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.



Gold Rebounds on Dip Buying; US-China Trade Talks in Focus

A one kilogram gold cast bars with 99.99% purity is pressed and ready for sale at the ABC Refinery in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
A one kilogram gold cast bars with 99.99% purity is pressed and ready for sale at the ABC Refinery in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
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Gold Rebounds on Dip Buying; US-China Trade Talks in Focus

A one kilogram gold cast bars with 99.99% purity is pressed and ready for sale at the ABC Refinery in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
A one kilogram gold cast bars with 99.99% purity is pressed and ready for sale at the ABC Refinery in Sydney, Australia, Wednesday, April 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Gold prices firmed on Friday as investors bought bullion following an earlier dip in the session, while markets turned their focus to US-China trade talks this weekend.

Spot gold was up 0.3% to $3,316.29 an ounce, as of 0448 GMT. US gold futures firmed 0.5% to $3,321.60.

Spot gold retreated earlier in the session, touching a low of $3,274.38, as US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with the UK on Thursday.

Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a "breakthrough deal". A 10% tariff on goods imported from the UK remains in place, while Britain agreed to lower its tariffs to 1.8% from 5.1% and provide greater access to US goods.

"Buying gold on dips is still in vogue, which is so far limiting the downside moves despite safe haven demand drying up to a degree on the US-UK trade deal," KCM Trade Chief Market Analyst Tim Waterer said.

"How the US-China trade talks develop could be key in determining which side of $3,300 gold trades at next week."

Trump also said he expects there to be substantive negotiations between the US and China on trade this weekend and predicted that punitive US tariffs on Beijing of 145% would likely come down, Reuters said.

Gold, traditionally seen as a hedge against economic and political uncertainties, thrives in a low interest rate environment.

Several US Federal Reserve officials are due to speak later in the day for further insights into the economy and the central bank's policy path. This comes after the Fed held interest rates steady on Wednesday and warned of rising inflation and unemployment risks.

Meanwhile, Indian gold dealers offered discounts this week amid weak demand as a softer rupee lifted local prices to near-record highs, while buying in China picked up after a holiday.

Spot silver was steady at $32.48 an ounce, platinum rose 0.5% to $980.55 and palladium gained 0.2% to $978.21.