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Technology, Investments Boost Saudi Arabia's Shift to Digital Economy

People attend LEAP 2022, which concluded on Thursday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
People attend LEAP 2022, which concluded on Thursday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Technology, Investments Boost Saudi Arabia's Shift to Digital Economy

People attend LEAP 2022, which concluded on Thursday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
People attend LEAP 2022, which concluded on Thursday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

LEAP 2022, the global technology platform, uncovered Saudi Arabia's readiness to address technical solutions and requirements that can address future challenges amid the development of the sector in the Kingdom.

Several international companies asserted to Asharq Al-Awsat the importance of the conference, which revealed the future technologies, stressing that Saudi Arabia is steadily racing to become among the first countries that invest in future technology.

Several businessmen and economists said the conference explored the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors to accelerate the Saudi drive towards achieving digital transformation.

They also believed that it would enhance the knowledge-based and green economies and develop technology for advanced industries that are possible for clean energy, seeking to achieve zero emissions.

Saudi Arabia is defining technology features in the Middle East through LEAP 2022.

Entrepreneurs

Unifonic CEO Ahmed Hamdan told Asharq Al-Awsat that companies seek such exhibitions to present the public with new solutions, given that the establishments are aware of market developments in the field of technology.

Hamdan indicated that the conference witnessed fantastic technical innovations and presentations, bringing together all local and international companies under one roof.

He revealed that several agreements were concluded between significant companies, highlighting their desire to develop and provide their best.

Through the conference, Unifonic tried to produce and showcase products to the market very quickly, said Hamdan, adding that the company will launch several initiatives.

He noted that the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology encourages small companies to become large and compete with high technologies.

The CEO added that Saudi Arabia is developing in the sector by adopting technologies and financial support to entrepreneurs.

The Ministry is also directing startups and providing them with appropriate solutions to achieve their desired goals, said the CEO, adding that this will empower startups and grant them a chance to develop in the future.

Supporting inventions

Vice President for Software AG in the Middle East Ahmad Salama explained that LEAP 2022 is a platform for a global vision for the technical community and is compatible with Vision 2030.

Salama indicated that projects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea, aim to achieve a future fueled by inventions, livability and sustainability for a prosperous economy.

He believes that this vision is also founded on a "connected enterprise" philosophy, which is adopted and supported by Software AG to support its progress and achieve transformation goals in Saudi Arabia and the world.

Software AG will continue to share global best practices and innovate new ones as a member of the thriving Saudi digital community, invest in the Kingdom's economy and its youth, and align with the Vision of mobilizing this technological advancement across the public and private sectors.

Saudi investor Abdullah al-Malehi, and head of Tamayouz, confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the conference provided an opportunity for the business sector in technical industries to cooperate through opportunities that enhance the Saudi goals in cooperation with the public sector.

Malehi indicated that these partnerships are possible for digital transformation and shaping the future of banks in advanced technologies, noting that the local market is significant in advanced technology.

He explained that Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its oil-dependent economy, noting that the announced investment includes contributions from major Saudi companies.

Gulf countries are working on initiatives to promote non-oil growth, said Malehi, stressing at the same time that the Kingdom will pump hundreds of billions of dollars in economic transformation represented by Vision 2030.

A large number of investments will be injected into the local market.

Artificial superintelligence

SingularityNET CEO Ben Goertzel pointed out that artificial intelligence is still limited, indicating that the development accompanying the digital infrastructure will transform it to Superintelligence.

Speaking at the "Scaling Up Decentralized AI to Power Global Transformation" session, during the third day of LEAP, Goertzel explained that everyone would be able to maximize the use of this technology.

Meanwhile, CEO of RMA Advisory Renato de Castro explained during "Metaverse VR Immersive" that the demand for virtual reality immersive experiences is accelerating, especially as it allows moving with ease.

De Castro explained that the number of Metaverse VR users has grown during the coronavirus pandemic, with over 90 players registering in a short period.

He explained that users spent over $40 million in purchases from this big and exciting market, predicting its volume to reach $100 billion soon.

Digital infrastructure

VMware regional director Saif Mashat said that the company is continuing to achieve its strategies and record-high levels of success in digital infrastructure projects, pointing out that it will expand to new projects in the Saudi market.

He explained that VMware is establishing future projects in line with the significant goals of Vision 2030, which necessitates that everyone unite their efforts and engage in professional cooperation.

The company focuses on training Saudi youth in cooperation with Saudi universities, said Mashat, announcing an agreement with the Prince Sultan University to train young men and girls on many digital skills and qualify faculty members to provide educational programs and content.

He indicated that the company would grant accredited certificates to the trainees.

Mashat also announced the company has several future agreements with some universities and sectors to train and qualify youths on technical programs and skills that the labor market requires.

