By Hassan Wekesa & Agencies - Editor
Washington D.C., U.S., 19 November 2025 - On Tuesday, United States President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, with the day’s events culminating in a lavish black-tie dinner.
The gathering, which brought together leading figures from politics, business and entertainment, underscored the growing closeness between Washington and Riyadh.
A key moment of the evening came when President Trump announced that the United States would designate Saudi Arabia a “major non-NATO ally”.
This status provides the kingdom with enhanced military and economic benefits, although it falls short of a formal defence treaty.
Guests at the top table included Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) president Gianni Infantino, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump Jr.
In his remarks, President Trump praised the Crown Prince’s leadership and described Saudi Arabia’s transformation as a “modern-day miracle”.
He disclosed that Riyadh had agreed to increase its investment in the United States from a previously pledged $600 billion to a new total of $1 trillion.
New agreements were signed in the fields of civil nuclear technology, critical minerals and artificial intelligence.
Trump joked that his teenage son Barron,19, now regarded him with slightly greater respect after being introduced to Ronaldo, who plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.
The footballer’s presence highlighted the kingdom’s strategy of using high-profile sport to enhance its global reputation.
"My son is a big fan of Ronaldo," Trump said.
"And Barron got to meet him and I think he respects his father a little bit more now that I've introduced you. Thank you for being here, it's an honour."
Ronaldo, 40, who is the team captain for Portugal national team, is expected to lead Seleção das Quinas (Selection of the Shields) as they are known, in hunt for a World Cup trophy in his swansong in North America.
Portugal qualified in their final qualifiers match when they thrashed Armenia 9-1 in a match Ronaldo himself missed because of suspension following a red card in a previous match where they lost 2-0 to Republic of Ireland on 13 November 2025.
The U.S. will host the FIFA 2026 World Cup alongside Canada, and Mexico.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called the occasion “special” and emphasised that the broadening economic relationship would soon lead to even deeper collaboration.
He promised to translate the newly signed accords into practical initiatives that would further strengthen ties between the two countries.
The high-profile event emphasised both the strategic significance and the commercial potential of the U.S.-Saudi partnership, as both nations look to expand cooperation far beyond traditional energy links.
