25 French Companies Offer Partnership Opportunities with Saudi Arabia in Cyber Security

Officials are seen at the Saudi-French security conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the Saudi-French security conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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25 French Companies Offer Partnership Opportunities with Saudi Arabia in Cyber Security

Officials are seen at the Saudi-French security conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials are seen at the Saudi-French security conference in Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Twenty-five French companies specializing in cybersecurity have presented significant partnership opportunities with their Saudi counterparts to help bolster the sector.

French and Saudi officials emphasized the substantial investment prospects in security infrastructure during the Saudi-French Security Day program, which kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday and will continue until Tuesday.

The conference highlighted the potential role Riyadh and Paris can play in creating secure cities for the future, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as the Kingdom prepares to host major international events, including the 2027 Asian Games, Expo 2030, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Rachid Boulaouine, Director of Business France Saudi Arabia, stated during the event that collaborating with French companies offers a valuable opportunity to meet the complex security needs of large-scale events and major projects in the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is investing over $15 billion in the rapidly growing cybersecurity market as part of Vision 2030.

In 2023, France’s cybersecurity sector generated over 7 billion euros ($7.6 billion) in revenue, with an annual growth rate of 10%, driven by increased investment in advanced technologies and innovative solutions.

Over the three-day conference, discussions will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation and fostering partnerships between French companies and key Saudi entities, including King Salman Park, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the General Entertainment Authority, and Qiddiya.



Saudi Investment Minister: Local Content is an Important Enabler for Economic Competitiveness

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Local Content Forum 2024 held in Riyadh. SPA
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Local Content Forum 2024 held in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi Investment Minister: Local Content is an Important Enabler for Economic Competitiveness

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Local Content Forum 2024 held in Riyadh. SPA
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih speaks at the Local Content Forum 2024 held in Riyadh. SPA

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih stressed that local content is an important enabler for transforming the economy from a rentier system to a prosperous one.

The investment minister added that local content is one of the main pillars of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, viewing it as fuel for the competitiveness of the economy and companies in relevant sectors, including industry, agriculture, energy, municipalities, and tourism.

This came during his participation, along with several other ministers, in a dialogue session entitled "Future Trends for Local Content in Light of the Kingdom's Vision 2030," held on Wednesday in Riyadh as part of the Local Content Forum 2024.

He noted that the vision's goals include developing and diversifying the economy and increasing quality opportunities to ensure sustainability and competitiveness both locally and internationally. He reviewed several successful global experiences in local content that have contributed to increasing the percentage of local content across various sectors and achieving global leadership.

Al-Falih also highlighted the role of the initiatives and programs under the National Investment Strategy, such as special economic zones, regional headquarters, and the Shareek Program, in enabling and motivating investors to invest in the Saudi market and building an attractive investment environment that enhances global quality investments, which will lead to strengthening the national economy and creating more job opportunities.

He mentioned that 95 deals, with an investment value exceeding SAR100 billion, are currently under negotiation through the "GSCRI" initiative.