He revealed plans with various sectors in 2022, namely projects to establish a distinguished digital infrastructure that matches the tremendous digital transformation witnessed by the Kingdom.

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Business

World Bank Chief Sounds Alarm about Looming Jobs Crisis Even after War Ends

World Bank President Ajay Banga gives remarks during a forum held at the Atlantic Council building in Washington, D.C., US, April 7, 2026. REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz
World Bank President Ajay Banga gives remarks during a forum held at the Atlantic Council building in Washington, D.C., US, April 7, 2026. REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz
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World Bank Chief Sounds Alarm about Looming Jobs Crisis Even after War Ends

World Bank President Ajay Banga gives remarks during a forum held at the Atlantic Council building in Washington, D.C., US, April 7, 2026. REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz
World Bank President Ajay Banga gives remarks during a forum held at the Atlantic Council building in Washington, D.C., US, April 7, 2026. REUTERS/Aaron Schwartz

The Middle East war will dominate global finance officials' talks this week in Washington, but World Bank President Ajay Banga is sounding the alarm about a bigger, looming crisis: a huge gap in jobs for the 1.2 billion people who will reach working age in developing countries in the next 10 to 15 years.

At current trajectories, those economies will generate only about 400 million jobs, leaving a deficit of 800 million jobs, Banga told Reuters.

The former Mastercard CEO admits that focusing people on the long-term is daunting, given a series of short-term shocks that have buffeted the global economy since the COVID-19 pandemic, the most recent being the war in the Middle East.

He says he's determined to ensure that finance officials stay focused on those longer-term challenges like creating jobs, connecting people to the electricity grid and ensuring access to clean water. "We have to walk and chew gum at the same time. ‌Short-velocity cycle is what ‌we're going through. Longer velocity is this jobs circumstance or water," Banga said in ‌an ⁠interview taped on Friday.

WAR ⁠OVERSHADOWS OTHER CONCERNS Thousands of finance officials from around the globe will gather in Washington this week for the spring meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund under the shadow of the US-Israel war with Iran that threatens to slow global growth and jack up inflation. The extent of the hit to the economy will depend on the durability of a two-week ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump last week, just hours before promised strikes that Trump said would destroy Iran's civilization. The ceasefire has halted most attacks. But it has not ended Iran's effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has caused the biggest-ever disruption to global energy ⁠supplies, or calmed a parallel war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

IMPROVING JOB CREATION

The ‌World Bank's governing body, the Development Committee, outlined plans to work with developing ‌countries to streamline policy and regulatory conditions that have hampered investment and job creation for years.

Discussions will touch on transparency around permits, anti-corruption, labor ‌law, land law, impediments to opening a business, logistics, better trade systems, and non-price barriers in trade, Banga said.

He is ‌upbeat that solutions can be found to help find employment - and dignity - for young people and create opportunities for private companies catering to their needs. "I don't know that you can ever get to a situation of utopia and everybody is taken care of in the coming 15 years. I would doubt that's going to happen, but if you don't do it, the implications are quite severe in terms ‌of illegal migration and instability," Banga said. United Nations data showed more than 117 million people were displaced worldwide as of 2025.

Banga said companies in developing countries themselves were starting ⁠to expand globally, including India's ⁠Reliance Industries and the Mahindra Group, and Dangote in Nigeria.

Banga said his discussions with officials in developing countries showed their interest in creating more - and better jobs - for the next generation.

In addition to jobs, water will be a big focus. The World Bank, in conjunction with other development banks, is set to announce a push to ensure that one billion more people have secure access to clean water, adding to existing initiatives to connect 300 million households in Africa with electricity, and to improve health care.

PULLING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR

The World Bank focused on human and physical infrastructure required for the jobs creation push during last fall's meetings of the IMF and World Bank, and will continue the cycle with an emphasis on attracting private sector investment during this fall's meetings in Bangkok, Banga said. The bank identified five sectors that would benefit from investment and are not reliant on global trade or outsourcing from developed countries: infrastructure, agriculture for small farmers, primary health care, tourism and value-added manufacturing. Those sectors are less likely to be immediately affected by advancements in artificial intelligence, he said.

"The problem is, we can't do this alone. We've got to get this snowball to roll downhill, gathering a lot of snow as it goes along, to reach that amazing number of 800 million," he said.

Business

Gold Drops as Inflation Worries Linger on Failed US-Iran Talks

AFP 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
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Gold Drops as Inflation Worries Linger on Failed US-Iran Talks

AFP 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

Gold prices touched a near one-week low on Monday, pressured by a stronger dollar, while a surge in oil prices following failed US-Iran peace talks fueled inflation worries and dampened expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year.

