Saudi Arabia, France Deepen AI Gaming Partnerships
Saudi Arabia and France are expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, gaming, and emerging technologies. The latest discussions took place during Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha’s visit to France.
The meetings brought together Saudi officials and senior executives from major technology, gaming and entertainment companies. Both sides also focused on knowledge transfer, talent development, and new commercial opportunities.
The initiative also fits within the broader Saudi-French strategic partnership. In a joint statement, both governments agreed to deepen cooperation across AI, quantum computing, emerging technologies and capacity building.
AI Moves Into Gaming and Digital Entertainment
Alswaha met Ubisoft CEO and Co-Founder Yves Guillemot, Sony Group CEO Hiroki Totoki, Riot Games CEO Dylan Jadeja and Electronic Arts Chairman and CEO Andrew Wilson. The discussions examined how AI can advance gaming, entertainment and digital content.
The meetings also addressed Saudi talent development and support for local developers. The goal is to help Saudi creators build globally competitive games, experiences and intellectual property.
Gaming has become an increasingly important part of Saudi Arabia’s technology and entertainment strategy. Consequently, the Kingdom is seeking partnerships that connect international expertise with its growing domestic developer and creator ecosystem.
The timing also carries significance for bilateral relations. France hosted the third Esports World Cup during summer 2026, and Saudi Arabia and France have now reaffirmed plans to strengthen cooperation in culture, youth and sports.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is developing Qiddiya as a major entertainment and gaming destination. The project includes an esports district alongside sports, entertainment and technology infrastructure. Therefore, international partnerships can support the Kingdom’s wider ambition to build a global gaming economy.
Quantum Computing and Advanced AI
The discussions extended beyond gaming. Alswaha also met Thales Group Chairman and CEO Patrice Caine to discuss AI security, data protection and knowledge transfer. The talks build on a Saudi-Thales partnership that spans more than five decades.
In addition, Alswaha visited the Paris headquarters of quantum computing company Pasqal. There, he reviewed the company’s quantum technologies and discussed expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia.
The talks also examined how quantum computing could work alongside artificial intelligence. As a result, Saudi Arabia is exploring technology combinations that could support advanced computing capabilities and national talent development.
Alswaha also met Laurent Solly, co-founder of Advanced Machine Intelligence. Their discussions covered next-generation AI models and their capabilities in understanding, prediction and planning. Furthermore, they examined applications in robotics, automation and industry.
These discussions point to a broader technology strategy. Saudi Arabia is seeking access to advanced AI capabilities while also developing researchers, engineers and developers who can build domestic applications.
Strategic Partnership Expands
The technology discussions form part of a wider expansion in Saudi-French economic cooperation. During Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s August 2026 visit to France, the two countries announced more than 20 agreements and memoranda covering AI, emerging technologies, investment, infrastructure and other sectors.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and France agreed to establish a cooperation framework covering artificial intelligence, quantum technology and other emerging technologies. The governments also highlighted capacity building as a priority.
The private sector is also becoming central to the relationship. French AI company Mistral AI and Saudi AI company HUMAIN agreed to establish a long-term strategic cooperation framework covering computing capabilities, joint AI model development and commercialisation.
Meanwhile, the two countries extended their AlUla partnership through 2035. They also reaffirmed France’s participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh, creating further opportunities for technology and knowledge exchange.
For Saudi Arabia, the partnerships support Vision 2030 objectives around economic diversification and national technology capabilities. For France, they create access to one of the region’s largest investment and technology markets.
Ultimately, the latest cooperation signals a shift toward deeper technology integration. AI, gaming, quantum computing and advanced digital infrastructure are increasingly becoming practical areas of Saudi-French economic collaboration.
