Saudi Invites Kuwaitis to Seize Giant Qualitative Investment Opportunities

Saudi Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Invites Kuwaitis to Seize Giant Qualitative Investment Opportunities

Saudi Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Encouraging Kuwaiti investors to take advantage of investment opportunities and major qualitative projects in Saudi Arabia, Investment Minister Khaled Al-Falih affirmed that investment policies in the Kingdom require treating all Gulf investors as Saudis.

Al-Falih pointed to Kuwait being one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent trade partners.

Witnessing a growth of 22%, the volume of trade exchange between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia amounted to about SAR 11 billion ($2.9 billion) in 2022.

The balance of Kuwaiti investments in Saudi Arabia stands at about SAR 35 billion ($9.3 billion) in various sectors such as retail, communications, hospitality, and restaurants.

Al-Falih’s remarks came during a forum attended by Saudi officials and Kuwaiti businessmen. More than 90 Kuwaiti companies from various investment sectors also partook in the forum.

At the forum, Al-Falih highlighted the historical investment relationship that binds Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

There are increasing expectations of the possibility of growing investment cooperation opportunities and increasing the presence of the Kuwaiti business community in the Saudi market.

Al-Falih added that the Kingdom’s economic reforms, carried out within the framework of Vision 2030, have succeeded in advancing growth and diversification, making the Saudi economy one of fastest growing in the world in 2022.

According to the International Monetary Fund, the Saudi economy’s size reached SAR 4 trillion ($1.1 trillion), making it the 16th largest economy in the world.

Al-Falih explained that Kuwait has a long record in trade.

Since the nineteenth century, Kuwaiti merchants have reached India and Europe to connect the Arabian Peninsula with the world.

Besides Kuwaiti leadership in trade, the Gulf country established the Kuwait Stock Exchange in 1962 to be the first market in the Arabian Gulf region.

Moreover, Kuwait has the second largest sovereign fund in the world with assets exceeding $ 750 billion.



Saudi King Salman Inaugurates Riyadh Metro

Saudi King Salman viewed on Wednesday an introductory video about the Riyadh Metro. SPA
Saudi King Salman viewed on Wednesday an introductory video about the Riyadh Metro. SPA
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Saudi King Salman Inaugurates Riyadh Metro

Saudi King Salman viewed on Wednesday an introductory video about the Riyadh Metro. SPA
Saudi King Salman viewed on Wednesday an introductory video about the Riyadh Metro. SPA

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has inaugurated the Riyadh Metro, the backbone of the capital’s public transport network.

King Salman viewed on Wednesday an introductory video about the Riyadh Metro — one of the Kingdom’s major projects during his prosperous reign — distinguished by its standout design and technological features, with a network that spans 176 kilometers across 6 lines and 85 stations, including 4 iconic ones.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), expressed his sincere gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his generous support and patronage of the Riyadh Public Transport Project – which includes the metro and bus systems – from its concept to execution, and for his invaluable steering during the implementation of the project according to the highest global standards.

“The Riyadh Public Transport Project, which spans metro and bus networks, is the culmination of concerted efforts made by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the outcome of his visionary leadership, while serving as the Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, the predecessor of RCRC,” said the Crown Prince.

The Riyadh Public Transport Project was launched following studies conducted back then by the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh (now RCRC) on the capital city’s current and future public transport needs, and outlined the best solutions for a sustainable public transit system that reflects the city’s unique urban, population, and traffic characteristics.

These studies resulted in the comprehensive Public Transport Plan for Riyadh City, which included a metro system and a parallel bus network that would meet Riyadh’s current and projected mobility needs. The plan culminated with the Council of Ministers adopting a resolution to “approve the execution of the Riyadh Public Transport Project – Metro and Buses.” RCRC then launched a bidding process that saw the participation of several global consortia. Finally, a Royal Decree awarded the Riyadh Metro contracts to three consortia, comprising over 19 major global companies from 13 countries.

Thanks to the support of the Crown Prince, RCRC successfully implemented the project. Considered one of the world’s largest public transport projects conducted in a single phase, the Riyadh Public Transport stands out for its meticulous planning and exceptional design and technology, and is tailored to meet Riyadh’s social, environmental, and urban requirements. It is also poised to significantly contribute to the capital city’s urban mobility needs, enhancing the quality of life of its residents and visitors alike, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and RCRC Chief Executive Eng. Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan extended his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for the Riyadh Metro project inauguration.
Al-Sultan highlighted that Riyadh is now enjoying the benefits of this transformative project, which will redefine the capital's image and revolutionize transportation for both residents and visitors. The metro's extensive six-line network will gradually begin operations.
He elaborated that the project aims to deliver an efficient and sustainable public transport system that meets the current and future mobility demands of Riyadh. The initiative is in line with the rapid population growth, urban expansion, and the increasing use of private vehicles in the city.