Saudi, US Companies Invest in Saudi Space Sector

Saudi delegation discusses the development of the space sector through cooperation with US companies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi delegation discusses the development of the space sector through cooperation with US companies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi, US Companies Invest in Saudi Space Sector

Saudi delegation discusses the development of the space sector through cooperation with US companies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi delegation discusses the development of the space sector through cooperation with US companies (Asharq Al-Awsat)

A high-ranking Saudi delegation visited the US and succeeded in establishing investments and development partnerships in the space sector.

The meetings discussed several issues aimed at exchanging know-how and technologies on microgravity platforms, cooperating to localize the satellite industry, enhancing joint capabilities to discover space debris, and effectively contributing to building advanced navigational systems.

During his visit to the US, Chairman of the Saudi Space Commission Abdullah al-Swaha held several discussions with heads of US space companies.

Swaha, who is also Minister of Communications and Information Technology, met with the founder and CEO of Axiom Space, Michael Suffredini, and CEO of Redwire Peter Cannito. The meetings were attended by the acting CEO of the Saudi Space Commission, Mohammed bin Saud al-Tamimi.

Swaha and Tamimi discussed investment and development opportunities to enhance the role of the space sector in the Kingdom with CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA) John Elbon and founder of Space Perspective Jane Poynter.

The meetings aimed to enhance bilateral cooperation in spacecraft launch services, build partnerships to contribute to the growth of the space tourism sector, exchange expertise and technologies, and develop the sector’s role in achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The Saudi delegation visited NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where the Saudi officials were received by Assistant Director of the Kennedy Space Center Burton Summerfield. The meeting discussed investment opportunities in establishing and managing spaceports.

Saudi Arabia is currently focusing on developing space activities and the economy as the Kingdom invests in capacity building, and digital, technical, and research to transform into an innovation-based economy.

The visit to the US aims to strengthen mutual relations and exchange the best global expertise and practices in space exploration, technology, and related industries. It discusses ways to enhance innovation and pioneering projects and transfer and localize advanced technologies in the space sector.

During his visit, Swaha met with the US Deputy National Security Adviser for Cyber and Emerging Technology, Anne Neuberger.

The meeting reviewed fostering partnership and developing cooperation between the two sides in several areas, including cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and creating digital capabilities in cybersecurity.

The minister also met with Ambassador Barbara Leaf, senior director of the Middle East and North Africa Affairs at the US National Security Council, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the two friendly countries in entrepreneurship, emerging technologies, and the development of sustainable and green technology.



Saudi-European Partnership Launched between SIDF Investment and Investindustrial  

Officials at the signing ceremony between SIDF Investment Company and Investindustrial Group. (SIDF Investment Company) 
Officials at the signing ceremony between SIDF Investment Company and Investindustrial Group. (SIDF Investment Company) 
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Saudi-European Partnership Launched between SIDF Investment and Investindustrial  

Officials at the signing ceremony between SIDF Investment Company and Investindustrial Group. (SIDF Investment Company) 
Officials at the signing ceremony between SIDF Investment Company and Investindustrial Group. (SIDF Investment Company) 

In a significant step toward strengthening Saudi Arabia’s industrial capabilities, SIDF Investment Co., the financial arm of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, signed a strategic partnership agreement with European private equity firm Investindustrial on Tuesday.

The alliance aims to attract global institutional capital and advanced industrial expertise to the Kingdom, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for high-value-added manufacturing.

Fahad Al-Naeem, CEO of SIDF Investment Co., described the agreement as a pivotal new chapter in the firm’s investment strategy.

“This partnership with Investindustrial is designed to connect niche industrial specializations and operational know-how with global markets,” he said. “It will support Saudi Arabia’s industrial ecosystem and empower the Kingdom to become both a regional and international platform for manufacturing growth.”

Al-Naeem added that SIDF Investment would leverage its deep local market knowledge to smooth the entry of global manufacturers into Saudi Arabia and integrate them into international supply chains.

Investindustrial Chairman Andrea Bonomi expressed confidence in the alignment between the firm’s investment portfolio and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. “Many of our investments are well positioned to support the Kingdom’s strategic ambitions, creating long-term partnerships and delivering sustainable value,” he said.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Prince Sultan bin Khalid bin Faisal, Vice Chairman of SIDF Investment Company, and Italy’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Carlo Baldocci.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Investindustrial currently manages more than $19 billion in assets and operates across eight global offices. The firm specializes in medium-sized companies, focusing on sustainable value creation and international expansion.

This partnership reinforces the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy and Vision 2030, both of which seek to position the Kingdom as a global center for advanced manufacturing and integrated supply chains.

The collaboration will focus on joint investments to localize advanced industries within the Kingdom, while enabling Saudi small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to tap into global value chains managed by Investindustrial.

Key sectors targeted by the agreement include machinery and equipment, automation, medical devices, food production, and sustainable consumer goods. The goal is to maximize local added value, stimulate innovation, and enhance competitiveness across the Saudi industrial landscape.

This move is expected to accelerate industrial transformation in the Kingdom, paving the way for increased foreign investment, job creation, and greater integration with international markets.