SME Bank Allocates 10.5 Billion Riyals to SME Funding Solutions

SME Bank Allocates 10.5 Billion Riyals to SME Funding Solutions
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SME Bank Allocates 10.5 Billion Riyals to SME Funding Solutions

SME Bank Allocates 10.5 Billion Riyals to SME Funding Solutions

The Small and Medium Enterprises Bank (SME Bank), a development bank under the National Development Fund, announced allocating an amount of 10.5 billion riyals to support the small and medium enterprises sector, through existing and new financing programs offered by the Bank, including direct and indirect lending programs, financing guarantee, and investment solutions during the next three years.

This falls in line with the continuous support provided by the Saudi leadership and the efforts of SME Bank to provide innovative and scalable funding solutions to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and raise the sector’s contribution to the GDP to 35%.

SME Bank Acting Chief Executive Officer Abdurrahman bin Mohammed bin Mansour said that “SME Bank” seeks to increase the financing provided to small and medium enterprises,
and enhance the contribution of financial institutions in providing innovative financing solutions, which contributes to the growth and prosperity of this vital sector.

He also confirmed that the bank's business started recently by introducing 6 main financing products that were developed based on the needs of small and medium enterprises. SMEs can now apply for financing through the website of the SME Bank, which provides access to more than 48 financing institutions in the Kingdom.



Saudi Arabia, Japan Sign Memorandum on Peaceful Use of Space

The Saudi Space Agency signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Japanese government on the peaceful use of outer space. (SPA)
The Saudi Space Agency signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Japanese government on the peaceful use of outer space. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Japan Sign Memorandum on Peaceful Use of Space

The Saudi Space Agency signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Japanese government on the peaceful use of outer space. (SPA)
The Saudi Space Agency signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Japanese government on the peaceful use of outer space. (SPA)

The Saudi Space Agency signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Japanese government on the peaceful use of outer space on the sidelines of the Saudi-Japan Ministerial Investment Forum.

The memorandum was signed with Japan’s Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Space Agency Abdullah Alswaha represented the agency during the signing.

The move underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation in peaceful space activities and supporting strategic partnerships in the sector. It aims to establish a framework for cooperation in space science and technology, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise, contributing to the development of the space sector and promoting the peaceful uses of outer space.

The Saudi Space Agency affirmed that the agreement builds on the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships in the space sector and to play an active role in shaping a global space ecosystem that supports research and innovation and serves humanity.


Saudi-Canadian Business Forum Explores Opportunities to Strengthen Investment

The Saudi-Canadian Business and Investment Forum was held on Sunday. (SPA)
The Saudi-Canadian Business and Investment Forum was held on Sunday. (SPA)
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Saudi-Canadian Business Forum Explores Opportunities to Strengthen Investment

The Saudi-Canadian Business and Investment Forum was held on Sunday. (SPA)
The Saudi-Canadian Business and Investment Forum was held on Sunday. (SPA)

The Saudi-Canadian Business and Investment Forum was held on Sunday in Riyadh under the “Invest Saudi” umbrella, with the participation of Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, and several senior officials and representatives from major companies in both countries.

The forum reviewed prospects for investment partnerships across a number of key sectors, including digital transformation, infrastructure, defense, and other areas of mutual interest, with a focus on strengthening cooperation and increasing investment flows between Saudi and Canadian companies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Six memoranda of understanding were signed during the forum in the fields of communications, information technology, cybersecurity, education, and manufacturing. In addition, private-sector workshops were held to facilitate dialogue between investors, exchange expertise, and explore opportunities for joint ventures and long-term cooperation.


Saudia to Launch Riyadh-Kozhikode Flights in February

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
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Saudia to Launch Riyadh-Kozhikode Flights in February

Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo
Saudi Arabian Airlines plane, is seen at the airport of the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, August 9, 2021. Picture taken through a window. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo

Saudia Airlines has added Kozhikode, India, to its network of scheduled international destinations, marking its seventh destination in the country alongside Bangalore, Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Lucknow, as part of the airline’s strategy to reach new international markets, connect the Kingdom to the world through its modern fleet, and strengthen its global competitive position, SPA reported.

Flights to Kozhikode will begin on February 1, 2026, with four weekly departures from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

Reservations are available through the airline’s website and mobile applications.

The addition of Kozhikode further expands Saudia's growing operational network, which now covers over 100 destinations across four continents and operates more than 550 domestic and international flights daily.