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Eased Procedures Encourage Private Sector Investment in Saudi Military Industries

Saudi Arabia's vision aims to localize at least 50% of the country's spending on military procurement by 2030 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia's vision aims to localize at least 50% of the country's spending on military procurement by 2030 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Eased Procedures Encourage Private Sector Investment in Saudi Military Industries

Saudi Arabia's vision aims to localize at least 50% of the country's spending on military procurement by 2030 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia's vision aims to localize at least 50% of the country's spending on military procurement by 2030 (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi government offers a host of comparative advantages for military sector investors. From easy procedures to visas and licenses, Saudi authorities are keen on facilitating investment flow into the Kingdom’s defense industry.

Saudi Arabia’s developed customs services and digital technologies are factors for attracting investment as well.

A recent Riyadh Chamber of Commerce report recommended establishing industry-specific specializations in schools and universities across the Kingdom.

It also stressed the need for building partnerships with developed countries.

Raising more awareness of Vision 2030 programs for the Saudi military industry, creating military industry clusters, and establishing research centers specialized in developing technologies were also among the Chamber’s suggestions.

Encouraging and attracting researchers and scientists to upgrade technology was also proposed in the report.

Saudi Arabia has implemented a long-term strategy for some essential military industries. Moreover, it facilitates license issuing via e-platforms.

Saudi companies and institutions have developed solutions to overcome difficulties facing their investment journey in the Kingdom’s military sector.

Integration and transfer of expertise between the private and military sectors are among those solutions.

The companies also proposed that the state provide more financial support and facilities and select the most efficient companies to invest in the military sector.

According to the presented solutions, the Kingdom must invest in scientific research, assign a single legislative body, facilitate the issuance of necessary licenses, and streamline procedures.

Establishing industrial cities for the defense sector was also recommended. Local and international knowledge and technology must be used to support those cities.

Training national cadres in military investment is also vital.

Abdullah Al-Khorayef, Chairman of the Industrial Committee at the Chamber, confirmed that the Kingdom’s military industries provide an array of promising opportunities for the private sector.

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ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
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ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)

Saudi energy and water developer ACWA Power reported a 44% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, reaching SAR 427.15 million ($113.8 million), according to a disclosure filed with the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

The company attributed the strong performance primarily to higher total revenues, an increase in other operating income before impairment and other charges, a reduction in impairment expenses, and a rise in deferred tax balances. These gains were partially offset by increased costs in project development, general and administrative expenses, and financing charges.

ACWA Power’s revenue rose 57% in the quarter, reaching SAR 1.97 billion ($525.2 million), supported by growth across development and construction management services, operation and maintenance contracts, and electricity sales.

In a letter to investors, CEO Marco Arcelli emphasized that the company maintained strong momentum in developing new projects across all sectors during the first quarter.

These initiatives not only lay the foundation for stable future revenues and cash flows, but also contribute to earnings from procurement and construction management, reinforcing the company’s commitment to financial and operational growth, he noted.

Arcelli expressed optimism about the company’s long-term outlook, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen project development pipelines, improve procurement strategies, and streamline construction execution.

ACWA Power is building a solid platform for consistent and sustainable growth while remaining focused on delivering its strategic objectives, he stressed.

Among the company’s most significant recent projects are several in renewable energy and water. In the solar sector, ACWA Power is developing the Al-Muwayh solar power plant in Saudi Arabia with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts and an investment of approximately SAR 35 million. The plant is scheduled to begin operations under a long-term power purchase agreement starting in 2027.

The company is also working on the Al-Khushaybi solar plant, with a capacity of 35 megawatts.

In wind energy, ACWA Power is constructing the Bash wind farm in Uzbekistan, a 500-megawatt project expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. Another wind project in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s national energy company will have a capacity of 65 megawatts and is also scheduled for completion in 2025.

In the water sector, ACWA Power owns a 40% stake in the Taweelah desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest facilities of its kind with a daily capacity of 3 million cubic meters. The company also holds a 35% share in the Sudair solar project in Saudi Arabia, which will generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity.

ACWA Power has expanded its international footprint with recent acquisitions, including an 85% stake in Yanghe New Energy Technology in China. The company also acquired strategic assets in Egypt and Kuwait and is actively entering new markets while expanding its presence in existing ones.

The company continues to prioritize innovation and R&D, particularly in solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage. It is advancing new projects, increasing energy sales, and strengthening its global presence through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Italian firms and others in Africa and East Asia.

ACWA Power has also launched a new research and development center in Shanghai as part of its international growth strategy.