Digital Technology to Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Gain market insights, join the trade mission, and grow your business overseas. Applications open on Thursday, 27 November 2025, and close on Sunday, 1 February 2026.
The Going Global Export Program opens doors for NSW’s next generation of SME exporters. Through a bespoke market preparation, followed by a market-entry mission, the program will help you to increase your export proficiency and harness business growth through international export opportunities.
Applications are open
Applications are now open for eligible businesses to participate in Digital Technology to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The program will run from March to April 2026.
The program will consist of:
- A bespoke 6-8 week market preparation program with a targeted educational curriculum.
- A market entry mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE to facilitate business introductions and meetings with potential partners and identify export opportunities.
- Ongoing engagement and support with Investment NSW onshore and international network.
Program dates
March to April 2026
Key event
The program culminates with in-market activities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE from Monday, 13 April 2026, to Friday, 17 April 2026, that include:
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (13 – 15 April 2026) - LEAP 2026
Abu Dhabi, UAE (16 – 17 April 2026) - Market visit
In-person attendance in Saudi Arabia and the UAE by a company representative is mandatory.
Why you should apply
Saudi Arabia’s digital economy was valued at over A$ 200 billion in 2024, reflecting the breadth of growth across digital infrastructure, data centres, e-government, and AI. Meanwhile in the UAE, spending on digital technologies continued to grow, projected to reach A$ 31 billion by 2026.
Both, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are investing at an extraordinary scale in technology, making the markets compelling opportunities for NSW firms. In Saudi Arabia, information and communication technology (ICT) spending alone is expected to exceed A$ 53 billion in 2025.
These figures highlight not only the governments’ commitment to nationwide digital transformation but also the rapidly growing demand from the private sector, creating a large and attractive addressable market for NSW companies.
This program offers eligible businesses the opportunity to:
- Develop a first-hand understanding of the technology and innovation landscape in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, through engagements with investors, corporates, and government entities.
- Hear from local government and industry representatives navigating national digital-transformation agendas, smart-city programs, and emerging AI and cloud initiatives.
- Gain access to key stakeholders in AI, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, fintech, and digital government through targeted meetings and networking sessions.
- Showcase your product and/or service to prospective customers and partners at curated networking opportunities and industry events.
- Build visibility and credibility in two of the Middle East’s most significant and fast-developing markets, with support from Investment NSW.
- Receive tailored guidance from Investment NSW representatives - onshore and in-market—to refine your approach.
What types of businesses should apply
This program targets NSW businesses that:
- Provide products, services or solutions for the technology industry.
- Have a commercially ready product or service.
- Have a website featuring the product or service.
- Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market.
This program is not suitable for service providers or multipliers.
Eligibility
The applicant business must meet the core eligibility criteria for this program including:
1. Be a Small to Medium Enterprise [employee number between 3 and 199 full-time equivalent employees].
2. Be a new entrant to the identified market or demonstrate a need for NSW support through the Going Global Export Program.
3. Have a NSW footprint demonstrated by:
- Business headquarters in NSW (or a demonstrated footprint in NSW and business activity that benefits NSW).
- A valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW (or business activity that demonstrates benefit to NSW).
- The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW (or a demonstrated footprint in NSW and business activity that benefits NSW and commitment to expand in NSW).
- The applicant business produces and owns its own brand (the program is not for aggregators/traders or consultants).
4. Have export capability and market suitability demonstrated by:
- a suitable product and/or service for export to the identified market.
- potential to compete commercially in the market.
- Capability to grow through export activity and capacity to adapt the identified product or service for the identified new market.
5. Agree to the Terms and Conditions of participation in the program:
- This includes being willing to participate in all components of the training program and travel to the selected markets.
- As this is a market entry program, applicants should participate in the same stream/market no more than twice.
- If applicants have participated in other Investment NSW programs they must demonstrate commitment to participation in that program, including sharing information and reporting outcomes from their participation.
Ideal product and service categories:
This program is suitable for NSW businesses that deliver products, services or solutions for the technology industry, including but not limited to the following areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Health
- Fintech
- Enterprise SaaS
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Media
- Govtech
About the selection process
Investment NSW will select participants through a merit-based assessment process. Where there are more applicants than places available, places on the program will be offered to those applicants most suitable for the program and new to the program/market.
Apply Now
Applications open on Thursday, 27 November 2025, and close on Sunday, 1 February 2026.
Contact
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Lee, Senior Export Adviser, Investment NSW | TradeStart Advisor, at