Apple CEO Tim Cook Attends White House Dinner With Saudi Crown Prince

Apple CEO Tim Cook joined a high-profile White House dinner. The event was hosted by President Donald Trump for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This gathering occurred on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. It included several top tech executives.

The dinner marked the Crown Prince’s first U.S. visit since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. According to The New York Times, the CIA had determined the prince ordered the murder. President Trump publicly defended the prince ahead of the event.

Cook’s Long-Standing Business Ties to Saudi Arabia

Cook has a history of engagement with Saudi leadership. He first met Prince Mohammed in April 2018. Their discussions focused on education and app development opportunities within the kingdom.

This relationship has translated into significant financial commitments. Apple has invested $2 billion in Saudi Arabian companies. Cook’s most recent visit to the country was in December 2024, signaling continued interest in the region.

The company is also expanding its direct-to-consumer presence. Apple launched its online store in Saudi Arabia in July 2025. Physical retail locations are planned to open there in 2026.

Broader Tech Industry Presence at the Event

The guest list highlighted the deep connections between Silicon Valley and global leaders. Other tech luminaries attended the dinner alongside Cook. This included X CEO Elon Musk and Dell founder Michael Dell.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and AMD CEO Linda Su were also present. Their collective presence underscores the strategic importance of international partnerships for the tech sector. These relationships often pave the way for major market expansions and investments.

The event illustrates the complex interplay between global business and diplomacy. For Apple, maintaining a relationship with Saudi leadership is crucial for its growth strategy in the Middle East.

The attendance of Tim Cook at the White House dinner reinforces Apple’s strategic commitment to the Saudi market. This high-level engagement is a clear signal of the company’s future investment intentions. The ongoing relationship is a key part of Apple’s global expansion plans.

Thought you’d like to know

Who else attended the White House dinner?

Other tech leaders present included Elon Musk of X, Michael Dell of Dell, and Jensen Huang of Nvidia. AMD CEO Linda Su was also in attendance at the high-profile event.

What is Apple’s financial involvement in Saudi Arabia?

Apple has invested $2 billion in Saudi-based companies. The tech giant also launched an online store there in July 2025, with physical stores planned for 2026.

When did Tim Cook last visit Saudi Arabia?

Cook’s most recent visit to the country was in December 2024. His first meeting with the Crown Prince took place back in April 2018 to discuss business opportunities.

Why was this visit by the Crown Prince significant?

It was his first trip to the United States since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The CIA had concluded the prince ordered the killing at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

How did President Trump address the Khashoggi situation?

President Trump defended the Crown Prince before the dinner. He stated that “a lot of people didn’t like that gentleman” when questioned by a reporter about the journalist.