KOTRA Says Saudi Arabia Is Expanding AI Cooperation With Korea

Saudi Arabia is signaling a strong interest in collaborating with South Korean companies in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, and energy technology. In response, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) is accelerating its efforts to build an AI cooperation network across the Middle East.

KOTRA (President Kang Kyeong-seong) announced that it hosted the “Korea–Saudi AI, City and Energy Roadshow” in Riyadh on November 19, in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority. The event marks the latest step in Korea’s expanding AI diplomacy in the region, following earlier engagements in the UAE and Qatar.

Momentum Builds in Middle East AI Cooperation

KOTRA has pursued active AI cooperation with oil-producing countries in recent months. In September, it signed an AI cooperation MOU with the Dubai Future Foundation, held the Korea–Qatar AI Cooperation Forum in Doha, and organized the Korea–Saudi AI Future Cooperation Partnership event. In October, the agency also operated the Korea Pavilion at GITEX, the Middle East’s largest ICT exhibition. The Riyadh roadshow extends this growing network of partnerships.

Saudi Arabia, under its national development blueprint “Saudi Vision 2030,” is prioritizing the adoption of AI technologies, the development of smart cities, and the diversification of its energy mix. Reflecting this demand, about 70 organizations participated in the roadshow, including 17 Korean companies in the AI, smart city, and energy sectors, as well as major Saudi smart city agencies and corporate buyers.

Forum Highlights and Business Consultations

The event featured an AI forum, one-on-one business consultations, and a networking program. During the forum, the National Information Society Agency (NIA) of Korea and Saudi Arabia’s Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) presented policy directions and outlined areas for future technology cooperation. Naver Cloud and Humain, a leading Saudi digital firm, also shared business models and discussed potential collaboration.

In the subsequent B2B session, Korean companies specializing in AI, energy, and smart city technologies — including Kakao Mobility and SoluM — held more than 200 export consultations with over 70 Saudi companies and organizations.

High Interest in Korea’s AI and Smart City Solutions

Kim Myung-hee, Vice President and head of KOTRA’s Industrial Innovation and Growth Division, emphasized that Middle Eastern oil-producing nations increasingly view Korea as a trusted partner in AI innovation.

“Countries across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, are paying close attention to Korea’s AI capabilities,” Kim said. “This roadshow confirmed strong local interest in Korean AI and smart city solutions. KOTRA will continue to support the expansion of Korea’s AI ecosystem into the Middle Eastern market by leveraging local networks and demand.”

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