Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to visit Washington for a pivotal meeting with President Donald Trump, as both nations seek to expand their partnership beyond traditional oil and defense ties. Former US ambassador Michael Ratney highlights new areas of cooperation, including advanced technology, renewable energy, and arts and culture, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ongoing economic transformation. The visit is expected to focus on a defense agreement, technology collaboration, and civil nuclear cooperation, though normalization with Israel remains stalled due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Ratney also addresses regional security concerns, reconstruction challenges in Gaza, and the evolving situations in Syria and Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of international engagement and support for stability in the Middle East.