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Riyadh Economic Forum Studies Effects of Transition to New Work System

Panel discussion to study the new work system. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Panel discussion to study the new work system. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh Economic Forum Studies Effects of Transition to New Work System

Panel discussion to study the new work system. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Panel discussion to study the new work system. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Riyadh Economic Forum is currently studying the prospects and challenges of the new work system, including flexible and remote employment, given its importance in the labor market, especially following the Kingdom’s successful experience in adopting modern patterns during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The establishment of the Riyadh Economic Forum, which operates under the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, aims to promote the role of the privates sector in leading the national economy’s march and enabling it to face challenges by diversifying incomes, upgrading productivity, providing job opportunities and improving the investment climate in the Kingdom.

The forum’s advisory office said that the study aims to identify the concepts, mechanisms and requirements for success of modern patterns, and the challenges that their implementation could face.

During a panel discussion on Wednesday, Dr. Khaled Al-Rajhi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Riyadh Economic Forum, pointed to the importance of the study, due to the development of remote work and the changes that occurred in the local labor market as a result of the progress achieved in the communications and information technology sector.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company (SRC) - wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund - has signed a joint cooperation agreement with Riyad Bank, to acquire a SAR 500 million real estate financing portfolio.

The agreement is the second largest mortgage refinancing deal in the Kingdom.

Fabrice Susini, CEO of SRC, stated that this agreement with Riyad Bank was the latest in a series of similarly significant deals, as part of SRC’s continued drive to expand and strengthen its partnerships with leading banks and lenders in Saudi Arabia.

“Through these agreements, SRC provides liquidity and risk management solutions to support lenders and originators’ efforts to de-risk their balance sheets and enhance both their origination and distribution capabilities,” he said.

Tareq Al-Sadhan, CEO of Riyad Bank, stated that the long-term partnership with SRC would provide housing finance solutions that fulfill the needs and requirements of Saudi families.

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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.