Austria has initiated a comprehensive digital partnership with Saudi Arabia, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. State Secretary for Digitalization, Alexander Pröll, led a high-level Austrian delegation to Riyadh in late August and early September 2026. Their visit laid crucial groundwork during the prestigious LEAP 2026 technology conference.
This comprehensive digital partnership aims to translate existing diplomatic relations into tangible economic, research, and investment initiatives. Notably, it links Saudi Arabia’s ambitious “Vision 2030” investments with Austria’s proven expertise. This includes research capabilities, regulatory frameworks, and technological implementation.
To accelerate cooperation, both nations have agreed on three core projects. Firstly, a Digitalization Working Group will be established with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment. This group will specifically identify and implement technology and economic ventures.
Furthermore, an initial joint AI pilot project is now underway, focusing on artificial intelligence and digital governance. Austria will share insights from its GovGPT initiative, the “Public AI” learning platform, and its ID-Austria system. In addition, a direct networking mechanism will simplify access for Austrian businesses to Saudi government agencies. This business-to-government matchmaking aims to streamline public contracting.
The Austrian delegation comprised representatives from key institutions like the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (RTR). Industrial heavyweights Anexia and AVL also joined the group. This diverse representation covered the entire value chain, from advanced research to industrial application.
In Riyadh, State Secretary Pröll and his team engaged in high-level discussions. They met Saudi IT Minister Abdullah Amer Alswaha, Investment Minister Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif, and SDAIA President Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi.
The delegation also connected with HUMAIN, the state-owned AI company. HUMAIN drives Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) AI strategy. Meanwhile, Pröll addressed digital sovereignty and responsible AI governance on LEAP’s main stage.
A significant immediate economic success emerged for Styrian technology company AVL List GmbH. Critical negotiations occurred on-site with Saudi energy conglomerate ACWA Power. These discussions centered on building Saudi Arabia’s first pilot plant for sustainable aviation fuels (eSAF).
AVL’s proprietary process uses high-temperature electrolysis, converting water and CO₂ directly into synthesis gas for synthetic kerosene. This innovative technology promises to cut production costs by up to 50 percent. A direct development and implementation contract with ACWA is nearing completion. Its finalization is expected within weeks, guaranteeing substantial added value for Austria’s economy.
Beyond AI, the partnership also identified other promising areas for future collaboration. Both countries see considerable potential in quantum computing, quantum communication, and cybersecurity. Sustainable mobility technologies also present avenues for joint research and investment. To maintain this momentum, State Secretary Pröll is already organizing a return visit for a Saudi Arabian delegation to Austria.
