Burkhan World Investments (BWI), a US-based global investment platform with hubs in Abu Dhabi and Miami, announced the signing of three landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Saudi partners, totaling $15 billion in new investment commitments. These agreements, signed during the US-Saudi Strategic Investment Forum in Riyadh as part of President Donald J. Trump's official delegation, aim to bolster Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by focusing on mining, artificial intelligence (AI) and dual-purpose defence technologies. 

Overview of the $15 Billion MoUs

• $9 Billion Mining & Critical Minerals Initiative – Grand Mines Mining LLC

BWI partnered with Grand Mines Mining LLC to launch a new Mining Investment and Operations Company headquartered in Saudi Arabia. This $9 billion venture focuses on the exploration, development, processing and export of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, which are vital for advanced manufacturing, energy storage and clean energy infrastructure in the US and allied nations. The initiative aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies to enhance mineral extraction and refinement, positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional and global hub for mineral wealth and strategic resource delivery. 

• $1 Billion AI & Semiconductor Innovation Hub – Watad Digital

In collaboration with Watad Digital, a Saudi leader in emerging technologies, BWI launched a $1 billion AI and Semiconductor Investment Platform and Innovation Hub. This initiative is designed to develop and commercialise foundational technologies for AI, chip design and high-performance computing. The hub will nurture local start-ups, support global R&D partnerships and facilitate the manufacturing of next-generation semiconductor components within the Kingdom. This is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mandate to build a digital economy and establish the Kingdom as a centre of technological excellence in the MENA region and beyond. 

• $5 Billion Dual-Purpose Defence Innovation Fund – Advanced Aircraft Technology (AAT)

The third and largest MoU, signed with Advanced Aircraft Technology (AAT) and global private sector partners, will establish BWI Nexus which is a $5 billion Dual-Purpose Defence Innovation Fund and Integrated Innovation Hub in Saudi Arabia. The fund will co-invest with leading defence investors in areas such as AI-powered defence systems, autonomy, advanced sensors, cybersecurity, space technologies and next-generation materials. The accompanying Innovation Hub will support over 320 deep tech firms from both Saudi Arabia and abroad, enabling them to localise operations, commercialise innovations and scale globally. 

Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030 and US-Saudi Relations

These agreements underscore a significant advancement in transnational collaboration between the US and Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. By focusing on critical sectors such as mining, AI and defence technologies, the partnerships aim to unlock economic potential, create skilled jobs, enhance industrial capacity and accelerate the shift toward a diversified and innovation-led economy in Saudi Arabia. 

Shahal Khan, Founder and CEO of Burkhan World Investments, stated: "Burkhan is honoured to contribute to the next chapter of Saudi-US economic cooperation. These memoranda are more than investments—they are long-term platforms that support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 while aligning US technological strength with regional growth priorities. We believe in building cross-border ecosystems that drive security, innovation, and prosperity for all stakeholders." 

Broader Context: US-Saudi Economic Engagement

The signing of these MoUs coincided with a broader suite of U.S.-Saudi deals announced during President Trump's Gulf tour, totaling $600 billion in new investment commitments. These included significant investments in AI, energy, and defence sectors, such as Saudi Arabia's DataVolt planning to invest $20 billion in US AI data centers and infrastructure and a $142 billion arms deal involving advanced US military equipment and technological support to bolster Saudi Arabia’s defence capabilities. 

Burkhan World Investments' $15 billion in strategic MoUs with Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal step in strengthening economic and technological ties between the two nations. By focusing on critical sectors aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, these partnerships aim to foster innovation, economic diversification and industrial growth, contributing to the Kingdom's transformation into a global hub for mining, AI and defence technologies.

Sources

• US-based BWI inks $15bn deals to expand investments in Saudi Arabia
• Burkhan World Investments Announces $15 Billion in Strategic Memoranda of Understanding with Saudi Arabia Across Mining, AI, and Dual-Purpose Defence Technologies
• BWI Partners with Dual-Purpose Defence Technologies to Launch USD 15bn » World Business Outlook
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