عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

PIF: The Cornerstone of a Sustainable Economy Under Saudi Vision 2030

The Public Investment Fund Tower in King Abdullah Financial District in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (KAFD)
The Public Investment Fund Tower in King Abdullah Financial District in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (KAFD)
TT
TT

PIF: The Cornerstone of a Sustainable Economy Under Saudi Vision 2030

The Public Investment Fund Tower in King Abdullah Financial District in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (KAFD)
The Public Investment Fund Tower in King Abdullah Financial District in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (KAFD)

With confident strides and a proactive vision, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) is leading the major economic diversification journey, creating opportunities and redrawing the national investment map.

Through its ambitious strategy, which entered its third phase in 2026, the Fund has succeeded in establishing an integrated ecosystem of major companies and projects that form the cornerstone of building a sustainable economy.

The current work not only aims for financial growth but also seeks to empower the private sector and open unprecedented horizons for advanced industries and sophisticated infrastructure.

Roots and Historical Transformation

Since its establishment in 1971, the Fund has solidified its position as one of the most prominent strategic engines in Saudi Arabia's economic transformation, by supporting national development, financing major projects, and establishing national companies that contributed to building an economic base extending for decades.

With the launch of Vision 2030, the Fund's role shifted from a traditional financing entity to an investment arm driving economic diversification, boosting the growth of non-oil sectors, and reshaping the investment landscape through distinctive local and international partnerships.
This transformation has made it one of the Kingdom's most crucial tools for attracting opportunities and consolidating its economic presence on a global scale.

Phases of Strategic Transformation

PIF's work within Vision 2030 unfolded through three consecutive phases characterized by integration and evolution.

The first phase extended until 2020, focusing on institutional restructuring, integrating the Fund into Vision realization programs, and launching an ambitious strategy aimed at developing ten strategic sectors, alongside updating regulatory frameworks to enhance investment efficiency.

The second phase, spanning from 2021 to 2025, saw a significant expansion in the Fund's scope of work, targeting investments in 13 strategic sectors and accelerating the implementation of mega-projects.

During this phase, distinctive projects such as Diriyah, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya emerged, contributing to strengthening the Kingdom's position as a global destination for tourism and investment.

Upon entering the third phase in 2026, the Fund refocused its strategy to encompass six key sectors: tourism, travel and entertainment; urban development and regeneration; advanced industries and innovation; industry and logistics services; clean and renewable energy and water infrastructure; and NEOM.

This includes strengthening the private sector's role in operating mega-projects and capitalizing on growing investment opportunities, reflecting a transition towards a more mature and sustainable economic model.

Tangible Economic Outcomes

These phases have yielded significant economic results, with the Fund's assets under management substantially doubling to 3.41 trillion Saudi Riyals ($909.3 billion) in 2025. Non-oil GDP rose to historic levels, with the Fund's contribution reaching approximately 10 percent. It also contributed to creating over one million direct and indirect job opportunities since 2018, in addition to enabling the private sector to participate in diverse strategic projects.

Future Investment Initiative

The Public Investment Fund has enhanced its international presence by building strategic partnerships and attracting global capital. The Future Investment Initiative (FII), launched by the Fund, has also become an annual international platform bringing together economic leaders, investors, and experts to discuss the future of investment and global challenges, making it one of the most prominent economic events worldwide.

This presence has contributed to cementing the Kingdom's position as an influential hub in the global economy, in addition to enhancing the Fund's brand value, which has become among the fastest-growing sovereign wealth funds globally, thanks to its investment performance and adoption of governance and sustainability standards.

Empowering the Private Sector

The Fund has placed significant emphasis on empowering the private sector, working to create extensive investment opportunities for local companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), by increasing local content and expanding economic partnerships. This has contributed to raising the private sector's contribution to the economy to approximately 51 percent.

PIF has also launched supporting initiatives such as the Private Sector Forum, the Private Sector Hub, and training and qualification programs like the Musahemah program, the Industrial Business Accelerator, and the Azm program, all of which have helped build a more competitive and sustainable business environment.

Sustainability and Green Economy

The Fund has moved to bolster sustainability as part of its investment strategy, becoming one of the first sovereign wealth funds to issue green bonds. This path began in 2022 with the issuance of the first green bond, followed by a second in 2023, and a new one in 2025.

The proceeds from these issuances totaled approximately $9 billion, directed towards 91 environmental projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, and water management. This contributes to reducing emissions by about 10.1 million tons of carbon dioxide, supporting the net-zero target.

Investment Environment

The investment environment in the Kingdom has undergone a radical transformation with Vision 2030, through regulatory and legislative reforms including the new Investment Law, the Bankruptcy Law, the TAYSEER program, and the establishment of the National Competitiveness Center and the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority.

