AI waves and other technological developments are reaching the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), supported by efforts to accelerate innovation. In a groundbreaking move, Estonia and Saudi Arabia have partnered to cooperate in the digital technology field, alongside commercial, investment, educational, and economic niches. Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margus Tsahkna, and KSA’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, have concluded the General Agreement for Cooperation in an official meeting in Riyadh.
What are the technology aspects of the deal?
Besides other sectors, the strategic partnership with Estonia and KSA intends to drive technological advancements in the following areas.
Digital governance: cybersecurity, smart city infrastructure, and digital identity.
Green energy and technology: renewable energy projects and emerging technologies.
Stargate Hydrogen, an Estonian-born deep-tech and green hydrogen tech developer, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Research, Development
and Innovation Authority (RDIA), and with NEOM/ENOWA to progress green hydrogen technology development and deploy its technology in Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters?
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy plays a significant role in this partnership. It is a long-term national plan to expand its economy towards technology, modern infrastructure, and sustainability. Estonia is globally known for its “digital governance expertise” in e-government services, digital identity, and other sectors.
“Estonia is a small nation with a big digital footprint”, said Estonia’s Foreign Minister. He firmly believes that his country’s solutions are powering several businesses and governments across the world.
For Eva-Kristiina Ponomarjov, Director General of Trade Estonia at Enterprise Estonia, the deal strengthens the country’s passion to contribute to Saudi’s transformative journey towards Vision 2030.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the country has a vision to build a digital infrastructure that “contributes to reinforcing vital sectors and advancing high-tech industries.”
