Saudi Arabia, Oman Sign MoU on Cooperation in Economic Planning

Saudi Arabia, Oman Sign MoU on Cooperation in Economic Planning
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Saudi Arabia, Oman Sign MoU on Cooperation in Economic Planning

Saudi Arabia, Oman Sign MoU on Cooperation in Economic Planning

The Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning and Oman's Ministry of Economy signed on Thursday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focusing on cooperation in medium- and long-term economic planning, economic studies and modeling, economic policies and plans, and green and circular economies.
The MoU aims to implement cooperation through the exchange of information, expertise, studies, and visits between experts and specialists, as well as the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops. The agreement will remain in effect for five years.
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim and Omani Minister of Economy Dr. Saeed bin Mohammed Al-Saqri signed the MoU, which stipulates enhancing cooperation in economy and planning based on mutual interests and in accordance with the regulations and laws in both countries.
Signing the MoU is part of efforts to enhance cooperation among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and boost bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Oman.



20 Tech Companies Listed on Tadawul with a Value Exceeding $39 Billion

Deputy Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Authority for the Technology Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Deputy Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Authority for the Technology Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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20 Tech Companies Listed on Tadawul with a Value Exceeding $39 Billion

Deputy Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Authority for the Technology Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Deputy Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Authority for the Technology Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Raed Al-Fayez, Deputy Governor of the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission for the Technology Sector, revealed that the number of tech companies listed on the Saudi stock market has grown to 20 in 2023, with a market value of around SAR 148 billion ($39.5 billion). This marks a significant increase from just two companies in 2020.

Speaking on Wednesday at the opening presentation of the fourth edition of the Digital Technology Forum under the theme, “Integration for a Sustainable Digital Future,” Al-Fayez noted that Saudi Arabia’s tech sector market size reached approximately SAR91 billion ($24.3 billion) in 2023, making it the largest in the region.

He added that the key enablers in the sector include a supportive investment environment, enabling regulatory frameworks, the availability of talents and expertise, and a renewed digital infrastructure.

Al-Fayez further highlighted that Saudi Arabia leads the region in venture capital investments, with a value of $1.4 billion, providing financial support for ideas and entrepreneurs. By mid-2023, the Kingdom ranked first in the region and second globally among emerging markets in venture capital funding.

He also mentioned that the Saudi tech sector boasts the largest workforce in the region, with 360,000 employees by the second quarter of this year, specializing in various fields. Women make up 35% of this workforce, a rate higher than the European Union average, the G20, and even Silicon Valley.