mutual interest, including artificial intelligence, defense cooperation, , and trade. After the official meetings, Trump and the Crown Prince will share a lunch in the Cabinet Room where agreements will be formally signed.

The evening will close with a state dinner in the East Room, hosted by first lady . The event is expected to highlight the deepening ties between the two nations and reinforce the collaborative spirit between U.S. and Saudi leadership. The White House has emphasized that the event will reflect the significance of the agreements being finalized, despite the fact that the Crown Prince is not officially a head of state.

On the following day, Nov. 20, 2025, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council will hold a meeting at the Kennedy Center, where business leaders are expected to engage in discussions on future economic collaboration. While the president’s attendance at the business event has not yet been confirmed, it remains likely.

The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia has long been underpinned by strategic and economic interests. The current administration has continued to prioritize Gulf relations, with Trump having previously traveled to the region during his first term. The upcoming meeting is expected to mirror the scope and ambition of past engagements, reinforcing a partnership that has evolved beyond traditional energy and defense ties into new domains such as AI and advanced technology.

The Crown Prince’s visit is also notable for being the first to the U.S. since the 2018 incident involving . Despite past tensions, both governments have worked to restore and strengthen their relationship. The formalization of agreements in AI, defense, and nuclear cooperation reflects this ongoing diplomatic effort.

The visit is not only a continuation of long-standing ties but also a forward-looking step. By expanding into advanced technology and strategic defense frameworks, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are building a partnership that reflects the changing global landscape. The agreements to be signed are expected to enhance security cooperation, facilitate joint technological development, and open new avenues for trade.

This high-level engagement is a testament to the enduring and evolving nature of the U.S.-Saudi relationship. As both nations look ahead, the Nov. 18 meeting is expected to serve as a foundation for the next era of collaboration.