Saudi Arabia and France Sign Major Agreements on Defense, AI, Investment and Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia and France have signed a series of agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding cooperation in defense, investment, artificial intelligence (AI), tourism, infrastructure, culture, and advanced technologies.

The agreements were concluded in Paris on Monday following the inaugural meeting of the Franco-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, held during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the French capital.

The two countries signed a Letter of Intent to deepen defense cooperation, focusing on emerging technologies, defense industry capabilities, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, military training, and the exchange of expertise in military education.

The agreement reflects both countries' intention to strengthen their long-term strategic security partnership amid a rapidly evolving global security environment.

Saudi Arabia and France also extended and expanded their existing cooperation agreement for the preservation and development of the ancient oasis city of AlUla through 2035.

The revised agreement covers archaeological research, cultural initiatives, tourism development, professional training, innovation, sustainable development, and biodiversity conservation, creating new opportunities for cultural and environmental cooperation.

Among the largest deals announced was a €6 billion (approximately $7 billion) investment agreement for the Qiddiya entertainment project in Cergy-Pontoise, near Paris.

The project will include three theme and entertainment parks, residential developments, restaurants, and other commercial facilities, with an estimated 22,000 jobs expected to be created.

Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence
Saudi Arabia and France signed a framework agreement to collaborate on artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and other emerging technologies.

Separately, French AI company Mistral AI and Saudi AI firm Humain agreed to establish a long-term partnership focused on expanding computing infrastructure, developing advanced AI models, and commercializing artificial intelligence technologies.

Several agreements were reached during the Saudi-French Business Forum.

French shipping giant CMA CGM, together with Red Sea Gateway Terminal, signed a €434 million investment agreement to develop Terminal 4 at Jeddah Islamic Port.

French rail manufacturer Alstom secured a €500 million contract to supply additional trains for Riyadh Metro Lines 3 and 6. The company also agreed to invest in establishing a train assembly facility in Saudi Arabia to support the future Line 7 expansion.

French nuclear energy company Orano and Saudi mining company Ma'aden signed an agreement to cooperate on technology development and strategic projects.

French state-backed export credit agency Bpifrance Assurance Export also committed financing of up to $3 billion for Saudi energy projects and approximately $5 billion for Riyadh Metro, the Sharaan Hotel in AlUla, and other infrastructure developments.

In the aviation sector, Saudia Group, the Saudi EXIM Bank, and Crédit Agricole CIB signed an MoU to finance the purchase of four Airbus aircraft for the Saudi national carrier.

As Saudi Arabia prepares to host Expo 2030 Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Atout France and Expo 2030 Riyadh Company signed an agreement to exchange expertise on managing major international events and tourism development.

To encourage greater cross-border investment, Saudi Investment Minister Fahad bin Abdul Jalil Al-Saif and French Economy Minister Roland Lescure signed a memorandum aimed at facilitating direct investment between the two countries.

The agreement provides a framework for sharing information on investment opportunities, strategic projects, regulatory developments, and investor support services.

The latest agreements underscore the growing strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and France, extending well beyond traditional diplomatic ties into defense, technology, infrastructure, clean energy, and economic cooperation. They also reflect Saudi Arabia's continued efforts under Vision 2030 to diversify its economy while positioning itself as a global investment and innovation hub.