Spot gold was down 0.7% at $4,716.70 per ounce, as of 0445 GMT, its lowest level since April 7. US gold ‌futures for June ‌delivery fell 1% to $4,738.90. The dollar strengthened 0.4%, ‌while ⁠oil prices bounced ⁠back above $100 a barrel, as the US Navy prepared a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that could restrict Iranian oil shipments, following the US and Iran's failure to reach a deal to end the war.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded by warning that military vessels approaching the Strait will be considered a ceasefire breach and ⁠dealt with harshly and decisively, reported Reuters.

"Ceasefire optimism has unwound ‌following the failure of the peace ‌talks, and the resulting push higher by the dollar and ‌oil prices has put gold on the back foot again," ‌said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst, KCM Trade.

Spot gold has fallen more than 11% since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28. While inflation and geopolitical risks typically boost gold's appeal as a ‌hedge, elevated interest rates weigh on the non-yielding metal.

A stronger dollar also makes greenback-priced bullion more expensive ⁠for holders ⁠of other currencies.

"As soon as oil prices push back above $100, attention quickly turns to potential central bank rate hikes to curb inflation, and it is this interest rate outlook that is undermining gold's performance," Waterer said.

Traders now see little chance of a US rate cut this year, as higher energy prices threaten to feed into broader inflation and limit the scope for monetary easing.

Before the war in the Middle East began, there were expectations for two Fed rate cuts this year.

Among other metals, spot silver fell 2% to $74.35 per ounce, platinum lost 0.2% to $2,041.40, while palladium gained 0.7% to $1,530.80.

Business

Euro Zone Bond Yields Rise After US-Iran Talks Collapse

A car drives along a road during sunset near Berlin, Germany, 09 April 2026, a few days after Iran and the US announced a two-week conditional ceasefire to halt military operations. (EPA)
A car drives along a road during sunset near Berlin, Germany, 09 April 2026, a few days after Iran and the US announced a two-week conditional ceasefire to halt military operations. (EPA)
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Euro Zone Bond Yields Rise After US-Iran Talks Collapse

A car drives along a road during sunset near Berlin, Germany, 09 April 2026, a few days after Iran and the US announced a two-week conditional ceasefire to halt military operations. (EPA)
A car drives along a road during sunset near Berlin, Germany, 09 April 2026, a few days after Iran and the US announced a two-week conditional ceasefire to halt military operations. (EPA)

Euro zone government bond ‌yields edged up on Monday towards recent peaks after the United States and Iran failed to secure a deal to end the war, pushing oil prices higher, fueling inflation concerns and reinforcing expectations of European Central Bank rate hikes. 

Brent crude futures climbed above $100 a barrel as the US Navy prepared to block ships to and from Iran via the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could restrict Iranian oil exports. 

Germany’s 10-year government bond yield rose 1.5 basis points (bps) to 3.06%. It reached 3.13% in late March, its highest level since June 2011. 

Analysts argued that ‌while the truce ‌was more fragile after the weekend, both parties ‌were ⁠unlikely to let ⁠full-blown war resume. 

Money markets priced in an ECB deposit facility rate at 2.69.% by year-end, implying two hikes and a 75% chance of a third move, from around 2.60% late on Friday. 

They also indicated a 45% chance of a rate increase in April from 25% late on Friday. The deposit facility rate is currently at 2%. 

“The temporary truce briefly ⁠reduced immediate tail risks, but the failure of negotiations ‌over the weekend has underscored that the ‌constraints that matter most for near-term (energy) pricing remain unresolved,” said Tobias Keller, ‌investment strategist at UniCredit. 

“Damaged infrastructure, higher insurance and freight costs and persistent ‌logistical frictions imply that any easing in physical tightness will be slow and uneven,” he added. 

Germany’s two-year yields, more sensitive to expectations for policy rates, were up 4 bps at 2.62%. They reached 2.771% in late March, its highest ‌level since July 2024. 

Italy’s 10-year government bond yields rose 3.5 bps to 3.86%. They reached 4.142% ⁠in late March, ⁠the highest since July 2024. 

The yield gap of Italian government bonds versus Bunds was at 79 bps. It was at 63 bps before the US-Israeli war with Iran began and hit 103.62 during the conflict, the highest since June 20, 2025. 

“We would probably need to see a more significant escalation for BTP-Bund spreads to test the March highs again,” said Hauke Siemssen, rate strategist at Commerzbank. 

“BTPs should also underperform OATs (French government bonds) again this week as they are more susceptible to energy prices, while we expect the spread to re-tighten over the long term,” he added. 

The French spread was at 64.50 bps from 58 bps before the conflict. Fitch confirmed on Friday A+ rating with outlook stable.