Canadian Companies Strengthen Saudi AI Projects in NEOM and Vision 2030 Amid Growing Trade Ties

Ottawa – EcoPulse24

In a significant development for Canada-Saudi Arabia tech relations, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service announced that Canadian AI companies are ready to enhance Saudi mega-projects like NEOM and other Vision 2030 initiatives across urban development, healthcare, and education. This follows a series of high-level meetings, including a November 2025 session between Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih and Canadian Minister of AI and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and building strategic partnerships, especially in priority investment sectors.

This partnership is strategically important as Saudi Arabia undergoes its Vision 2030 transformation, with AI now a core pillar of its post-oil economic strategy. Midway to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to establish itself as a global tech hub, with key initiatives such as the $100 billion "Transcendence" program designed to position the Kingdom as a leader in AI innovation. According to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, foreign direct investment inflows rose 24% to $6.4 billion in Q1 2025 versus the same period in 2024.

Canadian companies' opportunities go beyond traditional tech collaboration, with over 150 Canadian firms active in Saudi Arabia offering solutions in AI, advanced technology, healthcare, infrastructure, mining, defense, and creative industries, according to Global Affairs Canada. In AI, notable Canadian firm Cohere, based in Toronto, is already working with Saudi Telecom Company (STC), highlighting the vast potential for collaboration in this vital sector.

The $500 billion NEOM project, a cornerstone of Vision 2030, serves as an ideal testbed for Canadian AI applications. From autonomous public transit to predictive energy management, NEOM demonstrates the seamless integration of AI into smart urban life. Other promising sectors include healthcare - where AI is used for rapid X-ray reading and disease detection - and education, with AI-powered e-learning platforms and smart city development in projects like The Line and Qiddiya.

Bilateral trade has grown significantly, reaching $4.1 billion in goods in 2024 ($2 billion in Canadian exports, $2.1 billion in imports), according to Global Affairs Canada. In February 2025, Saudi exports to Canada surged 86.6% year-on-year to $170 million, up from $91 million in February 2024, per the Observatory of Economic Complexity. To sustain this momentum, both countries announced in November 2025 the start of negotiations for a foreign investment protection agreement and the reactivation of the Joint Economic Committee to foster mutual trade and economic initiatives.

This strategic partnership exemplifies advanced international cooperation in AI, combining Canadian expertise in AI development with Saudi Arabia's ambitions to build a knowledge-based economy. Canadian Minister Evan Solomon noted that "appetite for partnership and investment in Canada has never been higher," emphasizing open-eyed negotiations with Gulf states on AI collaboration. As Saudi Arabia aims to rank among the top 15 AI nations by 2030, develop over 300 AI/data startups, and attract $20 billion in foreign investment, Canadian firms are well-positioned to help build the Kingdom's digital future.

Q1: What are the main areas of cooperation between Canadian companies and Saudi projects?
A: Key areas include AI, smart urban development (NEOM, The Line, Qiddiya), digital healthcare and AI disease diagnostics, e-learning platforms, tech infrastructure, and predictive energy management. Over 150 Canadian firms are active in these sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Q2: What is the value of trade between Canada and Saudi Arabia?
A: Trade in 2024 was about $4.1 billion ($2 billion Canadian exports, $2.1 billion imports). In February 2025, Saudi exports to Canada rose 86.6% to $170 million, compared to $91 million in February 2024.

Q3: What are Saudi Arabia's AI goals under Vision 2030?
A: Saudi Arabia aims to be among the top 15 AI countries by 2030, develop over 300 AI/data startups, train 20,000 AI/data experts, and attract $20 billion in foreign investment. The $100 billion "Transcendence" program is dedicated to advancing AI innovation.