PARIS: The economic relationship between Saudi Arabia and France is entering a new phase, with French investment expanding beyond its traditional strengths in energy and industry into artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, culture, creative industries and mining.
The shift reflects the wider transformation underway in the Saudi economy under Vision 2030, as well as a bilateral relationship that has developed over a century of diplomatic ties.
France is already Saudi Arabia’s fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment stock, with approximately €16.3 billion invested in the Kingdom in 2024. French companies hold 651 investment licenses across 18 sectors, while manufacturing accounts for around 60 percent of French FDI stock.
The investment relationship is also gaining momentum. French investment stock has doubled over the past three years, while 90 new French investment licenses were issued in 2024 and another 127 in 2025.
French-company energy projects in Saudi Arabia exceed €16.3 billion, while French-led consortia are participating in solar projects totaling 11 GW. (AFP)
