HONG KONG Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global leader in tourism, showcasing significant achievements in 2023. At the IHIF Asia International Hospitality Investment Forum in Hong Kong, the Saudi Ministry of Tourism emphasized the Kingdom's vast potential for international investors. Saudi Arabia's strategic position at the crossroads of three continents and its strong economic ties with Asia make it...
The Ministry of Investment and the General Authority for Military Industries in Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement with Italian defense company Elettronica, according to a report from the Saudi Press Agency. This agreement aims to boost investments in Saudi Arabia's defense sector and enhance the country's role in the global value chain. Investment Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih and GAMI’s...
Speculation about Saudi Arabian investment in AC Milan has intensified, with new developments emerging. Gerry Cardinale and RedBird have been actively seeking funds to support AC Milan. This includes exploring partnerships, sponsorships, and even the construction of a new stadium. Recently, reports of potential Saudi Arabian investment had quieted down, but new claims from a journalist have reignited interest. These...
The Saudi Ministry of Investment has unveiled updated rules to facilitate foreign investment in Saudi Arabia. These new regulations are designed to attract global investors by simplifying the investment process and fostering a more welcoming environment. The ministry noted that the revised guidelines will remove the necessity for numerous licenses and prior approvals, and will also significantly cut down on...
Saudi Arabia's New Investment Law aims to attract international investments and ensure equality between domestic and foreign investors. Effective six months after its publication, the law will replace the existing Foreign Investment Law. Implementing regulations are expected by the same time. Key Points The New Investment Law introduces several significant changes: Local and Foreign Investors: Unlike the previous law, this...
Saudi Arabia is intensifying its focus on domestic investment, resulting in higher requirements for foreign investors aiming to operate in the kingdom. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's $925 billion sovereign wealth fund, reported a 29% increase in assets to 2.87 trillion Saudi riyals ($765.2 billion) in 2023. This growth was driven significantly by local investments. Domestic infrastructure and...
For the past decade, Saudi Arabia has been a significant attraction for dealmakers, bankers, and asset managers due to its extensive global investment activities through the Public Investment Fund (PIF). However, as the kingdom shifts its focus to domestic projects, the perception of Saudi Arabia as an easy source of capital is changing. A senior investment banker in Dubai stated,...
Across the international scene, Middle Eastern sovereign wealth powerhouses have been notable for their aggressive investment strategies. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Abu Dhabi's Mubadala, which collectively manage over $1 trillion in assets, are extending their reach well beyond their borders, casting a wide investment net.Recent data from GlobalSWF, a tracker of sovereign wealth fund activities, indicates that...
China Energy Engineering Corp Ltd has made headlines with a $972 million agreement to develop a significant solar energy initiative in Saudi Arabia, a move that underscores the Middle Eastern country's growing allure for Chinese producers of photovoltaic equipment, spurred on by its dedication to renewable energy. A consortium involving three China Energy subsidiaries and a project firm created by...
In line with its economic diversification ambitions encapsulated in Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has made a significant stride in the global sports arena by initiating the sale of six professional football clubs. Interested parties, both within the kingdom and internationally, are invited to present their offers by September 19. The teams up for acquisition include top-tier league clubs Al-Okhdood, Al-Orouba,...
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undertaking significant efforts to establish itself as an attractive and safe haven for international businesses, as articulated by the country's Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih.A new set of regulations was unveiled on Sunday, aimed at simplifying the entry of foreign investors by overhauling the previous, more cumbersome licensing system. The reformed registration process is designed...
The investment horizon in the Middle East is undergoing a transformative phase, where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are becoming integral to investment strategies. With a global push for ESG investment, Middle Eastern markets and government policies are adapting, as investors and governments alike pursue environmentally and socially responsible opportunities. This move towards sustainable development is particularly pertinent as...
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia recently conducted an informative webinar targeting Canadian and Australian companies. The session aimed to highlight the burgeoning investment possibilities within the Saudi mining sector, including the supports and perks available to investors, as well as the sector's unique competitive edges. During the webinar, participants delved...
The corporate venture capital arm of Saudi Aramco, Wa'ed Ventures, has recently made a strategic investment in Athir, a Saudi-based health technology startup. Athir successfully obtained an undisclosed sum in its inaugural investment round, which also saw contributions from RZM Investment and Share Investment, as per reports from entArabi. With a $500 million portfolio, Wa'ed Ventures focuses on fostering technological...
Saudi Arabia has decided to allocate a mere 25% of its $1 trillion strategic investment plan to the oil sector, which is less than what was initially anticipated. This move is part of the Kingdom's broader initiative to pour significant capital into non-oil sectors, aiming to diminish its dependence on oil revenues.The country is confronted with an annual funding shortage...
