Prince William Visits Saudi Arabia At An Extraordinary Moment – OpEd

By Stephen Charles Hitchen

As Prince William arrives in Riyadh this week, he writes the latest chapter in a remarkable story of friendship between the UK and Saudi Arabia — one that stretches back almost a century.

This visit comes at an extraordinary moment. Our two nations are deepening our partnership across trade, energy, investment and culture in ways that would have seemed unimaginable not long ago. Vision 2030 has opened the Kingdom up to the world in breathtaking ways. Yet what strikes me most — and which I am certain will strike the Prince of Wales — is both the scale of the transformation and the care being taken to preserve what makes Saudi Arabia unique. This is a country building boldly for the future without forgetting its past.

Prince William will experience this balance firsthand. In Riyadh, he will see how sustainability, sport and technology are creating new industries and new possibilities for the next generation. And in AlUla, he will see the Kingdom’s conservation efforts and sustainable farming techniques: proof that Vision 2030 is as much about conservation as it is about modernization.

Prince William visits the Kingdom at the request of the British government, reflecting the seriousness with which the UK views its partnership with Saudi Arabia. The foundation of our relationship was traditionally energy, defense and cooperation on regional security challenges. But today, we are modernizing and broadening the relationship to create a partnership fit for the 21st century.

The Public Investment Fund and its portfolio companies have invested about $21 billion in the UK since 2017, including stakes in Newcastle United F.C., Selfridges and Heathrow Airport, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s confidence in UK assets. Thousands of Saudi students at British universities are forging connections that will endure for generations. I am proud that UK expertise is helping to shape the Kingdom’s transformation across finance, tourism, education and the creative industries. And now that it is easier than ever to travel to the Kingdom, I hope that even more Britons will take the opportunity to travel here and experience the country firsthand.

As we approach a century of diplomatic relations between our two countries, Prince William’s visit reminds us that our partnership has never been broader, deeper or more energized by possibility. This is a nation of extraordinary energy and purpose — transforming rapidly while holding fast to the values and identity that define its character. The best, I am confident, is yet to come.

• Stephen Charles Hitchen is the British ambassador to Saudi Arabia. X: @UKAmbKSA