This has contributed to enhancing the Kingdom's investment attractiveness, with the value of non-oil investments rising to approximately 797 billion Saudi Riyals ($212.5 billion), and the contribution of investment to the economy increasing from 22 percent to 30 percent.

Furthermore, the private sector's contribution to total investments has grown to 76 percent, making it the largest driver of economic growth.

PIF continues to play its role as a key driver in reshaping the Saudi economy, leading the transformation towards diversification and sustainability, and enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global investment destination capable of competing and influencing the global economy.

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

EU's Side of US Trade Deal to Come Into Force on July 1

FILED - 03 June 2024, Berlin: FILE PHOTO - The European Union flag flies in the wind. Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/dpa
FILED - 03 June 2024, Berlin: FILE PHOTO - The European Union flag flies in the wind. Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/dpa
TT
TT

EU's Side of US Trade Deal to Come Into Force on July 1

FILED - 03 June 2024, Berlin: FILE PHOTO - The European Union flag flies in the wind. Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/dpa
FILED - 03 June 2024, Berlin: FILE PHOTO - The European Union flag flies in the wind. Photo: Sebastian Gollnow/dpa

The European Union's side of a trade deal struck with the United States last year, which will remove import duties on many US goods, will come into force on July 1, said a formal European Union regulatory filing.

The EU said this ⁠regulation would apply ⁠from July 1 until December 31, 2029, Reuters reported.

"Where appropriate, the Commission shall submit together with the comprehensive assessment a legislative proposal to extend ⁠the period of application of this Regulation," added the regulatory filing.

Under the agreement, the EU agreed to remove import duties on US industrial goods and provide preferential access to US farm produce.

It will also extend duty-free imports of ⁠US lobster, ⁠a mini-deal struck with Trump during his first term as president.

The EU legislation expires at the end of 2029 and includes multiple safeguards that would allow the EU to suspend concessions if the United States breaches the trade deal's terms.

Business

Saudi Real Estate Developers Move to Capitalize on New Foreign Ownership Rules

A general view of buildings and homes in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (File photo: Reuters)
A general view of buildings and homes in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (File photo: Reuters)
TT
TT

Saudi Real Estate Developers Move to Capitalize on New Foreign Ownership Rules

A general view of buildings and homes in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (File photo: Reuters)
A general view of buildings and homes in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (File photo: Reuters)

Saudi Arabia's real estate market has entered a new phase of testing the practical impact of the executive regulations governing property ownership by non-Saudis, as listed developers move swiftly beyond welcoming the decision and the initial positive market reaction to translating it into strategic growth plans.

While the sector index has extended its early gains on expectations that the new rules will broaden international demand, the competitive advantage is beginning to shift toward companies with high-quality assets that are ready to be marketed and sold.

The real estate index on the Saudi stock market posted a sharp gain following the announcement, rising from 2,924 points to 3,044 points. The increase was driven by investor expectations that allowing non-Saudis to own property under specific regulations would expand demand for Saudi real estate assets, particularly in cities and projects with strong investment and religious appeal.

Real estate stocks led the market's gainers in the session following the announcement. Shares of Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction (Masar) hit the daily 10 percent limit, while Knowledge Economic City rose about 9.3 percent. Jabal Omar Development, Retal, Emaar The Economic City, and Makkah Construction and Development also posted strong gains.

Financial and economic adviser Dr. Hussein Al Attas told Asharq Al-Awsat that allowing non-Saudis to own property represents an important structural shift for Saudi Arabia's real estate market, but said the impact will not be uniform across all developers. Instead, the market will increasingly differentiate between companies with attractive assets and projects in locations targeted by international investors and those without them.

Master plan of the Masar Makkah destination (Masar)

He added that asset quality, location, financial strength, the size of developable land holdings, and the ability to attract international investors will be among the key factors determining how much companies benefit from the decision in the coming period.

Al Attas expects the sector to perform positively over the medium to long term. However, he said the real impact of the decision will ultimately be measured by companies' ability to turn this opening into actual sales, partnerships, and cash flows, rather than by the initial rise in share prices following the announcement.

In the first concrete move by a listed company since the regulations were approved, Jabal Omar Development on Sunday outlined its strategy for capitalizing on the decision after its project in Makkah was included within the geographic areas where non-Saudis are permitted to own property.

The company said the decision would broaden its base of potential investors and property owners among Muslims around the world, supporting demand for its real estate assets. It also announced plans to offer 400 existing hotel residential units for sale this year as the first phase of the program, with the proceeds earmarked to reduce debt and lower financing costs.

The company also plans to redesign the seventh and final phase of the project by increasing the number of hotel residential units available for sale while making greater use of off-plan sales programs to reduce financing requirements and strengthen reliance on internally generated liquidity.

