Investment

OpenAI is seeking substantial new investment to support its AI model development and the ambitious Stargate infrastructure project. The company has reportedly engaged with major potential backers, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, India’s Reliance Industries, and existing investor MGX from the United Arab Emirates. Each may contribute hundreds of millions of dollars, according to sources familiar with the discussions....

The Middle East is emerging as a top choice for investment among next-generation high-net-worth individuals, driven by its geopolitical stability and solid economic outlook. Recent findings highlight Saudi Arabia’s proactive efforts to attract global investors and wealthy individuals, propelled by its Vision 2030 plan aimed at diversifying the economy. Both Riyadh and Jeddah are seeing rapid growth in millionaire populations,...

Saudi Arabia and Syria are moving to strengthen economic ties through a recent virtual meeting between their investment and economic ministers. Both countries discussed expanding cooperation in public and private sectors, focusing on investments that could drive Syria’s recovery and boost regional economic integration. The talks highlighted the importance of creating a supportive environment for cross-border investments, aiming to contribute...

Peru is aiming to expand its agricultural and food exports to Saudi Arabia, highlighting investment incentives available to foreign partners. During a meeting in Riyadh, Peru’s foreign minister encouraged Saudi investors to participate in an upcoming agricultural exhibition, emphasizing the country’s potential in the sector. Currently, Peru’s exports to Saudi Arabia represent a small portion of South America’s overall trade...

Saudi Arabia is encouraging Kuwaiti investors to tap into its expanding mining and industrial sectors. During a recent official visit to Kuwait, the Saudi minister of industry and mineral resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, met with local business leaders to highlight new investment prospects within the Kingdom. The minister emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s mining sector holds significant potential, with mineral resources valued...

Saudi Arabia has implemented new executive regulations for its Investment Law, a move expected to boost transparency and make the country more attractive to investors. The updated rules, effective since late April, consist of 37 articles that outline clear guidelines for investment while safeguarding economic and national interests. They replace the previous law and ensure equal treatment for both domestic...

Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leading destination for venture capital in emerging markets, surpassing Singapore after attracting $391 million in the first quarter of 2025. This marks a 53 percent increase from the previous year, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of venture funding across the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Southeast Asia. The standout investment was a...

Saudi Arabia is ramping up investments in Indonesia’s mining sector, particularly targeting nickel, a key material for electric vehicle batteries. This move, led by the Kingdom’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources during a recent visit to Jakarta, aims to forge joint ventures and build integrated supply chains across Indonesia, Africa, and the Middle East. However, this strategy appears to...

During the Egyptian-Saudi Investment Forum, Egypt and Saudi Arabia formalized four major investment agreements across various sectors, as reported by the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). The agreements span areas such as investment promotion, food industries, solar energy, metal industries, and real estate development. The first agreement was signed by Ahmed Samida of Business City Group and...

The United States and Saudi Arabia are set to formalize an agreement focusing on energy investment and civilian nuclear technology, marking a significant step in strengthening their partnership. The arrangement, described as a memorandum of understanding, signals both countries’ intent to identify areas for collaboration across the energy sector, without immediate financial obligations. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlighted the...

Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving into a global investment destination, focusing not only on its economic resources but increasingly on developing skilled human capital. At the Human Capability Initiative in Riyadh, the Minister of Investment emphasized a shift from relying on natural resources to prioritizing talent as the key driver of investment. He explained that investment and education should support...

The Middle East's venture capital scene is booming, with notable growth in startup equity investments, excluding venture debt. Saudi Arabia is at the forefront, leading with 50% of the total investments, equating to $348 million. The UAE follows with 41% ($285 million), and Egypt accounts for 6% ($44 million). One of the largest deals involves Saudi Arabia's "Tamara," a "Buy...

Saudi Arabia has achieved its highest position ever, ranking 13th in Kearney’s 2025 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index. This improvement reflects increased investor confidence due to ongoing economic reforms and diversification efforts. The Kingdom moved up one spot from the previous year and remains the third most attractive emerging market, underscoring global trust in its transformation plans. Kearney’s annual index,...

Saudi Arabia has launched a 5 percent Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) starting April 10, aimed at supporting economic diversification. This new tax is applicable to all property transactions, including residential, commercial, and industrial, regardless of their development status or ownership type. It also covers undocumented transactions. Property transfers must be registered via the RETT platform on the Zakat, Tax...

Accesso Technology Group PLC has been selected as the guest experience technology provider for the Qiddiya entertainment project in Saudi Arabia. Located southwest of Riyadh, Qiddiya covers over 300 square kilometers and is a key part of Saudi Vision 2030. It will feature attractions such as the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park and the Aquarabia water park. Accesso will implement...

Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to attract foreign investment as it approaches the final stages of its Vision 2030 plan, aimed at reducing reliance on oil and modernizing the nation’s economy. In recent years, the kingdom has implemented sweeping social and economic reforms, including granting women more freedoms, legalizing entertainment venues, and welcoming international visitors. Since 2019, tourism has surged,...

Boxing has experienced a major turnaround after a period of decline marked by disputes among promoters and frustrated fans. The sport's resurgence is largely attributed to significant financial backing from Saudi Arabia. This renewed investment has revitalized global boxing events, drawing attention to the Kingdom's growing presence in the sports world. However, opinions remain divided over whether this involvement is...

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, along with five other major funds in the Gulf, is expected to manage $18 trillion in assets by 2030, reflecting a 50% increase from 2024. This surge underscores the region’s growing influence, as Gulf funds now account for about 40% of global sovereign wealth assets. According to recent analysis, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is...

Saudi Arabia is intensifying efforts to diversify its economy by attracting foreign investors and reducing reliance on state funding. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is implementing a new strategy, aligned with Vision 2030, to manage $40 billion in upcoming debt and projected spending of $70 billion in 2025. Key PIF subsidiaries like NEOM and Avis may take on debt obligations,...

TBS Holding from Egypt has formed a strategic alliance with Saudi-based Shahia Investments to expand their reach in Saudi Arabia and neighboring regions. The collaboration centers on building a state-of-the-art bakery facility in Saudi Arabia, targeting the growing market for premium baked goods while aiming to boost economic growth in both countries. The new plant, set to begin operations in...

Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning to establish a substantial $40 billion fund dedicated to artificial intelligence investments. This initiative, as reported by the New York Times, aims to position the Kingdom as a significant player in the AI sector. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is in discussions with the US venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, exploring potential collaborations. Talks...

The Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA), in partnership with the National Centre for Privatisation & PPP (NCP), has selected five companies for the Customs Warehouses Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project. This initiative involves developing and managing Customs Warehouses at 38 entry points throughout Saudi Arabia under a 15-year Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain, and Transfer (DBFOMT) contract. The prequalified...

Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal's Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) is considering investing in TikTok if it becomes available for purchase. CEO Talal Ibrahim al-Maiman expressed this interest in an interview, highlighting that KHC is open to such opportunities, especially if Elon Musk or others initiate a buyout. The U.S. is still seeking a buyer for TikTok, the Chinese-owned video app,...

Canadian companies are increasingly interested in investing in Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector, with 40 firms considering opportunities as economic ties between the two nations strengthen. This interest was evident during a healthcare event in Riyadh organized by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, which highlighted available investment opportunities. Saudi Arabia aims to increase private sector involvement in healthcare to 25% by...

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, along with the Ministry of Investment, has announced that six companies have qualified in the initial phase of the Exploration Enablement Programme (EEP). This initiative, detailed in a recent announcement, seeks to enhance the exploration of critical minerals in the Kingdom while mitigating investment risks in the mining sector. The companies that...

Saudi Arabia is making a strategic move to invest in Pakistan's Reko Diq project, one of the world's upcoming largest copper mines. This initiative is part of the kingdom's broader expansion into the mining sector. Manara Minerals, a Saudi investment fund, is set to acquire a 10-20% stake in the $9 billion project, which is under development by Barrick Gold....

Saudi Arabia's Growing ETF Market Saudi Arabia is increasingly leveraging exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to bolster its capital markets. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested $200 million in a new ETF by State Street Global Advisors, marking the first Saudi bond ETF listed in Europe or the US. This fund offers exposure to both US dollar-denominated Saudi bonds and local...

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is set to unveil a massive investment drive aimed at injecting over $100 billion into its thriving aviation sector. This initiative will cover various areas including airports, airlines, ground services, cargo, and logistics. Of the total investment, more than $50 billion is earmarked for airport development, roughly $40 billion for new aircraft acquisitions, and an...

Saudi Aramco, the globe's leading oil company, is set to enhance its investments in lithium production. This move is part of a strategic effort to establish a supply chain for a metal crucial to electric car batteries. Currently, China dominates around two-thirds of the lithium processing market. However, there's a growing trend among Western and Middle Eastern enterprises to develop...

Saudi Arabia Nears Investment in Sports Network DAZN Saudi Arabia is reportedly close to investing over $1 billion in DAZN, a sports network backed by billionaire Len Blavatnik, as part of its strategy to expand its influence in global sports. The potential deal would see Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund acquire up to a 10% stake in DAZN, a platform...