Investments in Saudi Arabia Double Since Launch of Vision 2030

PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in the opening remarks of the PIF Private Sector Forum 2025 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in the opening remarks of the PIF Private Sector Forum 2025 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Investments in Saudi Arabia Double Since Launch of Vision 2030

PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in the opening remarks of the PIF Private Sector Forum 2025 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in the opening remarks of the PIF Private Sector Forum 2025 (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has successfully doubled its investment volume since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, reaching SAR1.2 trillion ($320 billion) by the end of last year, while the Kingdom’s economy has grown to SAR4 trillion.

These figures were revealed by the government at the opening of the third edition of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) Private Sector Forum, accompanied by an exhibition in Riyadh, attended by a large number of ministers, officials, and leaders from major companies and institutions.

PIF’s private sector hub offers investment opportunities worth SAR40 billion ($10.7 billion), the fund’s Governor has said.

The total spending on local content through the PIF and its portfolio companies reached SAR 400 billion between 2020 and 2023, supported by the Musahama program, Yasir Al-Rumayyan said in the opening remarks of the PIF Private Sector Forum 2025.

He said that the share of local content in the PIF and its portfolio entities increased from 47% to 53% from 2020 to 2023, adding that the fund is working to improve this percentage in the coming years.

The PIF works to provide growth opportunities for the private sector, stimulate its capacity for innovation, and strengthen its role in the economy, Al-Rumayyan said.

“The Private Sector Forum is a platform to enhance opportunities for collaboration and partnership between PIF and its portfolio companies with the local private sector,” said Jerry Todd, head of National Development at PIF.

“In its third edition, the forum continues to grow in size, scope and ambition, reflecting PIF’s efforts to enhance engagement with the private sector, empower it and increase its contribution to a more diversified economy with local supply chains supported by advanced technology.”

The forum will showcase PIF’S initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing partnership with the private sector, including the Local Content Development Program, Musahama, which was launched by PIF in the first edition of the forum.

The program aims to increase the contribution of the Fund and its portfolio companies to local content. As a result of Musahama, the value of local content grew from SAR69 billion in 2020 to SAR153 billion in 2023, a 122% increase.

Saudi Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih announced that the number of global companies establishing their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia has risen to nearly 600.

Al-Falih announced this while attending a panel discussion titled “Ministerial perspective on the role of the government to enable the private sector,” held as part of the third edition of the PIF Private Sector Forum in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The minister noted that the number of registered investment licenses surged from 4,000 in 2018 and 2019 to 40,000 currently, while total investments have doubled to SAR1.2 trillion, accounting for 30% of the Saudi economy.

Al-Falih said that economic reforms under Saudi Vision 2030 have enhanced the competitiveness of the local market and attracted major international companies, with the rapid growth in foreign direct investment flows reflecting investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economy and stability.

He elaborated on the private sector's role in driving national economic growth since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030 and highlighted significant progress in the investment environment.

The minister emphasized the notable diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy, where non-oil economic activities now account for 52% of total GDP.



Riyadh to Host Middle East’s Largest General Aviation Airshow in November 

The AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026 will be held in Riyadh from November 24 to 28. (SPA)
The AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026 will be held in Riyadh from November 24 to 28. (SPA)
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Riyadh to Host Middle East’s Largest General Aviation Airshow in November 

The AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026 will be held in Riyadh from November 24 to 28. (SPA)
The AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026 will be held in Riyadh from November 24 to 28. (SPA)

The Saudi Aviation Club announced that it will organize the AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026 in Riyadh from November 24 to 28, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The event is set to be the largest of its kind for general aviation in the Middle East, combining international business, investment, and innovation with live flying displays and interactive public experiences. It is being held in partnership with Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia.

Held at Thumamah Airport, the exhibition will bring together leading global companies operating in the general aviation industry, including aircraft and components manufacturers, avionics and navigation systems providers, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies, offering an integrated platform that covers the full value chain of the sector.

The event will also spotlight startups in advanced air mobility (AAM) and innovators of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, showcasing technologies and business models shaping the future of aviation.

General Supervisor of the Saudi Aviation Club Dr. Ahmed Alfahaid stated that AERO Middle East x Sand & Fun 2026 represents a qualitative leap for the Kingdom’s aviation sector and reinforces its positioning as a global hub for general aviation and advanced air mobility.

