Geopolitical Briefing: Saudi Arabia
20 June 2025
- Saudi PIF announced the launch of Expo 2030 Riyadh Co., a state unit to build and operate infrastructure for the Riyadh World Expo.
- AviLease (PIF‑owned) ordered 30 Airbus single‑aisle jets plus 10 A350 freighters—its first direct Airbus deal.
- PIF secured up to $12 billion in MoUs with U.S. asset managers Franklin Templeton, Neuberger Berman, and Northern Trust.
- Saudi-linked OpenAI talks emerged, signaling potential PIF investment in global AI development.
- FIFA and PIF partnered as PIF became an official partner of the 2025 Club World Cup.
On 19 June, the Public Investment Fund established Expo 2030 Riyadh Co., tasked with designing, constructing, and operating the Expo’s vast 6 million m² site north of Riyadh near King Salman International Airport (reuters.com, reuters.com, reuters.com, apnews.com, reuters.com). The venture is projected to contribute approximately $5.6 billion to GDP and create around 171,000 jobs (arabnews.com). Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia boosts its sovereign capacity in infrastructure delivery and cultural diplomacy—reinforcing independence from foreign project control and enhancing its global soft‑power appeal.
AviLease, a PIF subsidiary, finalized its first direct Airbus purchase on 16 June, ordering 30 single‑aisle jets and 10 A350 freighters, with options to expand to 77 aircraft (arabnews.com, reuters.com). This strengthens Riyadh's aviation infrastructure and deepens economic ties with European manufacturers. It also contributes to strategic connectivity and autonomy in regional transport capabilities.
Earlier this month, PIF signed MoUs totaling up to $12 billion with U.S. asset managers Franklin Templeton ($5 billion), Neuberger Berman ($6 billion), and Northern Trust ($1 billion) (reuters.com). These deals—including a Riyadh-based multi-asset platform—demonstrate Riyadh’s success in attracting Western capital to deepen domestic capital markets. This inflow increases financial sovereignty and reduces Saudi reliance on oil revenues.
On 12 June, Reuters reported that OpenAI engaged in talks with PIF for potential investment in its $40 billion funding round (reuters.com, reuters.com). Though not finalized, these discussions signal Saudi Arabia’s growing ambition to shape global AI landscape. Targeting high-value emergent tech reduces vulnerabilities tied to foreign tech dependencies and elevates strategic digital autonomy.
Finally, PIF became an official partner of FIFA’s expanded 2025 Club World Cup (taking place 14 June–13 July in the U.S.), supporting broadcast deals and a $1 billion prize pool (apnews.com). This move leverages sports for international influence and brand-building, enhancing non-oil outreach while showcasing cultural influence on a global stage.
These developments, occurring within the past week and showing clear progression, highlight Saudi Arabia’s transition from resource-dependence towards global infrastructure stewardship, financial self-reliance, strategic autonomy in aviation and technology, and cultural diplomacy—all aligned with its Vision 2030.