Al Attas said the market's response to the regulations has unfolded in two stages. The first was a broad wave of optimism that lifted most real estate companies. The second has begun as investors seek to identify the companies best positioned to convert the decision into tangible growth in sales, cash flow, and profitability.

The decision to allow non-Saudis to own property forms part of a broader package of measures introduced by the Kingdom in recent months to restore balance to the real estate market and strengthen its investment appeal.

These measures include allowing the sale, purchase, and development of land in new areas north of Riyadh, increasing fees on undeveloped land, imposing fees on vacant properties, and freezing annual rent increases in Riyadh for five years.

The decision also coincides with signs of improving real estate and construction activity across the Kingdom. The construction sector returned to growth in May, supported by stronger residential building activity and renewed growth in new orders.

Although the full impact of the regulations will take time to emerge, recent moves by real estate developers indicate that the market has already begun shifting from expectations to execution as companies seek to attract a new segment of investors and buyers from outside the Kingdom.

Business

China Imposes New Export Controls, Deepening Japan Row

FILE PHOTO: A China yuan banknote featuring late Chinese chairman Mao Zedong and a computer keyboard are seen reflected on an image of Chinese flag in this illustration picture taken November 1, 2019. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A China yuan banknote featuring late Chinese chairman Mao Zedong and a computer keyboard are seen reflected on an image of Chinese flag in this illustration picture taken November 1, 2019. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo
TT
TT

China Imposes New Export Controls, Deepening Japan Row

FILE PHOTO: A China yuan banknote featuring late Chinese chairman Mao Zedong and a computer keyboard are seen reflected on an image of Chinese flag in this illustration picture taken November 1, 2019. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A China yuan banknote featuring late Chinese chairman Mao Zedong and a computer keyboard are seen reflected on an image of Chinese flag in this illustration picture taken November 1, 2019. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo

China put 20 more Japanese organizations on a blacklist Monday over the export of items with both military and civilian possible uses, adding fuel to a months-long row with Tokyo.

The new additions, including major companies, "have participated in enhancing Japan's military capabilities", the Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement.

Japan's government spokesman Minoru Kihara called the measures "unacceptable and deeply regrettable" and said Tokyo had "lodged a strong protest and demanded that the measures be withdrawn."

The countries' have been at row since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Tokyo may react militarily to an attack on Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing has vowed to seize control by force if necessary.

China responded furiously, including by advising its citizens -- previously the biggest cohort of foreign tourists -- to avoid Japan.

Chinese authorities ramped up pressure in February by imposing export restrictions on dozens of Japanese firms it said were involved in building up Tokyo's military.

The 20 additions to the export blacklist named Monday include specialized subsidiaries and technology firms involved in supplying components and engineering support for Japan's defense sector.

Among them are the National Institute for Defense Studies and Mitsubishi Electric Defense and Space Technologies Corporation, the statement said.

China's commerce ministry said the controls require exporters to submit risk assessments and guarantees that dual-use items will not enhance Japanese military strength prior to making shipments.

Those named on the watchlist can apply to be removed by cooperating with "verification" procedures according to Chinese law, the ministry said.

China is the world's largest producer and refiner of rare earths, which are crucial for various high-tech products including electric vehicles, smartphones, missile guidance systems and lasers.

Japan has "strayed further down the wrong path, intensifying its push for a 'new form of militarism'", an unnamed commerce ministry spokesperson said in a statement on the latest measures.

- China-Russia patrols -

Since Takaichi took office in October, Japan has quickened its pivot towards a more proactive defense policy, further shaking off -- with US encouragement -- a pacifist outlook, which has been in place since the end of World War II.

Tokyo has loosened rules on exports of lethal weaponry and deepened military cooperation with other countries in the region at odds with China including the Philippines.

Japan and the United States, as well as many other countries, are seeking to curb dependence on China in rare earths, as Beijing increasingly uses its dominance for geopolitical leverage.

Japan on Monday also joined South Korea in criticizing joint flights by Chinese and Russian bombers and fighters over the weekend in the region.

Fellow US allies South Korea and Japan both scrambled fighter jets in response to the patrols by the convoy of around 15 aircraft on Saturday.

"This marks the 10th instance of such long-range activities by Chinese and Russian bombers in the vicinity of Japan since December last year," Japanese government spokesman Kihara said Monday.

Beijing's defense ministry said that the Chinese and Russian air forces conducted a "strategic air patrol" over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean, "demonstrating their determination and capability to jointly uphold regional peace and stability".

Tokyo last week also rejected Beijing's accusations that the Japanese military "harassed" a Chinese aircraft carrier strike group during 40 days of exercises in the Pacific.