Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, Israeli cybersecurity firms are quietly expanding their footprint in Saudi Arabia, signaling a growing but discreet cooperation driven by shared security interests and technological needs, reported the Yahoo News.
Among the key players is CyberArk, an Israeli firm specializing in identity security and privileged access management. The company has rapidly increased its client base in the Kingdom, reportedly servicing more than 50 Saudi clients. As of early 2025, Saudi Arabia contributes nearly 40% of CyberArk’s Middle East business. Former regional head of sales Tom Lowndes stated that the firm is seeing an average annual growth rate of 25% in the Saudi market and is planning to double its operational presence over the next two years.
In addition to cybersecurity infrastructure, spyware and surveillance tools are also part of this under-the-radar collaboration. Tel Aviv-based Quadream has reportedly sold its advanced spyware tool “Reign” to Saudi authorities. The technology allows remote extraction of data, monitoring of communications, and covert activation of smartphones without user knowledge. Another Israeli firm, Cellebrite, known for its expertise in digital forensics, was allegedly involved in a secret mission in 2019 to hack into a Samsung S10 phone for Saudi agencies. According to reports, a Cellebrite representative traveled to Riyadh in a highly secretive manner, bypassing standard immigration procedures to maintain the confidentiality of the mission.
These operations are enabled through third-party intermediaries and regional resellers such as Spire and Bulwark. These distributors, often based in other countries, facilitate the entry and deployment of Israeli technologies in Saudi Arabia and across the region, including the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt. This arrangement helps maintain deniability and avoids direct diplomatic entanglement.
Saudi Arabia’s own cybersecurity ambitions have grown significantly over recent years. The establishment of the National Cybersecurity Authority in 2017 and the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College for Cybersecurity in 2018 reflects the Kingdom’s long-term strategy to develop domestic capabilities in artificial intelligence, digital defense, and surveillance technologies. These initiatives are part of Riyadh’s broader Vision 2030 strategy that seeks to modernize infrastructure and enhance national security through advanced technology.
The cooperation between Israeli firms and Saudi Arabia, though hidden from public view, highlights a convergence of strategic interests. While the two nations maintain a political distance on the surface, their partnership in cyberspace suggests that pragmatism and security often outweigh ideological and diplomatic differences.
