Saudi Arabia, Oman Cooperate to Boost E-Economy

Officials signing the agreements between Saudi and Omani governments (Omani News Agency)
Officials signing the agreements between Saudi and Omani governments (Omani News Agency)
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Saudi Arabia, Oman Cooperate to Boost E-Economy

Officials signing the agreements between Saudi and Omani governments (Omani News Agency)
Officials signing the agreements between Saudi and Omani governments (Omani News Agency)

Saudi Arabia and Oman seek to boost their cooperation in several digital fields to develop their economies, governments, and talents and unifying efforts to develop human resources to keep pace with modern technologies.

Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Sawaha, and Omani Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Saeed al-Maawali, signed in Oman on Tuesday two executive programs in digital transformation and digital capacity development.

The two officials held an expanded meeting to address the deepening bilateral cooperation in accelerating the growth of regional e-economy, e-government, and talent development.

The two programs aim to promote cooperation in digital transformation to increase the benefit of digital technologies in improving business environments and qualifying capabilities for leadership, development, and business management in all fields.

The executive program in skills qualification signed between the two countries aims to build future leaders, develop digital capabilities, unify efforts to develop human capital, and link them to future professions.

It also aims to prepare generations capable of keeping pace with developments and maximizing the benefit of technologies in improving business environments by providing quality programs.

The Saudi Deputy Minister for Future Jobs and Capabilities Faris al-Saqabi, and the Omani Undersecretary for Communications and Information Technology in the Ministry of Transport, Ali al-Shidhani, signed the second program.

Under the program, the two sides will cooperate in implementing several joint initiatives, including the possibility of Omani national cadres joining training camps organized by Saudi Arabia through its Future Skills initiative, which is implemented through the "Saudi Digital Academy" and "Tuwaiq Academy."

The Saudi delegation held several official meetings in Oman aimed at opening new horizons and building fruitful cooperation between the two countries in technology and innovation.

The two sides discussed ways to deepen cooperation for the benefit of both economies and the need to exchange experiences and work with the Omani side to raise the Sultanate's competitiveness in global development indicators.

Sawaha will then head to Qatar on an official visit to expand partnerships and cooperation in technology and innovation.

Saudi Arabia is the regional hub for technology and innovation in the region, and a center that attracts investments by establishing strategic partnerships that promote the growth of e-economy and support the Kingdom's shift in technology, thus contributing to the realization of Vision 2030.



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.