The group, led by the Saudi-Portuguese Business Council (SPBC) and its president, Alwalid Albaltan, begins its visit today, 25 August, with meetings planned in Lisbon, Sintra, Oeiras and Porto.

It is already the council’s third official visit to Portugal this year, pointing to increasingly regular business contact between the two countries. The programme runs until 1 September and will bring the Saudi delegation together with Portuguese companies, municipalities, business associations and public bodies.

Healthcare is the main focus, with both sides looking at potential business partnerships, investment, technology and knowledge sharing. Another goal is to help Portuguese companies looking to enter or expand in the Saudi market.

Healthcare moves up the agenda

The timing is significant. The business mission precedes a planned visit to Portugal by Saudi Arabia’s Health Minister, Fahad Bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, adding a government-level dimension to the growing commercial relationship.

Saudi Arabia is in the middle of a major transformation of its healthcare system under its Vision 2030 programme, with investment extending into digital health, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, research and private healthcare provision.

Those priorities potentially open doors for Portuguese companies with expertise in health technology, pharmaceuticals, medical services and research.

There are already signs that Portugal is looking to make the most of those opportunities. AICEP’s 2026 international programme includes a dedicated Health and Life Sciences business mission to Saudi Arabia from 27 to 30 October, providing Portuguese companies with another opportunity to explore the market later this year.

AICEP also maintains an office in Riyadh as part of its international network.

From Lisbon to Porto

The Saudi delegation will spend the first part of its visit in the Lisbon region, with meetings in Lisbon, Sintra and Oeiras.

Attention will then turn north, with 27 and 28 August dedicated to Porto, where further meetings with businesses and institutions are planned.

Rather than focusing solely on Saudi investment coming into Portugal, the mission is designed to work in both directions. Encouraging Portuguese companies into the Saudi market is a stated part of the programme, alongside attracting investment and creating partnerships between businesses in the two countries.

With a ministerial visit still to come and another Portuguese healthcare mission heading to Saudi Arabia in October, this week’s meetings appear to be one step in a relationship that both sides are looking to develop well beyond a single business trip.