The member nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are proactively enhancing incentives for both domestic and international investors within their borders. In a significant move, Saudi Arabia has introduced a novel investment law that promises to expand financial liberties for investors concerning their transactions. This regulation is slated to come into effect at the onset of 2025. The promulgation...
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has unveiled a set of new legislations aimed at enhancing transparency and streamlining the investment process within its borders. This strategic move is intended to draw in additional foreign investment and bolster the country's economic diversification in line with its Vision 2030 plan.The Council of Ministers has ratified a revamped investment framework that bolsters investor...
Goldman Sachs highlights a significant transformation in Saudi Arabia's investment approach, predicting a substantial influx of $1 trillion into six pivotal sectors by the end of the decade. This influx, termed a "capex super-cycle," marks a shift in focus to non-oil industries, diverging from prior expectations.Non-oil Sectors to Receive a BoostFaisal AlAzmeh, the lead for CEEMEA equity research at Goldman...
Saudi Arabia is setting its sights on a major enhancement of its transportation and logistics sector, with a strategic plan in its aviation industry that envisions attracting upwards of $100 billion in investments. This ambitious endeavor aims to significantly elevate the kingdom's stature in the global aviation market.As part of a broader economic shift, the kingdom is anticipated to redirect...
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has expanded its sporting portfolio by venturing into the football sphere within the Americas. A lasting partnership has been established with Concacaf, the organization responsible for governing football across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.This collaboration marks PIF's inaugural involvement in American football territories, signaling a strategic move to broaden its...
In a strategic pivot towards sustainable energy, Saudi Arabia is set to bolster its investment in the green sector, while simultaneously reducing allocations to the oil industry. A recent analysis by a prominent financial institution reveals that the nation's clean energy investments are on an upward trajectory.By the end of this decade, the Kingdom plans to channel a staggering USD...
Saudi Arabia is on the brink of a transformative investment journey, with plans to channel $1 trillion into a capex surge, of which 73% is allocated towards bolstering the kingdom's non-oil sectors by the year 2030, as per insights from Goldman Sachs. The financial institution also sheds light on an anticipated annual shortfall of $25 billion required for the country’s...
In a bold move towards hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia has announced the construction of a cutting-edge stadium, poised to be perched atop The Line at Neom, part of a colossal $500 billion tourism and innovation venture. The Neom Stadium, boasting a seating arrangement for 46,000 spectators, is a critical element of the kingdom's world cup hosting...
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has observed a slight increase in its investments within the US stock market, with the total value ascending to $20.66 billion in Q2, up from $20.55 billion the preceding quarter.Undergoing a comprehensive strategic revision, the sovereign wealth fund has boosted its investments in prominent technology and financial entities. Conversely, it has scaled...
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia has recently disclosed the results of its fifth exploration licensing round. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost investment in the mining sector, and this round is notable for being the most extensive in terms of area covered by the Kingdom. Discovery Arabian Mining Company, Al Masane...
The municipal authorities of Madinah have unveiled an enticing investment proposition for the establishment and administration of a medical rehabilitation and physiotherapy center in the prestigious King Fahd district. This initiative is designed to bolster the local economy through sustainable and creative means. Spanning an area of around 4,075 square meters, the site is prepared for development with a generous...
Saudi Arabia's sovereign-led Saudi Global Ports Company (SGP) has joined forces with Chinese heavy equipment titan SANY in a landmark agreement valued at 7 billion riyals (approximately $1.865 billion). The collaboration is aimed at advancing sustainable practices within the nation's port facilities. In a historic move, SANY will provide 80 electric trucks to the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, marking...
Kuwait's premier financial institution, Kuwait Finance House (KFH), is actively seeking avenues for growth in the Saudi Arabian sector, as revealed in a recent disclosure to the stock exchange. This news came on the heels of speculations that KFH was considering acquiring a portion of the Saudi Investment Bank.Before the trading session began, KFH shares were placed on hold but...
Amidst strengthening economic relations between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, British investors have signaled a strong interest in channeling funds into Saudi Arabia's renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure sectors. This inclination is in sync with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda, which prioritizes the adoption of renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources for substantial environmental and sustainability initiatives.The British-Saudi Sustainable...
The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), recognized as one of the globe's most substantial sovereign wealth funds, is setting its sights on expanding into Saudi Arabia.At the helm of managing more than $800 billion in assets, the fund's board has made a strategic decision to establish a representative office within the kingdom. This move is designed to enhance the trade and...