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 Emphasizes Role of Transportation, Logistics in Driving Global Development

Officials take part in the panel discussion at the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)
Officials take part in the panel discussion at the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)
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Saudi Investment Minister Emphasizes Role of Transportation, Logistics in Driving Global Development

Officials take part in the panel discussion at the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)
Officials take part in the panel discussion at the Global Logistics Forum 2024. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih emphasized on Sunday the crucial role of transportation and logistics in driving global development.

During the opening session of the Global Logistics Forum 2024, Al-Falih highlighted the strategic significance of the Middle East, which serves as a pivotal link between East and West due to its prime geographical location.

He acknowledged the rapid advancements in Saudi Arabia’s transportation and logistics sectors, underscoring their direct impact on investment and the national economy.

Speaking on the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Al-Falih pointed out that the development of the transportation and logistics sectors is key to achieving a qualitative transformation both locally and regionally, empowering the private sector to play a more significant role in these sectors.

The session, “Logistics Builds Nations, and Nations Build Logistics”, included participation from leading Arab ministers, including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser; Egypt’s Minister of Transport Major General Kamel Al-Wazir; the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei; and Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Eng. Saeed Al-Maawali.

Al-Jasser emphasized that the logistics sector is crucial for realizing the objectives of Vision 2030 by prioritizing and enabling projects across various sectors, such as Hajj and Umrah, tourism, trade, industry, and quality of life. Aligning these priorities has significantly contributed to economic growth and development in the Kingdom.