Saudi Exports Launches 'Import from Saudi' to Boost National Products in New Global Markets

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Exports Launches 'Import from Saudi' to Boost National Products in New Global Markets

The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The flag of Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports) has launched the "Import from Saudi" Service, designed to connect international importers with Saudi exporters, streamline the import process and promote Saudi products in new global markets.
This service aligns with the authority's mission to expand the reach and presence of Saudi products internationally, contributing to the sustainable growth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports, SPA reported.
Saudi Exports Spokesperson Thamer Al-Mishrafi emphasized the authority's commitment to broadening the commercial horizons for national products.

He highlighted the importance of developing innovative solutions and supportive services to achieve the ambitious objective of increasing the percentage of non-oil exports and bolstering their contribution to the national economy.
Importers can register on the Saudi Exports website to gain easy access to Saudi exporters, gather information about Saudi products, and receive guidance in locating suitable companies. Upon registration, a database is created that includes the importers' contact details and specific import needs.



Aramco’s Investment Arm Allocates $100 Million to Artificial Intelligence

Aramco fully owns the Wa’ed Ventures Fund, valued at $500 million.
Aramco fully owns the Wa’ed Ventures Fund, valued at $500 million.
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Aramco’s Investment Arm Allocates $100 Million to Artificial Intelligence

Aramco fully owns the Wa’ed Ventures Fund, valued at $500 million.
Aramco fully owns the Wa’ed Ventures Fund, valued at $500 million.

The investment arm of Saudi Aramco has allocated $100 million to invest in startups in the field of artificial intelligence, with the aim of accelerating Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a leading global force in AI, according to Bloomberg.

Wa’ed Ventures, Aramco’s venture capital arm, has established an advisory board comprising former employees from companies such as Meta and Amazon to explore early-stage investments in this sector. The $100 million will be deployed over the next three years.

Wa’ed Ventures is a venture capital fund with a total value of $500 million and is fully owned by Saudi Aramco.

“Our strategic decision to allocate funds to AI investments is rooted in a deep understanding of the Kingdom’s growing ecosystem,” said Anas Al-Gahtani, acting CEO of Wa’ed Ventures.

“By fostering innovation and supporting AI startups, we aim to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies that will drive economic growth, improve quality of life, and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in artificial intelligence. This investment will not only incentivize local entrepreneurs but also support the localization of global talent, ultimately unlocking the immense potential of AI,” Al-Gahtani added.

This year, Aramco’s investment arm has doubled its investments in artificial intelligence. Recently, Wa’ed invested $15 million in South Korean chip manufacturer Rebellion and participated in funding rounds for the AI platform aiXplain and Tenderd, a company supported by Peter Thiel, one of the most prominent names in tech investment.