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Saudi Arabia, France Explore Civil Aviation Investment, Deeper Cooperation 

The meeting was held as part of the 55th annual Paris Airshow, taking place from June 16 to 22. (SPA)
The meeting was held as part of the 55th annual Paris Airshow, taking place from June 16 to 22. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, France Explore Civil Aviation Investment, Deeper Cooperation 

The meeting was held as part of the 55th annual Paris Airshow, taking place from June 16 to 22. (SPA)
The meeting was held as part of the 55th annual Paris Airshow, taking place from June 16 to 22. (SPA)

A high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation sector, headed by General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, held the Saudi-French Roundtable Meeting in Paris on Tuesday.

The meeting brought together leading French companies specializing in civil aviation, along with chief executives, the deputy chief executive for aviation safety and environmental sustainability, officials, and experts in aviation, airports, and related services. More than 65 public and private entities from both countries participated.

The meeting was held as part of the 55th annual Paris Airshow, taking place from June 16 to 22.

The meeting aimed to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation, explore investment opportunities, and expand areas of privatization and technology transfer.

It highlighted national priorities and projects in the sector, while facilitating the exchange of views on the future of the aviation industry, addressing shared challenges, and aligning efforts to build strategic partnerships that support infrastructure development, foster innovation, and promote sustainability in aviation, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as a global logistics hub and a key center for air transport.

Participants discussed available investment opportunities in the civil aviation industry and the attractive investment environment the Kingdom offers to both local and international investors.

They also underscored national initiatives, privatization prospects, and opportunities in airport infrastructure, air navigation services, and advanced aviation technologies.

These efforts reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the sustainable development of the sector and its positive contribution to the global aviation industry, in line with its strategic interests and the objectives of its Vision 2030.

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Gulf States Accelerate Adoption of Unified Digital Government Platforms

A Tawakkalna app events in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A Tawakkalna app events in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Gulf States Accelerate Adoption of Unified Digital Government Platforms

A Tawakkalna app events in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A Tawakkalna app events in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Gulf governments are moving swiftly to leverage modern technology in reshaping citizen-government relations, with a strong push toward digital transformation and more efficient, user-centric public services.

At the forefront of this shift are unified government applications that constitute comprehensive digital platforms that combine smart technology with seamless usability.

According to a recent study by Strategy& Middle East, a member of the PwC network, these platforms are no longer optional but have become strategic necessities.

The study, titled “Unified Government Apps: Smart Choices for Services and Cost Control,” highlights that citizens and residents can now complete services such as issuing birth certificates, renewing business licenses, or applying for social support within minutes, without physically visiting a government office.

Tawakkalna: A Saudi Model

Saudi Arabia’s Tawakkalna app, originally launched as a health tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, has since evolved into a comprehensive digital gateway offering over 1,100 government services.

Dr. Esam Al-Wagait, Director of the National Information Center at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), noted the Kingdom’s aim to build a proactive digital government powered by AI.

“We are creating an integrated system that uses advanced technology to predict citizen needs and deliver personalized experiences aligned with smart and sustainable city goals,” he said.

Engineer Saleh Mosaibah, Deputy Director of the National Information Center, added that unified platforms enhance inter-agency collaboration, reduce operational costs, strengthen cybersecurity, and boost Saudi Arabia’s regional and global competitiveness.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite progress, the study noted operational and technical challenges remain, particularly around user expectations for faster, smoother service. Repeated logins and redundant data entry were identified as key obstacles.

Engineer Hani Zein, Partner at Strategy& Middle East, stressed the need for seamless, single-entry platforms powered by artificial intelligence.

“Unified interfaces are the future. They improve service delivery, enhance quality of life, and align with Gulf digital transformation goals,” he said.

Investment and Private Sector Integration

Experts stress that building such applications requires significant investment in IT infrastructure, data integration, and cybersecurity. “These are not just tech expenses, they are investments in smarter, more cost-efficient governance,” said Mosaibah.

The private sector also presents growth opportunities. Licensed companies could offer services through government platforms for a fee, or strategic partnerships could bring in private funding and innovation without straining public budgets.

Building a Sustainable Model

To ensure sustainability, Zein recommends a three-pillar approach: an agile operational model inspired by startups, strong legal and financial frameworks, and robust risk management systems. These foundations, he said, enable governments to move quickly, innovate freely, and maintain public trust.

With the right strategy, Zein and Mosaibah believe Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to set global standards for integrated digital government, offering a world-class experience for citizens and residents alike.