Estonia and Saudi Arabia have signed a digital cooperation memorandum in Riyadh, opening a framework for closer work on digital standards, emerging technologies and market access for Estonian companies in the Gulf region.
The memorandum was signed on 31 August by Estonia’s Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha during LEAP 2026. The announcement was made by the Estonian Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs and the Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications (ITL).
Digital cooperation opens market access to Saudi Arabia
The digital cooperation memorandum covers interoperability standards and emerging technologies. It is intended to support the development of national digital services and standards, including digital platforms and solutions for electronic signatures, authentication and e-invoicing. All cooperation will follow the national legislation of both countries.
“The memorandum on digital cooperation signed in Riyadh is an important step in strengthening relations between our two countries and will enable our companies to move forward with concrete cooperation projects in digital governance, e-identity and artificial intelligence,” Liisa Pakosta said.
Pakosta said the agreement should help Estonian technology companies establish contacts, develop new partnerships and gain access to the growing Saudi market. “We want Estonian companies to secure valuable business opportunities and contracts,” she commented.
Estonia’s digital society has been built in close cooperation with the private sector, giving local technology companies experience in data exchange, cybersecurity and the delivery of digital public services. Pakosta also said Estonia was ready to contribute to preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh in smart cities and clean technologies.
Estonian companies return to LEAP
Pakosta attended LEAP 2026 in Riyadh from 31 August to 3 September alongside an Estonian business delegation. Six Estonian companies took part in the event: Askend Estonia, CybExer Technologies, Datel, Fitek, Helmes and Nortal. It was the fourth time Estonian technology companies had participated in LEAP.
The companies participated in the exhibition and business meetings, while the Estonian stand hosted a networking event for local partners and LEAP participants from around the world. The programme also included Nordic-Baltic cooperation, with Estonian companies meeting Finnish and Latvian technology companies.
Earlier LEAP delegations have also connected Estonian technology companies with Saudi Arabia in areas including digital governance, health technology and deep tech. Previously, they have already signed memorandums and company-level partnerships in the Saudi market.
Business relations to continue
“Entering the Saudi technology market requires consistency and long-term investment in building local relationships,” said Doris Põld, CEO of ITL Estonia. ITL’s continued participation in LEAP is part of a long-term effort to develop cooperation in the region, she said.
“This year, our goal is to take the relationships we have already established to the next level and identify concrete cooperation and business opportunities for our companies. The bilateral memorandum on digital cooperation will certainly support us in achieving these goals,” Põld added.
The bilateral Business Council will continue to support business relations between Estonia and Saudi Arabia. A Saudi Arabian delegation is expected to visit Estonia in September, while Estonia also wants to move forward with preparations for a bilateral investment protection agreement.
The participation of Estonian companies at LEAP 2026 was supported by Enterprise Estonia and the European Union through the Interreg Central Baltic Programme.
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