Saudi Arabia and France to intensify their technological cooperation, particularly focusing on advancements in Artificial Intelligence.
Saudi Arabia is strengthening its collaboration with leading French research institutions and technology companies, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), deep technologies, space, and data governance. This strategic push is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader vision, Vision 2030, to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and empower its research and innovation ecosystem.
Recent high-level meetings in Paris, led by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, have been instrumental in driving this collaboration. Key engagements included discussions with Inria, a leading French research institute in computer science, Mistral AI, CNIL (the French data protection authority), and Thales Group, a major technology firm active in aerospace, defense, and digital identity.
These meetings aim to strengthen collaboration between Saudi Arabia and French entities, building a robust digital infrastructure and boosting innovation in vital sectors. The partnership extends beyond AI and data governance, with a focus on space technologies and deep tech innovations, crucial for Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in these cutting-edge fields.
The tech and research ties are complemented by an increase in French business presence and investment in Saudi Arabia. Thirty-four French companies have recently established regional headquarters in the Kingdom, signaling deeper economic and technological integration between the two countries.
The dialogue with CNIL President Marie-Laure Denis underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building forward-looking regulatory frameworks for responsible tech innovation. Abdullah Alswaha also met with Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, to explore collaboration in smart systems and space technologies, advancing the Kingdom's efforts to build robust digital infrastructure and empower its high-tech sectors.
In a separate meeting, Abdullah Alswaha discussed data protection, AI regulations, and best practices in data governance with CNIL President Marie-Laure Denis. Furthermore, Abdullah Alswaha met with Bruno Sportisse, CEO of French national research institute Inria, to discuss joint opportunities in AI, robotics, quantum computing, and the creation of shared research labs, alongside researcher exchange and talent development programs.
This collaboration is a significant step towards Saudi Arabia’s vision of elevating its research and innovation ecosystem. The international franchise, Middle East, is witnessing an increase in such strategic partnerships, reflecting a shared commitment to driving technological advancements and digital transformation.
- Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, discussed artificial intelligence (AI) and data governance with CNIL President Marie-Laure Denis, demonstrating a commitment to building forward-looking regulatory frameworks for responsible tech innovation.
- The partnership between Saudi Arabia and French entities, such as Inria, Thales Group, Mistral AI, and CNIL, extends beyond AI and data governance, focusing on space technologies and deep tech innovations, vital for Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in these cutting-edge fields.
- In his meeting with Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales Group, Abdullah Alswaha explored collaboration in smart systems and space technologies, a crucial aspect of the Kingdom's efforts to build robust digital infrastructure and empower its high-tech sectors, contributing to the broader vision of Vision 2030 for advanced technology adoption.
