Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Around 100 French companies are preparing to explore investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia tied to Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, according to Business France, the trade commission at the French Embassy in Riyadh.

As reported by Al Eqtisadiah, specialized firms in infrastructure, transport, engineering, and culture will visit Riyadh at the end of November to take part in the Saudi-French Business Forum. They aim to secure roles in major projects, including designing and implementing the metro line that will connect Riyadh’s airport to the Expo 2030 site.

The commission added that deals are expected to be signed with key financing entities from both France and Saudi Arabia during the forum. French companies will also meet government bodies and private sector representatives to discuss potential collaborations in smart cities, transportation, sports, technology, culture, and security.

The Saudi-French Business Forum is described as a high-level platform bringing together companies, decision-makers, and institutions from both countries to strengthen partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and deepen economic ties, particularly as Riyadh transforms in preparation for Expo 2030 and the World Cup 2034.

Mohamed Nehad, French Consul General in Jeddah, recently stated that French investments in Saudi Arabia are estimated at €2.8 billion (about $3.08 billion). Around 350 French companies currently operate in the Kingdom under temporary contracts, while 170 have a permanent presence. French investment stock in Saudi Arabia stands at SAR 23 billion, placing France ninth among the Kingdom’s top investing countries.