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UAE Launches ‘Markets of Tomorrow’ Initiative

The UAE government announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The UAE government announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE Launches ‘Markets of Tomorrow’ Initiative

The UAE government announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The UAE government announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The UAE government has launched the "Markets of Tomorrow" initiative, in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The initiative aims to develop new business accelerators that will prepare the UAE's national economy to embrace business activities focused on the new economy and boost its readiness to enter tomorrow's markets, utilizing the latest technological means.

The launch of the initiative is part of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between the UAE Ministry of Economy and WEF's New Economy and Society Center.

The UAE government also announced the signing of an agreement with WEF in the development of applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The deal was signed in the presence of Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director & Head of the Forum's Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Sebastian Buckup, Head of Network and Partnerships, Member of the Executive Committee, WEF.

Al Olama stressed that the strategic partnership between the UAE government and WEF aims to serve communities by employing artificial intelligence, blockchain and various technologies of the future, and sharing innovative experiences and practices to provide supportive environments for the development of new ideas and projects that accelerate the process of scientific, technological, and cognitive progress.

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, said that the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution shapes new policies and strategies in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital assets, among others.

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Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund Launches First Global Commercial Paper Program

 The Saudi capital, Riyadh (SPA) 
 The Saudi capital, Riyadh (SPA) 
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Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund Launches First Global Commercial Paper Program

 The Saudi capital, Riyadh (SPA) 
 The Saudi capital, Riyadh (SPA) 

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has launched its first-ever global commercial paper program, marking a significant step in strengthening its short-term financing capabilities and expanding its reach in international capital markets.

According to an official statement, the program allows for the issuance of commercial paper through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). It consists of two sub-programs: one for the US market and another for the European market.

The program has already earned top credit ratings: Moody’s assigned it a Prime-1 (P-1) rating, the highest short-term grade, while Fitch Ratings awarded an F1+ rating, also its highest for short-term instruments.

Fahad AlSaif, Head of Global Capital Finance and Head of Investment Strategy at PIF, said the launch aligns with the Fund’s broader financing strategy. “This program reflects our flexible and effective approach to funding, designed to support our long-term investment priorities,” he noted.

Commercial paper is widely used in global financial markets as a tool for short-term liquidity management. PIF’s program is expected to enhance its agility in managing cash flow while complementing its long-term funding plans.

Mohammed Al-Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the initiative highlights PIF’s commitment to robust liquidity management and its ambition to lead both domestically and internationally. He called the move a “strategic addition” to PIF’s funding ecosystem, noting that the strong credit ratings will allow the Fund to secure financing at competitive rates, positioning it to capitalize on key investment opportunities without being overly exposed to short-term market volatility or interest rate risks.

Al-Farraj added that the launch supports PIF’s strategy to diversify its funding sources and balance short-term needs with long-term goals. He pointed out that it will help drive major projects in critical sectors such as renewable energy, future industries, and advanced technology - key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

He also emphasized the program’s role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s standing as a global financial hub and increasing its appeal to international investors.

The initiative follows PIF’s broader financing roadmap, which includes issuing green bonds - such as its landmark $3.5 billion sukuk offering - and reflects its continued pursuit of innovative, sustainable funding solutions to fuel the Kingdom’s economic transformation.