Bridging Riyadh & D.C.
July 30, 2026
Washington, D.C.
As Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation under Vision 2030 continues at a rapid pace, ensuring that American business interests have a strong, active voice inside the Beltway is essential. Operating on the ground in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province is critical, but connecting that local experience directly to Washington decision-makers completes the circle.
During my recent executive trip to Washington, D.C., I engaged with key government leaders, policy advocates, and corporate diplomats who play vital roles in shaping U.S.–Saudi trade and commercial relations.
Key Takeaways from the D.C. Circuit:
U.S. Department of Commerce: Met with David L. Fogel, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, to discuss expanding commercial diplomacy, supporting U.S. trade priorities, and ensuring American enterprise in the Kingdom receives strong federal backing.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Connected with the Middle East Affairs team to align on national policy advocacy, ensuring the operational challenges and growth opportunities our members face in Saudi Arabia are front and center in Capitol Hill discussions.
Meridian International Center: Engaged with Jim Golsen, Vice President of the Center for Corporate Diplomacy. Given Jim’s background as a former U.S. commercial diplomat—including his service in Saudi Arabia; our discussion focused on leveraging corporate diplomacy to build stronger cross-border leadership networks.
Why These Meetings Matter for Our Members
A strong presence in D.C. translates directly into value for AmCham Saudi Arabia members. By bringing real-time, ground-truth intelligence from the Saudi market to federal trade leaders and policy architects, we help demystify market dynamics, address regulatory bottlenecks, and keep American enterprise competitive in the region.