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.



Gold Rises on Fed Rate Cut Expectations, Weaker Dollar

A one-ounce gold bar is displayed at Witter Coins on October 07 2025 in San Francisco. (AFP)
A one-ounce gold bar is displayed at Witter Coins on October 07 2025 in San Francisco. (AFP)
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Gold Rises on Fed Rate Cut Expectations, Weaker Dollar

A one-ounce gold bar is displayed at Witter Coins on October 07 2025 in San Francisco. (AFP)
A one-ounce gold bar is displayed at Witter Coins on October 07 2025 in San Francisco. (AFP)

Gold prices rose on Monday, driven by growing expectations of a US interest rate cut that pressured the dollar, ahead of a Federal Reserve policy meeting this week.

Spot gold rose 0.3% to $4,209.43 per ounce by 0851 GMT. US gold futures for December delivery fell 0.1% to $4,239.40 per ounce.

The dollar index edged lower, hovering near the one-month low reached on December 4, making dollar-priced gold more affordable for overseas buyers.

"Gold is benefiting from a weaker U.S. dollar and market participants expecting the Fed to cut interest rates this week," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

Data last week showed that US consumer spending grew moderately in September. That reflected a slowdown in economic momentum amid rising costs and weakness in the labor market as private payrolls saw their steepest decline in over two-and-a-half years in November.

According to CME's FedWatch tool, markets are pricing in an 87% probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut at the Fed's December 9-10 policy meeting, following the release of weak economic data and dovish remarks from several Fed officials.

Lower interest rates typically bolster demand for non-yielding assets like gold.

"We still look for more rate cuts next year, which should push gold to $4,500/oz next year," added Staunovo.

Silver was up 0.3% at $58.43 per ounce, after hitting a record high of $59.32 on Friday.

"Silver is benefiting from the same factor as gold. Additionally the expectation of improving industrial demand as a result of monetary and fiscal stimulus helped silver to outperform gold in recent weeks," Staunovo said.

The white metal has doubled in price this year, driven by supply deficits and its designation as a critical mineral by the US.

Elsewhere, platinum gained 0.6% to $1,650.90 and palladium rose 1% to $1,471.26.


Saudi Arabia’s Mawani, ARASCO to Establish Logistics Center at King Abdulaziz Port

Saudi Arabia’s Mawani, ARASCO to Establish Logistics Center at King Abdulaziz Port
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Saudi Arabia’s Mawani, ARASCO to Establish Logistics Center at King Abdulaziz Port

Saudi Arabia’s Mawani, ARASCO to Establish Logistics Center at King Abdulaziz Port

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed a contract with Arabian Agricultural Services Company (ARASCO) to establish a logistics center for storage and distribution at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

Valued at SAR200 million, the center will span 40,000 square meters and aims to bolster food security in the Kingdom while increasing port capacity.

The move aligns with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub.

The contract further strengthens Mawani’s ongoing efforts to boost the efficiency of national supply chains and optimize operations at King Abdulaziz Port.

The investment is designed to bolster King Abdulaziz Port's capabilities in grain unloading and storage by constructing warehouses capable of handling up to 100,000 metric tons.


Iranian Products Featured at Arab, Global Expo in Makkah 

The Iranian pavilion at the Arab and Global Expo in Makkah. (SPA)
The Iranian pavilion at the Arab and Global Expo in Makkah. (SPA)
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Iranian Products Featured at Arab, Global Expo in Makkah 

The Iranian pavilion at the Arab and Global Expo in Makkah. (SPA)
The Iranian pavilion at the Arab and Global Expo in Makkah. (SPA)

The Iranian pavilion at the Arab and Global Expo in Makkah displayed a variety of Iranian products from numerous sectors, attracting a large number of visitors.

The pavilion featured food items, spices, sweets, and nuts, as well as textiles, leather goods, handicrafts, and handmade items, all representing Iranian heritage.

The pavilion's participation aims to strengthen trade relations with the Saudi and Gulf markets and open new channels for economic cooperation.

The exhibition provides an important platform to showcase the quality and competitiveness of Iranian industries.

The Arab and Global Expo in Makkah, running until December 12, is one of the most prominent trade events, bringing together companies and institutions from several countries to promote trade and present innovative and diverse products to visitors.