BY FARIHA ESHRAT
One of the most popular tourist destinations around the world, the United States of America is a must-visit for all travel enthusiasts. Explore the cultural, geographical, and ecological variety of one of the largest countries in the world. The U.S. offers an adventure like no other!
The third most populous country in the world, the United States of America (U.S.A.) is also the world’s third largest country. With coastal regions and wetlands, deciduous forests and deserts, snow capped mountains and volcanic islands, the U.S.A. has many varying landscapes as you travel across its 48 contiguous states. These states encompass megadiverse ecology with immense wildlife, plant varieties, scenic nature reserves, and shelters.
The United States is home to many cultures through the influence of several ethnic groups living across the country; creating rich experiences in cuisine, art, music, and theater in every state. The United States houses some of the most extensive museums in the world with well-curated international cultural exhibits. Owing to its rich history and contribution to pop culture, the U.S. is home to several fascinating museums of modern history, culture, art, and fashion. The country also hosts world renowned amusement parks, from Six Flags to Disney resorts. Moreover, you can find concerts, festivals, and events in every state celebrating popular artists and cultural heritage all year round.
Some of the best higher education institutions in the world are in the U.S.A. These institutions attract the most prominent scientists and create space for many large corporations in the U.S.A. that are leaders in the fields of STEM, business, and art. The United States also attracts medical tourists with its healthcare system, as its medical schools are among the best in the world. Last but not least, the United States has significant political influence throughout the world, and in many international partnerships.
Bilateral Relations Between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia And the United States of America
Diplomatic ties
In May 1931, the United States officially recognized Saudi Arabia by extending full diplomatic recognition. At the same time, King Abdulaziz Al Saud granted the U.S. company, Standard Oil of California, later named Saudi Aramco, the concession to explore for oil in Al-Hasa. Thus, in November 1931, the two countries signed an agreement. In 1940, a resident ambassador was sent to Saudi Arabia to establish the first U.S. Consulate in Jeddah. In 1945, a historic meeting took place between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz aboard the U.S.S. Quincy. This meeting formally announced the start of a deep and long-lasting friendship between the two nations. The Mutual Defense Assistance Agreement, signed in 1951, was also a significant step towards strengthening this new diplomatic relations. Thus started the strong, friendly, and prosperous bilateral ties between the U.S.A. and Saudi Arabia. Over the years, the two countries have become key energy and defense partners.
Since the first official meeting of President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz, the leaders of the United States and Saudi Arabia have always maintained strong connections. Thus, King Saud and John F. Kennedy met in the King’s mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1962. King Fahd met with President Ronald Reagan in 1985. President Barack Obama made an official visit to Riyadh in 2015 and met with King Salman. President Donald Trump’s first overseas trip after taking office as President of the United States took place in Saudi Arabia in May 2017. Furthermore, President George W. Bush made two visits to Saudi Arabia in 2008, which was the first time a U.S. president visited a foreign country twice in less than four months. In turn, King Abdullah made three visits to the U.S. in 2002, 2005, and 2008, reiterating the strong bilateral ties that share the two countries. In early 2018, the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visited the United States where he met with President Donald Trump and other top officials, as well as the representatives of business community. Most recently, Saudi Arabia appointed its first female ambassador to the U.S.A., Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud.
The United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are interested in maintaining stability, security, and prosperity in the Gulf region and, hence, are conducting close consultations on a wide range of regional and global issues. Saudi Arabia plays an important role in working toward a peaceful and prosperous future for the region and is a strong partner in security, defense, diplomatic, and financial cooperation.
Investment, trade, and other commercial activities form a vital pillar of the bilateral relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To deepen our economic and commercial ties, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran are committed to supporting U.S. companies doing business with the Kingdom.
Economic ties
The biggest commodity traded between the two nations is oil. With the United States’ demand on oil throughout the postmodern era, approximately 10,000 barrels of petroleum have been imported daily to the United States since 2012. Saudi Arabia is the second leading source of imported oil for the United States, providing just under one million barrels per day of oil to the U.S. market. The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Saudi Arabia launched its Vision 2030 program in April 2016, laying out plans to diversify the economy, including through increased trade and investment with the United States and other countries.
