Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to collaborate on emerging technologies

September 02, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, data governance and emerging technologies, as both countries look to expand collaboration in the digital and tech space.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, held on the sidelines of the LEAP 2026 Conference in Riyadh.

Shaza Fatima apprised the SDAIA president of Pakistan's ongoing efforts to advance its national artificial intelligence and data governance agenda, underlining the government's focus on building robust frameworks in these areas, according to a press release issued.

She reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to developing a strong data ecosystem and reinforcing the country's digital economy, positioning the meeting as part of broader efforts to expand the country's engagement in AI and emerging technologies at the international level.

LEAP has emerged as a major global technology platform, bringing together technology companies, startups, investors, government representatives and policymakers from around the world.

The event offers Pakistani firms an opportunity to showcase their capabilities, engage directly with potential clients and investors, pursue technology export deals and establish long-term partnerships across Saudi Arabia, the GCC and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The participation also comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to expand its IT and digital services exports and increase the global footprint of its technology sector.

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