The Maryland Department of Commerce recently led an economic development mission to the Middle East, with visits to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to explore international investment and trade opportunities.
Leading with three days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the state’s delegation quickly learned about the Kingdom’s economic transformation under Vision 2030, which focuses on diversifying the economy, creating a vibrant environment, and empowering citizens. While traveling throughout Riyadh and Jeddah, state representatives met with King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology to explore research and tech transfer collaborative efforts; discussed innovations in the entertainment industry with the General Entertainment Authority; and learned about the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah’s role in advancing diplomatic and commercial relations by facilitating bilateral partnerships across the region. This is the first time the State of Maryland has led an international trade mission to Saudi Arabia.
With one day in Qatar, the Maryland delegation had a full schedule of engagements focused on venture capital, defense industries, innovation ecosystems, and trade and investment. Discussions with the Minister of State for Foreign Trade of Qatar, as well as the Qatar Investment Authority, focused on investment strategies and growing interests among innovative and emerging industries. Visiting the Qatar Free Zones Authority and the Doha Venture Capital ignited conversations about “soft landing” opportunities for Qatar companies looking to explore the U.S. market, and Maryland businesses interested in expanding to the Middle East. Dialogue around scaling startups and commercialization showed that both regions are focused on connecting emerging technologies with global markets, and looking for ways to enhance these opportunities in the future.
The overseas mission concluded with a broad set of engagements in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, spanning AI, data centers, energy, aviation and defense, and economic development. Meeting with the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement allowed Maryland to tout its capabilities in advanced manufacturing, defense technologies, and cybersecurity for future partnerships. Discussions on bilateral trade partnerships with the Ministry of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates and attracting high-value foreign investment with the Ministry of Investment of the United Arab Emirates helped grow the state’s foreign relations with diplomatic organizations across the UAE.
This trade mission was one of several foreign delegations led by the Maryland Department of Commerce in 2025. Read more international business news in Maryland.
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