ALKHOBAR: Three years after Saudi Arabia identified generative artificial intelligence as a major opportunity for cooperation with France, the relationship is expanding into large language models, advanced research, robotics, and data governance.
At the French-Saudi Investment Forum in Paris in June 2023, Saudi Communications and Information Technology Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha said generative AI could expand the global enterprise software market from $1 trillion to $14 trillion by 2030.
He said at the time: “This represents an unprecedented opportunity for both nations to join hands and see how we can double down on talent and technology that have proven to us to be the largest social equalizer and economic multiplier.”
Since then, the two countries have broadened discussions around emerging technologies as Saudi Arabia expands its digital economy and France strengthens its position in the global AI sector.
During French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2024, the two countries agreed to establish a Strategic Partnership Council and identified AI, quantum technologies, communications and information technology, space, and smart cities among areas for greater cooperation.
