Saudi Arabia has unveiled an ambitious new strategy aimed at drawing closer to Europe and reshaping global economic ties. Senior Saudi officials used a major global stage in Davos to pitch the Kingdom as a key partner for trade, tourism, technology and advanced industry growth, signalling a big shift in how Riyadh wants the world to see it. These plans could rewrite economic links across continents and open fresh opportunities for companies and workers alike.
A New Role as a Global Connector
At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos 2026, Saudi Arabia’s leadership described their country not just as an important oil producer, but as a bridge between Europe, Africa, and Asia in the evolving world economy. Commerce Minister Majid A. Alkassabi said the Kingdom’s location and growing infrastructure make it well placed to connect markets and support trade flows across continents.
This shift comes at a time when global supply chains are being realigned, with companies seeking more resilient and diversified trade routes. Saudi Arabia is stepping up to be part of that change by investing heavily in ports, rail lines, transport corridors and logistics hubs.
Economists and business leaders at Davos noted that the post‑pandemic global trade landscape is shifting from traditional open markets towards more structured systems. Saudi officials argue that their country can help bridge that gap, offering stability and access to fast‑growing regions while drawing closer to Europe’s industrial and tech markets.
Big Opportunities in Tourism and Technology
Saudi Arabia is also making tourism a centerpiece of its global outreach. Tourism Minister Ahmed Alkhateeb highlighted that travel demand is rising worldwide, with projections suggesting that global visitor numbers could reach two billion by 2030. Saudi Arabia wants a greater share of that growth by expanding its cultural, leisure and business travel sectors.
In 2025, the Kingdom welcomed a record number of tourists, with 122 million visitors and tourism spending hitting around $80 billion, showing how rapidly the sector is expanding.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism push creates openings not just for hotels and travel companies but also for tech firms in areas like cybersecurity, advanced payment systems, and digital platforms that support modern tourism ecosystems. These connections could be attractive to European firms looking for new markets.
Technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), also plays a major role in Riyadh’s vision. The Kingdom is investing in AI platforms, research partnerships and digital infrastructure that could accelerate tech collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Saudi planners are even launching new initiatives like the SUSTAIN Platform, an AI‑enabled system designed to help businesses, academic institutions and development partners identify global collaborators and move projects forward more effectively.
Europe Ties Tighten in Industry and Innovation
Saudi Arabia’s push to deepen ties is not limited to speeches in Davos. Recent diplomatic efforts in Europe have focused on industrial partnerships in pharmaceuticals and critical minerals, areas where both sides see mutual benefit.
Industrial Minister Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef has held meetings with European leaders, pushing cooperation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and mineral resources development, sectors that are critical for future industrial growth.
These moves fit into broader plans that see Saudi Arabia shifting away from being dependent on oil revenue by expanding into multiple global industries and connecting deeper with developed markets like the European Union.
A Hub in a Changing Global Economy
Saudi Arabia’s strategy reflects deeper trends in global economics. Many nations are adjusting to new realities where geopolitical forces, digital transformation, and regional cooperation are reshaping trade networks. The Kingdom’s leaders argue that Saudi Arabia’s position and investments make it a linchpin in this transformation.
For example, infrastructure projects like the 950‑kilometer Landbridge railway are expected to cut transit times and help move goods more efficiently across the region. Investments like these are aimed not just at domestic growth but at enhancing Saudi Arabia’s value as a global trade and logistics centre with direct ties to Europe’s markets.
This connection is about more than shipping goods. Saudi leaders are also seeking closer alignment on industrial policy, technology regulation and skills training to make cooperation with Europe meaningful and long lasting.
What It Means for Business and Workers
For European companies, Saudi Arabia’s vision offers access to fast‑growing markets and new customers, especially in sectors like technology, healthcare, tourism and advanced manufacturing.
European technology firms in areas such as digital entertainment, cloud services and AI infrastructure could find new demand as Saudi Arabia expands its digital economy and opens collaborative doors with global partners.
Meanwhile, job seekers and entrepreneurs in both regions could benefit from expanded economic ties, new investment flows, and shared innovation ecosystems.
Road Ahead and Global Invitation
Saudi Arabia’s plans were also linked to efforts to host future global economic forums, including a World Economic Forum international meeting in Jeddah in April 2026, which is expected to build on momentum from Davos and encourage collaboration among global leaders.
The Kingdom’s leaders have emphasized that economic stability and strong policy frameworks are essential if Saudi Arabia is to become a reliable partner for Europe and the wider world.
Saudi Arabia’s push to build bridges with Europe represents a bold strategy that could reshape economic ties between continents, but it also comes with challenges such as aligning regulatory environments and ensuring that investment flows benefit local communities and workers on both sides.
As nations navigate shifting global currents, the success of this vision will depend on sustained cooperation, shared goals, and clear governance that supports inclusive growth.
Saudi Arabia’s plans signal a new chapter in global economics that could touch everything from trade corridors and tourism routes to cutting-edge technology partnerships.
