H.E. the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, held an open meeting at Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz University in Madinah with a number of entrepreneurs, university graduates, investors, and representatives of the technology sector in the Madinah region to discuss growth prospects and emerging opportunities in the digital economy and artificial intelligence, as well as the role of the business community and universities in enhancing the region’s competitiveness, stimulating innovation, and supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The meeting discussed enablers for advancing the technology and investment environment in Madinah, mechanisms to empower entrepreneurs and startups, and ways to capitalize on the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s digital market, further strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a leading global hub for technology, innovation, and the transition to the intelligent era.

Alswaha emphasized the importance of seizing high-potential opportunities available to entrepreneurs and university graduates to build innovative business models and develop AI-driven digital solutions that contribute to the growth of the digital economy, improve service quality, and maximize the impact of technology across priority sectors, in addition to enhancing the experience of visitors and pilgrims, leveraging the unique advantages of Madinah.

The meeting was accompanied by an exhibition featuring national technology companies and university students in celebration of World Information Society Day, where participants showcased their innovations and digital solutions across several promising technology fields. The exhibition reflected the capabilities of national talent and the role of universities and startups in building a competitive and growth-oriented innovation ecosystem.

The meeting comes as part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s efforts to empower the technology entrepreneurship ecosystem across the Kingdom’s regions, strengthen engagement with investors, entrepreneurs, and university graduates, support startup growth, and develop national capabilities, contributing to building a thriving digital economy driven by innovation and knowledge.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha met at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh with UK Prime Minister’s Chief Business, Investment and Trade Adviser Varun Chandra to discuss prospects for expanding the Saudi-UK partnership in the fields of the digital economy, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and future technologies.  The two sides explored opportunities to attract UK technology companies to the Kingdom, in addition to strengthening joint ventures and strategic investments in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy, in a way that supports the growth of the digital economy and reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a global technology hub.  The meeting also reviewed opportunities to support digital entrepreneurship ecosystems, empower technology startups in both countries, and expand mutual market access, contributing to accelerating technological innovation and strengthening integration between the Saudi and UK business ecosystems.

The event was organized by the Center of Digital Entrepreneurship (CODE), affiliated with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, with the aim of highlighting the growing role of Saudi women in the technology and entrepreneurship sectors, and showcasing inspiring stories and experiences of Saudi female leaders and innovators who have contributed to building impactful technology ventures.
The event highlighted the success journeys shaped by Saudi female entrepreneurs and innovators in technology and innovation fields, reinforcing the role of women as active partners in the growth of the digital economy, while opening new horizons for dialogue around promising opportunities in the future of innovation and investment.
The event was attended by women interested in entrepreneurship and technology, students and graduates, as well as female entrepreneurs, contributing to inspiring the next generation of female leaders, empowering their presence across innovation pathways, venture building, and impact creation in the intelligent era.