Saudi Arabia’s PIF Establishes Aseer Investment Company

Aseer Investment Company will unlock a wide range of investment opportunities for domestic and international investors. (Public Investment Fund)
Aseer Investment Company will unlock a wide range of investment opportunities for domestic and international investors. (Public Investment Fund)
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Saudi Arabia’s PIF Establishes Aseer Investment Company

Aseer Investment Company will unlock a wide range of investment opportunities for domestic and international investors. (Public Investment Fund)
Aseer Investment Company will unlock a wide range of investment opportunities for domestic and international investors. (Public Investment Fund)

The Saudi Public Investment Fund announced on Thursday the establishment of Aseer Investment Company (AIC) to operate as its investment arm in the Aseer region, south of Saudi Arabia.

The new company will promote and stimulate local and foreign direct investment to develop and transform the region into a year-round tourism destination.

AIC will unlock a wide range of investment opportunities for domestic and international investors across a number of sectors, including tourism, hospitality, healthcare, sports, education, food, and many other fast-growing domestic industries.

It will contribute to fostering public-private partnerships, creating jobs for the local community, and promoting the region’s tourism and investment opportunities.

Raid Ismail, Head of Direct Investments for the Middle East and North Africa at PIF said: “AIC aims to become a leading facilitator of broad-ranging investment opportunities in Aseer.”

AIC will promote the region’s rugged mountains, stunning nature, and storied culture, preserve its ancient history and heritage, and transform it into a world-class tourist destination for visitors from across the globe in line with PIF’s strategy and Vision 2030, Ismail added.

The company’s establishment comes in line with PIF’s strategy to unlock the capabilities of promising sectors in the Kingdom and support the country. It also comes in line with the Aseer region’s position as a leading investment destination.



Saudi Arabia Secures Top Spot in Arab Region, 20th Globally in QI4SD

A drone view shows the last supermoon of 2024 dubbed "Beaver Moon" during early hours of moon-rise over Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A drone view shows the last supermoon of 2024 dubbed "Beaver Moon" during early hours of moon-rise over Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 15, 2024. (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia Secures Top Spot in Arab Region, 20th Globally in QI4SD

A drone view shows the last supermoon of 2024 dubbed "Beaver Moon" during early hours of moon-rise over Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 15, 2024. (Reuters)
A drone view shows the last supermoon of 2024 dubbed "Beaver Moon" during early hours of moon-rise over Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 15, 2024. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia came first in the Arab region Middle East and North Africa in the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index (QI4SD) 2024 released biennially by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

It also came in the 20th position globally, climbing 25 places compared to the 2022 index.

Key elements of quality infrastructure assessed in the index encompass standards, metrology, standardization, accreditation, conformity assessment, and national policies.

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Authority (SASO) Governor Dr. Saad bin Othman Al-Qasbi said the positions in the index mirror the national efforts led by SASO in collaboration with the Saudi Accreditation Center and pertinent stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

These positions bolster Saudi Arabia's global standing and help achieve a more prosperous and competitive economy, he added in a statement.

Al-Qasbi praised the evolution of the Kingdom's quality system and its impact on living standards, economic growth, and business operations, which have contributed to Saudi Arabia's advancements in global rankings.

Saudi Arabia's place among the top 20 nations is testimony to its dedication to boosting quality infrastructure and refining its legal framework and regulations.