Michigan’s economic horizon is expanding, and its sights are set on the Middle East. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is leading the charge with a high-impact trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to forge new partnerships and ignite economic growth.
This isn’t just about exporting goods; it’s about cultivating relationships, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and tapping into a dynamic market with immense potential.
Ready to explore the opportunities on the horizon?Economic Opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification initiative, launched in 2016, aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil by developing various sectors. It is generating opportunities for foreign companies across industry sectors including renewable energy, transportation, advanced technology, and aerospace, among others. The UAE has a dynamic economy and is transforming itself into a knowledge economy.
Leading sectors for exports from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region include aerospace, healthcare, design and construction, and oil and gas, among others. Space is limited – apply now! $1,800 per person participation fee is required by September 5, 2025 Each additional company participant requires a $800 fee.
Eligible companies may receive up to 50% reimbursement for their participation fees and travel expenses through MI-STEP. For details, visit www.michiganbusiness.org/export. For more information, contact Chris Bosio, International Trade Manager at 517.348.9256 or [email protected]
Sector-Specific Opportunities
Aerospace, Healthcare, Design and Construction, and Oil and Gas: Leading Sectors for Exports from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Region
Aerospace companies from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region can explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing aerospace industry. With plans to develop its own aerospace industry, Saudi Arabia is looking for partnerships with foreign companies that can provide expertise and technology.
Healthcare companies can also explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing healthcare industry. With a growing population and increased focus on healthcare, Saudi Arabia is looking for partnerships with foreign companies that can offer expertise and technology in healthcare.
Design and construction companies can also explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing construction industry. With plans to develop its infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is looking for foreign companies that can provide expertise and technology in design and construction.
Oil and gas companies from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region can explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing oil and gas industry. With plans to develop its own oil and gas industry, Saudi Arabia is looking for partnerships with foreign companies that can provide expertise and technology.
Renewable Energy, Transportation, Advanced Technology, and Aerospace among Others: Opportunities in Saudi Arabia
Reneable energy companies can explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing renewable energy industry. With plans to develop its own renewable energy industry, Saudi Arabia is looking for partnerships with foreign companies that can provide expertise and technology.
ation companies can also explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing transportation industry. With plans to develop its own transportation industry, Saudi Arabia is looking for partnerships with foreign companies that can provide expertise and technology.
Advanced technology companies can also explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing advanced technology industry. With plans to develop its own advanced technology industry, Saudi Arabia is looking for partnerships with foreign companies that can provide expertise and technology.
Aerospace companies can also explore opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s growing aerospace industry. With plans to develop its own aerospace industry, Saudi Arabia is looking for partnerships with foreign companies that can provide expertise and technology.
Historic Investment Commitment in Saudi Arabia
Today in Saudi Arabia, President Donald J. Trump announced Saudi Arabia’s $600 billion commitment to invest in the United States, building economic ties that will endure for generations to come.
The deals celebrated today are historic and transformative for both countries and represent a new golden era of partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
From day one, President Trump’s America First Trade and Investment Policy has put the American economy, the American worker, and our national security first.
The following represent just a few of the many transformative deals secured in Saudi Arabia:
- Saudi Arabian DataVolt is moving forward with plans to invest $20 billion in AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the United States.
- Google, DataVolt, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, and Uber are committing to invest $80 billion in cutting-edge transformative technologies in both countries.
- Iconic American companies including Hill International, Jacobs, Parsons, and AECOM are building key infrastructure projects like King Salman International Airport, King Salman Park, The Vault, Qiddiya City, and much more totaling $2 billion in U.S. services exports.
- Additional major exports include GE Vernova’s gas turbines and energy solutions totaling $14.2 billion and Boeing 737-8 passenger aircraft for AviLease totaling $4.8 billion.
- In the healthcare sector, Shamekh IV Solutions, LLC will be investing $5.8 billion, including a plant in Michigan to launch a high-capacity IV fluid facility.
- Investment partnerships include several sector-specific funds with a strong emphasis on U.S. deployment—such as the $5 billion Energy Investment Fund, the $5 billion New Era Aerospace and Defense Technology Fund, and the $4 billion Enfield Sports Global Sports Fund—each channeling substantial capital into American industries, driving innovation, and creating high-quality jobs across the United States.
Underscoring our commitment to strengthening our defense and security partnership, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed the largest defense sales agreement in history—nearly $142 billion, providing Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms.
The sales that we intend to complete fall into five broad categories: (1) air force advancement and space capabilities, (2) air and missile defense, (3) maritime and coastal security, (4) border security and land forces modernization, and (5) information and communication systems upgrades.
