Economic and trade relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia are moving towards expanding areas of cooperation outside the energy sector, to include advanced industries, digital technologies, smart infrastructure and cybersecurity, in light of the investment and industrial opportunities provided by “Saudi Vision 2030” and the efforts of Russian companies to enhance their presence in the Saudi market.
This trend emerged during the first edition of the “Saudi Inoprom” exhibition, which was hosted by Riyadh in February 2026, with the participation of 38 Russian companies from 15 regions, within the national pavilion organized by the Russian Export Center under the “Made in Russia” sign.
According to participants’ data, the exhibition witnessed the holding of more than 250 business meetings over three days, and Russian companies classified 86 percent of these meetings as compatible with their business objectives, while the potential value of the contracts discussed amounted to about 8.7 billion rubles.
These indicators reflect the interest of Russian companies in expanding their activity in the Kingdom, and benefiting from the growing demand for technical and industrial solutions, as discussions continue to transform cooperation opportunities into actual agreements and projects.
Opportunities in advanced technologies and industries
Russian participation in the exhibition focused on the sectors of smart cities, energy, industrial engineering, instrumentation and information technology, as well as modular data center solutions, composite materials, drones, cybersecurity and urban infrastructure equipment.
These areas are compatible with the needs of the Saudi market in light of the expansion of industrial, urban and digital projects, and the efforts aimed at raising the efficiency of resource consumption, developing infrastructure, and increasing reliance on modern technologies in various economic sectors.
Russian companies presented solutions that include establishing standard data centers, automating the measurement of resource consumption, enhancing the protection of industrial systems from cyber attacks, in addition to equipment and technologies dedicated to the construction sector.
The participating companies seek to provide solutions applicable to the Saudi market, focusing on operation and maintenance requirements and compatibility with existing systems, which are key factors in determining opportunities for new technologies to enter local projects.
The Russian Export Center plays a role in supporting these efforts through the “Made in Russia” program, which helps companies obtain voluntary certificates of conformity, participate in international trade exhibitions and missions, communicate with potential buyers, and follow up on trade negotiations after the end of the events.
Collective participation also allows Russian companies to showcase their products to Saudi investors and buyers, and explore opportunities for establishing long-term industrial and technical partnerships.
Moscow Forum to complete the discussions
On November 16, Moscow is scheduled to host the “Made in Russia” International Export Forum, at the National Center “Russia”, with the participation of companies and representatives of foreign markets. To discuss opportunities for commercial and technical cooperation.
The forum will allow foreign delegations to view a wider range of Russian products and solutions in the fields of information technology, robotics, medical technologies and industrial equipment, in addition to holding direct meetings with manufacturers and exporters.
The forum represents an opportunity to complete the discussions that began during the Riyadh exhibition, especially in areas that require technical studies and operational experiences before moving to the contracting and implementation stage.
The basic requirements for technology companies to enter the Saudi market include the ability to integrate new solutions with used systems, provide maintenance and technical support services, adherence to project schedules, as well as transfer knowledge and train local cadres.
On the other hand, expansion in the Saudi market requires Russian companies to develop business models that suit the pace of project implementation, and to prepare to provide long-term services, rather than being limited to supplying products and equipment.
Diversifying economic partnerships
The expansion in the areas of industrial and technical cooperation comes within a broader trend to diversify economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, which over the past decades have been mainly linked to the energy sector, major government projects, and defense industries.
As cooperation in the energy sector continues to be important, new opportunities are emerging for companies from both countries in the fields of smart grids, advanced materials, measurement and analysis devices, digital security, and urban technologies.
These sectors can open the way for direct partnerships between Saudi and Russian companies, including supplying equipment, developing technical solutions, implementing pilot projects, and exchanging industrial expertise.
The results of the commercial meetings at the “Inoprom Saudi Arabia” exhibition indicate that there is a mutual interest in developing this cooperation, but converting the opportunities presented into actual projects will remain linked to the results of the negotiations, and the extent to which the solutions presented are compatible with the regulatory, technical and commercial requirements of the Saudi market.
