New Jersey Economic Mission Trip to Gulf Arab States Daily Recap – April 27-28, 2025

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation consisting of business and higher education leaders arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this week, kicking off Choose New Jersey’s six-day economic mission in the capital city of Riyadh. The trip will create and formalize partnerships in technology, AI, gaming, and other key industries to deepen bilateral investment and trade relationships. Initial meetings and events in Riyadh focused on establishing economic and academic collaborations while strengthening ties

Governor Murphy Holds Press Roundtable in Saudi Arabia to Kick Off Economic Mission

Governor Murphy held a press roundtable covering business, technology, trade, and the economy with international and local journalists at U.S. and Saudi-based publications, including Al-Eqtisadiah, Asharq Al-Awsat Bloomberg, Agence France-Presse, and Arab News.

Governor Murphy Announces Letter of Intent Between Rutgers University and King Saud University at Meeting with Abdullah S. Al-Salman, President of King Saud University

Governor Murphy signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) between Rutgers University and King Saud University, the first university established in Saudi Arabia, at a meeting with Abdullah S. Al-Salman, President of King Saud University, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation. The agreement will advance research in public policy, urban planning, city development, and business management. Students at both universities will collaborate on research methods utilizing the unique resources of each institution and region to strengthen international academic cooperation.

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey Delegation Attend Business Roundtable Lunch with Abdallah S. Jum’ah, Saudi Co-Chairman of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council and Chairman of the Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB)

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation attended a business roundtable lunch meeting with Abdallah S. Jum’ah, Saudi Co-Chairman of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council and Chairman of the Saudi Investment Bank (SAIB). The Governor discussed opportunities for Saudi companies to expand operations into New Jersey, highlighting the state’s strategic business advantages and strengths in education and other mutual industries.

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and New Jersey Delegation Visit Diriyah, the Original Home of the Saudi Royal Family

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation visited Diriyah, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the ancestral home of the Al Saud Family. During the visit, the group learned more about the historic landmark’s deep cultural significance for Saudis. Conversations created an environment for cultural exchange and underscored New Jersey’s appreciation for the lived experiences, rich histories, and values of the diverse communities that help shape the state’s vibrant identity.

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and New Jersey Delegation Attend Reception Hosted by Alison Dilworth, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation attended a reception hosted by Alison Dilworth, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia. The event served as an opportunity for the delegation to network and create partnerships in key industries with prominent leaders and decision-makers from Saudi companies.

Governor Murphy First Lady Tammy Murphy, and New Jersey Delegation Attend Roundtable Meeting with the Saudi Exports Development Authority (SEDA)

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation took part in a roundtable meeting with the Saudi Exports Development Authority (SEDA), a government organization focused on promoting and supporting Saudi Arabia’s exports to global markets. The roundtable discussion allowed SEDA member companies to explore investment and partnership opportunities in New Jersey.

New Jersey Delegation Meets with the President of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), Her Excellency (HE) Prof. Einas S. Aleisa

Members of the New Jersey delegation met Her Excellency Prof. Einas S. Aleisa, the President of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU). The delegation visited the university’s Research, Development & Innovation Unit and participated in a roundtable with the Strategic Partnerships Department to explore the possibilities for fostering academic partnerships, student and faculty exchange programs, and collaborative research projects in key fields.

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and New Jersey Delegation Meet with His Excellency Bader bin Abdulrahman Alkadi, Vice Minister of Sport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation attended a meeting with Bader bin Abdulrahman Alkadi, the Vice Minister of Sport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to enhance bilateral cooperation in global sporting initiatives, with a focus on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. During the meeting, the delegation discussed exchanging best practices in event planning and fan engagement. The delegation also discussed partnering on esports initiatives and aligning on goals between Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy and New Jersey’s rapidly growing esports ecosystem.

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