In 2017, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took 20th place in the world export market of the United States of America and 21st place in import market. The United States is Saudi Arabia’s second largest trading partner, and Saudi Arabia is one of the United States’ largest trading partners in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia’s main exports are crude oil ($96.1B), refined oil ($13B), ethylene polymers ($10.1B), propylene polymers ($4.93B), and ethers ($3.6B). While the main imports from the U.S. to the Kingdom are cars ($11.8B), airplanes, helicopters and/or spacecraft ($3.48B), packaged medicines ($3.48B), broadcasting equipment ($3.27B), and aviation parts ($2.18B).
The two nations have also expanded their relationship far beyond oil and defense efforts. In the 1970s and 1980s, Saudi Arabia transferred $100 billion in negotiations with the United States for administration, construction, defense and higher education scholarships support. As of 2012, Saudi Arabian students form the 4th largest group of international students studying in the United States, representing 3.5% of all foreigners pursuing higher education in the U.S. These educational programs allow approximately 55,000 Saudi students to attend the U.S. colleges and universities, annually.
The United States and Saudi Arabia also maintain strong cultural ties with dozens of exchange visits each year. In addition, Saudi youth and young leaders have the opportunity to get acquainted with the United States and its educational institutions through the various other exchange programs, such as the International Visitor Leadership Program.
The tourist numbers from Saudi Arabia to the U.S.A. have always been growing – from 39,000 Saudi tourists traveling to the U.S. in 2007, to 276,000 in 2014, and 286,000 in 2015. According to the U.S. government’s National Travel and Tourism Office, Saudi Arabia is the 30th largest source of tourists to the U.S.
Where To Go
- The Colorado River weaves its way through the 277-mile-long Grand Canyon National Park, making it a top destination for whitewater rafting. The Arizona Park is also a superb spot to hike, offering breathtaking rails.
- Maui’s idyllic beaches and green parks offer ample opportunities to relax. Spend your days admiring the scenery as you cruise along the Road to Hana, fly above the island in a helicopter, or lounge across the black sands of Waianapanapa State Park.
- Known for its diverse cultural scene, museums, theatres, night life, soaring skyscrapers and relaxing parks such as the scenic Central Park or the artsy High Line, New York is a city for all. Enjoy the Coney Island Amusement park, sample authentic cuisine from all over the world at each bus stop in Queens or go kayaking in the Hudson.
- Aspen, the luxe Colorado mountain town, offers world-renowned ski slopes, high-end boutiques and trendy restaurants. Although skiing is the primary activity of choice for most visitors, travelers can also choose to spend their vacation hiking the beautiful twin peaks of the Maroon Bells or driving or biking the 20-mile Independence Pass.
- A true cultural gem and a blend of influences from the Caribbean, Europe, and other locales, New Orleans has a distinct personality. Music lovers flock here to immerse themselves in the city’s rich jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll scenes. Meanwhile, gourmets can feast on everything from gumbo to beignets to po’boys in between sightseeing.
What To Do
- Visit many museums of Manhattan. The city houses the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Fashion Institute & Technology, the Madame Tussaud’s among many other museums.
- Attend the tapings of your favorite show or theater! Reserve seats to see the tapings of Jimmy Fallon, Seth Myers or Samantha Bee at the Rockefeller Center, Trevor Noah at their studio by the Hudson, or Ellen and your favorite TV series at the NBC studios in LA. Attend a broadway play and be swept away in the magic of their unbelievably talented performers!
- Walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, spend a day hiking or biking at the scenic Golden Gate Park and watch a breathtaking sunrise from the Baker Beach with the bridge in view over a picnic
- Go cave exploring at Miami beaches. A city with beautiful beaches, rich culture, and exciting sea aquariums. Miami has breathtaking caves waiting to be explored. Enjoy this magical adventure with a trained guide, for a truly memorable experience
- Chicago is a bustling city with skyscrapers; take a boat ride to see the city.
