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The Saudi Press Agency reported Monday that Abdullah Alswaha met with several prominent figures including Ubisoft Chief Executive Yves Guillemot, Sony Group Chief Executive Hiroki Totoki, Riot Games Chief Executive Dylan Jadeja and Electronic Arts Chairman Andrew Wilson. Discussions centered on leveraging artificial intelligence to advance the gaming, entertainment and digital content sectors while building Saudi talent pools and supporting local developers in creating competitive global products. The meetings form part of broader efforts to position the Kingdom as a leader in these technologies.
Alswaha also held talks with Thales Group Chairman Patrice Caine focusing on artificial intelligence security, data protection and the development of responsible AI frameworks. These conversations addressed the need to ensure safe and ethical deployment of emerging technologies across various applications. The engagement reflects ongoing Saudi interest in comprehensive technology strategies that balance innovation with governance.
During the visit Alswaha toured the headquarters of quantum computing specialist Pasqal where he examined laboratory facilities and evaluated integration between quantum systems and artificial intelligence platforms. He was accompanied by Pasqal Chief Executive Wasiq Bokhari along with Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Talal in reviewing the company’s advancements. The Saudi Press Agency indicated the tour highlighted opportunities for further collaboration in national capability development.
According to previous announcements from Pasqal, the company deployed Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer at Aramco’s Dhahran data center in November 2025, marking a foundational step in the region’s quantum capabilities with a 200-qubit neutral-atom system. This existing partnership provides a base for the new discussions aimed at expanding quantum applications in industry and research. The latest visit seeks to deepen such ties as part of sustained technology exchanges between Saudi Arabia and France.
The engagements build upon a December 2024 agreement between Saudi Arabia and France to establish a Strategic Partnership Council that identified artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and communications as priority areas for cooperation, Arab News reported. Subsequent meetings in 2025 with French entities including Mistral AI and the National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology further advanced joint research and talent programs. These cumulative steps support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in diversifying the economy through digital transformation and innovation.
