Economic Impact of Saudi Geospatial Information Stands at $10.6b Annually

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
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Economic Impact of Saudi Geospatial Information Stands at $10.6b Annually

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser

The economic impact of geospatial information according to 7 major sectors in Saudi Arabia is estimated between SAR 22 billion ($5.8 billion) and SAR 40 billion ($10.6 billion) annually.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Survey & Geospatial Information, in cooperation with the World Bank, announced the results of a study on the economic impact of geospatial information and its techniques on the Saudi economy.

The study is seen as one of the main requirements for implementing the plan for investment opportunities in geospatial space and information.

It included the most important sectors according to the Kingdom's vision 2030, which are: infrastructure, energy, health, education, public safety, security and disaster risk management, and trade.

The study came to define the importance and impact of geospatial information on the economy and national development in the Kingdom.

It seeks maximizing the benefits of information for government agencies and the private sector.

Many government and private agencies participated in workshops to analyze use cases of geospatial information according to the best international practices and in line with the local market.

It is noteworthy that the General Authority for Survey & Geospatial Information works on organizing, upgrading, supervising, and monitoring the geospatial survey and information sector to ensure quality and improve performance.

It also prepares the sector to be attractive to investment, stimulating its growth and protecting the interests of the beneficiaries.



$266 Mln Deal Boosts Liquidity in Saudi Housing Market

One of the projects under the Sakani program in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the projects under the Sakani program in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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$266 Mln Deal Boosts Liquidity in Saudi Housing Market

One of the projects under the Sakani program in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the projects under the Sakani program in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company (SRC), owned by the Public Investment Fund, has signed a SAR 1 billion ($266.7 million) agreement with Bidaya Finance to buy a mortgage portfolio.
The deal is the largest of its kind, aimed at injecting liquidity into Saudi Arabia’s housing market.
The agreement, signed on Sunday, was attended by Housing Minister Majed Al-Hogail, who also chairs SRC, and Abdulaziz Al-Omair, Chairman of Bidaya Finance.
This move supports SRC’s efforts to grow the mortgage market and expand refinancing options, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of increasing homeownership among Saudi citizens.
SRC CEO Majeed Al Abduljabbar said the deal will boost liquidity and stabilize the housing finance market, helping more Saudis own homes. He added that it builds on SRC’s plan to partner with key lenders and develop a strong secondary mortgage market.
“This agreement is a pivotal step toward achieving the strategic objectives of the Housing Program by increasing homeownership among citizens,” Abduljabbar noted.
“It also aligns with our strategy to forge strategic partnerships with leading financing institutions, fostering the development of an active secondary market for residential mortgages,” he added.
Bidaya Finance CEO Mahmoud Dahduli called the agreement a step forward in offering innovative financing solutions, enabling more citizens to achieve their housing goals and contributing to Vision 2030’s housing targets.
“This strategic collaboration with SRC reinforces our shared role in offering reliable, innovative financing solutions that empower citizens to realize their housing aspirations, aligning with the Housing Program’s goal of increasing homeownership,” Dahduli said.
Established in 2017 by the Public Investment Fund, SRC aims to make home financing more accessible by providing liquidity to lenders and supporting Saudi Arabia’s housing sector under the national transformation plan, Vision 2030.