Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, data governance and emerging technologies, creating an opportunity for a broader and more sustainable technology partnership between the two countries. The discussions focused on areas that are becoming increasingly important to digital development, including artificial intelligence, data management and advanced technologies.
The agreement was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority President Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the LEAP 2026 conference in Riyadh, where both sides discussed opportunities to expand technology related cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
According to Pakistan’s state broadcaster, the two sides discussed the establishment of a comprehensive and sustainable partnership covering artificial intelligence, data governance and advanced technologies. The proposed cooperation is aimed at creating a longer term framework through which both countries can work together on emerging areas of technology and strengthen their respective digital ecosystems.
During the meeting, Shaza Fatima Khawaja briefed Alghamdi on Pakistan’s ongoing initiatives related to the country’s national artificial intelligence and data governance agenda. The minister outlined Pakistan’s efforts to develop its technology capabilities and establish frameworks that can support the responsible use and management of data as the digital economy continues to expand.
The minister also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to developing a strong data ecosystem. Data governance is becoming an increasingly important part of digital development as governments and businesses rely more heavily on data for technology based services and decision making. Pakistan’s focus on this area is linked with its wider efforts to strengthen the country’s digital economy and technology infrastructure.
Artificial intelligence was another key area discussed during the meeting. Both sides explored opportunities to continue cooperation in emerging technologies and establish a lasting framework for collaboration. The discussions indicate an interest in moving beyond individual technology initiatives toward broader cooperation involving areas that can contribute to digital development in both countries.
The partnership also comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to increase their focus on technology skills, digital infrastructure and data driven development. Greater cooperation in these areas could provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and stronger institutional engagement while supporting the development of technology capabilities.
The meeting at LEAP 2026 also provided an opportunity for Pakistan to highlight its ongoing technology initiatives to a wider international audience. Pakistan has been seeking greater engagement in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies as part of its efforts to expand the digital economy and strengthen its position in technology related sectors.
The latest discussions between the two countries reflect growing interest in building structured cooperation around artificial intelligence, data governance and advanced technologies. With both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia placing greater emphasis on digital transformation, the proposed partnership could provide a framework for continued engagement in technology, data and AI related areas over the longer term.
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