Published on 28 August 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is an important partner for Switzerland because of its significant roles in the global economy, the Muslim world and the Middle East. The two countries enjoy a dynamic, multifaceted partnership.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

The focus of relations is on the economy and finance, education, research and innovation, peacebuilding and development cooperation. With its ‘Vision 2030’ project, Saudi Arabia has launched a far-reaching reform process that is also creating new opportunities for bilateral relations. Switzerland and Saudi Arabia have concluded a number of agreements, including in the areas of free trade, civil aviation, double taxation and investment protection.

Treaty database

Economic cooperation

With a trade volume of CHF 6.5 billion in 2025, Saudi Arabia is Switzerland's second biggest trading partner in the Middle East (after the United Arab Emirates). Switzerland mainly exports precious metals, chemical and pharmaceutical products, watches and jewellery, as well as machinery and electronics. Imports also consist primarily of precious metals, watches and jewellery, as well as other metals. Switzerland supports its private sector in gaining market access and is capitalising on the opportunities presented by the diversification driven by ‘Vision 2030’, including in the financial sector (including fintech).

Country Cockpit, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)

Trade promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE)

Swiss Business Hub Middle East

Double taxation agreements

Cooperation on education, research and innovation

Switzerland promotes links between its research institutions and those in Saudi Arabia. The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO) is establishing scientific partnerships as the ‘leading house’ for the MENA region on behalf of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Furthermore, researchers and artists who are citizens of Saudi Arabia can apply to SERI for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the Expo 2030 in Riyadh under the theme ‘Foresight for Tomorrow’. Switzerland will be present with its own pavilion, which will highlight Switzerland's reputation for reliability and excellence in the fields of the economy, innovation and global governance.

Leading House MENA project, HES-SO

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, SERI

Peacebuilding and human security

Switzerland actively promotes dialogue between the states of the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. It is stepping up bilateral exchanges on international humanitarian law and human rights – with a particular focus on women – as well as on responsible business conduct within the framework of ‘Vision 2030’.

Development cooperation and humanitarian aid

The SDC office at the Swiss embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, also covers Saudi Arabia. Its key areas of focus include water, climate change, migration, innovative financing models and partnerships with humanitarian and development actors in the Gulf region. Unlike traditional country offices, it focuses on development diplomacy. Switzerland capitalises on Saudi Arabia's investments and presence in Africa and Asia for joint sustainable technology projects in third countries (South-South and trilateral cooperation). It supports the training of Saudi nationals in the field of international cooperation.

Cultural exchanges

Switzerland regularly takes part in the celebrations to mark the International Day of La Francophonie and Italian Language Week. It also organises various cultural events.

Swiss nationals in Saudi Arabia

There were 450 Swiss nationals living in Saudi Arabia at the end of 2025.

History of bilateral relations

The first contacts between Switzerland and the Arabian Peninsula date back to the period before the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, from Basel, was one of the first Europeans to visit Mecca in the 19th century. Following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (recognised by Switzerland in 1927), the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1956. From 2017 to 2023, Switzerland acted as a protecting power between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Saudi Arabia, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Diplomatic Documents of Switzerland, Dodis

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