The package also includes extensive training and support to build the capacity of the Saudi armed forces, including enhancement of Saudi service academies and military medical services.
This deal represents a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense and regional security, built on American systems and training.
Historic Investment Commitments: Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Economic Prosperity
Today in Saudi Arabia, President Donald J. Trump announced Saudi Arabia’s $600-billion commitment to invest in the United States, building economic ties that will endure for generations to come. The first deals under the announcement strengthen our energy security, defense industry, technology leadership, and access to global infrastructure and critical minerals.
The deals celebrated today are historic and transformative for both countries and represent a new golden era of partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. From day one, President Trump’s America First Trade and Investment Policy has put the American economy, the American worker, and our national security first.
The following represent just a few of the many transformative deals secured in Saudi Arabia:
- Saudi Arabian DataVolt is moving forward with plans to invest $20 billion in AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the United States.
- Google, DataVolt, Oracle, Salesforce, AMD, and Uber are committing to invest $80 billion in cutting-edge transformative technologies in both countries.
- Iconic American companies including Hill International, Jacobs, Parsons, and AECOM are building key infrastructure projects like King Salman International Airport, King Salman Park, The Vault, Qiddiya City, and much more totaling $2 billion in U.S. services exports.
- Additional major exports include GE Vernova’s gas turbines and energy solutions totaling $14.2 billion and Boeing 737-8 passenger aircraft for AviLease totaling $4.8 billion.
- In the healthcare sector, Shamekh IV Solutions, LLC will be investing $5.8 billion, including a plant in Michigan to launch a high-capacity IV fluid facility.
- air force advancement and space capabilities
- air and missile defense
- maritime and coastal security
- border security and land forces modernization
- information and communication systems upgrades
Investment partnerships include several sector-specific funds with a strong emphasis on U.S. deployment—such as the $5 billion Energy Investment Fund, the $5 billion New Era Aerospace and Defense Technology Fund, and the $4 billion Enfield Sports Global Sports Fund—each channeling substantial capital into American industries, driving innovation, and creating high-quality jobs across the United States.
Underscoring our commitment to strengthening our defense and security partnership, the United States and Saudi Arabia signed the largest defense sales agreement in history—nearly $142 billion, providing Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art warfighting equipment and services from over a dozen U.S. defense firms.
The sales that we intend to complete fall into five broad categories:
The package also includes extensive training and support to build the capacity of the Saudi armed forces, including enhancement of Saudi service academies and military medical services.
Practical Aspects of the Trade Mission
Registration Details: Participation Fees, Deadlines, and Eligibility for Reimbursement
Space is limited – apply now! $1,800 per person participation fee is required by September 5, 2025. Each additional company participant requires a $800 fee.
Eligible companies may receive up to 50% reimbursement for their participation fees and travel expenses through MI-STEP. For details, visit www.michiganbusiness.org/export. For more information, contact Chris Bosio, International Trade Manager at 517.348.9256 or [email protected]
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
Fact Sheets and Additional Resources: Understanding the Investment Commitments and Opportunities
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $600 Billion Investment Commitment in Saudi Arabia
STRENGTHENING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: Today in Saudi Arabia, President Donald J. Trump announced Saudi Arabia’s $600-billion commitment to invest in the United States, building economic ties that will endure for generations to come.
The United States and Saudi Arabia celebrate these and many other deals today as a result of the growing momentum of the last four months. The total package has quickly built to more than $600 billion—the largest set of commercial agreements on record between the two countries.
UNLOCKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH DEEPER ALLIANCES: The strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia has grown increasingly robust over the past eight decades since the meeting between King Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Franklin D. Roosevelt on board the USS Quincy, the 80th anniversary of which was celebrated earlier this year.
Conclusion
As the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s trade mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates comes to a close, it’s clear that this diplomatic effort has yielded significant results. The article highlights key takeaways from the mission, including the establishment of new business relationships, the signing of crucial MOUs, and the expansion of Michigan’s export market into the Middle East. These developments have far-reaching implications for the state’s economy, as they position Michigan as a major player in the global market.
The significance of this trade mission cannot be overstated. By forging new connections with key players in the region, Michigan is poised to capitalize on the vast economic opportunities presented by the Middle East’s growing markets. As the region continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and diversify its economy, Michigan’s companies are well-positioned to take advantage of the resulting business opportunities. With its strong manufacturing base and innovative spirit, Michigan is uniquely equipped to meet the region’s growing demand for high-quality goods and services.