It is expected that the “Made in Russia” forum in Moscow will provide an additional opportunity to evaluate these opportunities and follow up discussions between companies, in a way that supports the expansion of trade and industrial relations between the two countries outside the traditional sectors.
In Switzerland, luxury is not measured by the glamor of places and manifestations of luxury alone, but rather by the privacy, tranquility and exceptional experiences that destinations provide to their visitors. Among the mountain peaks, clear lakes, and cities rich in arts, the philosophy of “quiet luxury” is embodied, which places the quality of the experience and attention to detail at the heart of high-end tourism.
Three Swiss destinations stand out that reflect this concept: Gstaad, Viard-sur-Ollon, and Basel, where experiences vary between relaxing in the embrace of the Alps, staying in luxury hotels, and discovering local traditions and contemporary arts.
Gstaad... mountain elegance and authentic tradition
Gstaad occupies a prominent place among the upscale mountain destinations in Switzerland, as it combines its international fame with its authentic rural character, with its traditional wooden houses, quiet streets and green meadows.
Luxury in Gstaad is embodied through experiences that combine simplicity and distinction, such as taking a trip in horse-drawn carriages, enjoying the surrounding nature, and staying in ancient hotels, most notably “Gstaad Palace” and “Le Grand Bellevue,” which reflect the level of high-end hospitality in the region.
Lake Launen, located within a nature reserve near the village, is one of the most prominent sites for relaxation and meditation, as it provides a suitable atmosphere for walking and practicing yoga in the open air.
The area gives its visitors the opportunity to learn about Swiss traditions by visiting mountain huts, enjoying traditional yodel singing, and discovering the local cheese industry, including visiting a cave designated for storing cheeses 25 meters underground.
Viar-sur-Ollon... Adventures above the clouds
Located in the Swiss region of Vaud, Viard-sur-Ollon offers a tourist experience that combines mountain tranquility, natural adventures and luxurious hospitality.
Panoramic train trips, including the “Golden Pass Belle Epoque” train, form part of the fun of discovering the region, thanks to its classic carriages and its views of the villages and mountain valleys.
The destination includes a group of high-end hotels, most notably “Viar Palace” and “Chalet Royal Hotel & Spa,” which provide accommodation experiences that combine comfort, relaxation and a mountainous atmosphere.
The Glacier 3000 area stands out as one of the most prominent tourist experiences in the region, as it can be reached by cable car and enjoy panoramic views of the Alpine peaks at an altitude of approximately three thousand metres.
One of its most prominent features is the “Peak Walk by Tissot” bridge, suspended between two peaks with a length of 107 metres, which provides views of famous peaks, including Mont Blanc, Matterhorn and Jungfrau, in addition to walking activities, alpine slides and mountain restaurants.
Basel... luxury in the spirit of art and culture
Away from the mountain resorts, Basel offers a different face to Swiss tourism, where historic architecture blends with contemporary arts and upscale hospitality on the banks of the Rhine.
The Fundacion Beller Foundation, located near the city, stands out as one of the prominent artistic institutions, as its collection includes more than 400 works by about 91 artists, in a building designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano in the middle of a natural garden.
The Foundation hosts exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, enhancing Basel's position as a destination for culture and arts lovers.
In the heart of the city, the “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois” embodies the concept of luxury hospitality, thanks to its distinguished location on the Rhine River and its views of the old city, while the “Banks” restaurant offers a dining experience that combines European and Asian flavors.
Luxury is in the details
These experiences are integrated with the Swiss train network, which makes moving between destinations part of the fun of travel, in addition to the “Swissinable” initiative, which aims to promote responsible tourism and preserve nature and local communities.
From the tranquility of Gstaad to the icy peaks of Villers-sur-Ollon, all the way to the museums of Basel and the banks of the Rhine, Switzerland offers a concept of luxury that goes beyond luxury accommodation, putting the authenticity of the place, the beauty of nature and the richness of experiences at the heart of the trip.