The partnership with Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia goes beyond presenting global innovations to providing a vital platform for international investment and strategic collaboration, he stressed.

Moreover, the event contributes to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 objectives, including the Kingdom’s ambition to rank among the world’s top 10 general aviation markets, he added.


Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan Agree to Establish Coordination Council

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz receives Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz receives Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan Agree to Establish Coordination Council

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz receives Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev in Riyadh. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz receives Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev in Riyadh. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan agreed to establish a Saudi-Kazakh Coordination Council, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz received in Riyadh Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev. Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Yerlan Akkenzhenov also attended the meeting.

The talks tackled the establishment of the coordination council, which will be chaired by the Saudi minister of energy and Kazakhstan’s foreign minister. The council reflects the two countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and expanding their bilateral partnership.

Prince Abdulaziz and Kosherbayev signed an agreement on the establishment of the council, which aims to boost coordination and consultation between the two countries and develop frameworks for cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest, elevating bilateral relations to broader levels.

Prince Abdulaziz and Kosherbayev discussed relations between their countries and ways to develop them further, especially in the energy field. They tackled opportunities for cooperation and investment in renewable energy and energy storage systems and discussed oil market developments.


Saudi-Qatari Partnership Paves Way for Logistics Corridors to Boost Regional Trade Efficiency 

The MoU was signed by Mawani President Eng. Suliman Almazroua and CEO of Qatar Ports Management Company Captain Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji. (QNA)
The MoU was signed by Mawani President Eng. Suliman Almazroua and CEO of Qatar Ports Management Company Captain Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji. (QNA)
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Saudi-Qatari Partnership Paves Way for Logistics Corridors to Boost Regional Trade Efficiency 

The MoU was signed by Mawani President Eng. Suliman Almazroua and CEO of Qatar Ports Management Company Captain Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji. (QNA)
The MoU was signed by Mawani President Eng. Suliman Almazroua and CEO of Qatar Ports Management Company Captain Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji. (QNA)

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Qatar Ports Management Company signed on Tuesday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at boosting maritime and logistics cooperation between the two sides.

The agreement will contribute to the development of the ports sector, raising operational efficiency, and supporting regional and international trade flows.

The MoU was signed by Mawani President Eng. Suliman Almazroua and CEO of Qatar Ports Management Company Captain Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji. Qatari Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Bandar bin Mohammed Al Attiyah attended the signing ceremony.

The agreement reflects Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s commitment to building effective partnerships, exchanging expertise, establishing an organized framework for cooperation management, and developing joint investment opportunities in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.

The MoU outlines eight key areas of cooperation, including the exchange of best practices in port management and operations, and the study of opportunities for direct maritime and land connectivity between the ports of both countries to enhance trade flow efficiency.

It includes collaboration in logistics services, exploring the establishment of joint maritime corridors serving bilateral and regional trade, and assessing the feasibility of creating shared regional distribution centers.

In the fields of digital transformation and artificial intelligence, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation on developing smart systems, data governance, and the unified maritime window, thereby boosting operational efficiency and keeping pace with technological advancements in the maritime sector.

The MoU places strong emphasis on maritime safety and environmental protection, including exchanging expertise in combating marine pollution and emergency response; developing joint maritime emergency plans; establishing an emergency communication line between the two countries; and cooperating to ensure compliance with international conventions, conduct joint exercises, and develop risk monitoring systems.

The cooperation also covers human capital development through joint training programs and field-exchange of expertise, as well as academic and research collaboration in maritime transport and logistics.

In terms of joint investment, both sides will study local and global investment opportunities in ports and related services and coordinate with the private sector to support these initiatives.

The MoU further includes cooperation in cruise tourism through enhanced maritime connectivity and joint promotion of Gulf cruise routes, as well as international and regional representation by coordinating positions in international maritime organizations and supporting joint initiatives, notably “Green Ports” and “Safe Sea Corridors.”

The agreement reflects the commitment of Mawani and Qatar Ports Management Company to advancing the ports sector and boosting its role as a key driver of trade and economic growth, contributing to Gulf integration and enhancing regional competitiveness in maritime and marine services.