Riyadh Conference Stresses Solid Foundations in Building Digital Economy

Prince Turki Al-Faisal addresses the Global Asset Allocation Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Turki Al-Faisal addresses the Global Asset Allocation Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Riyadh Conference Stresses Solid Foundations in Building Digital Economy

Prince Turki Al-Faisal addresses the Global Asset Allocation Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Prince Turki Al-Faisal addresses the Global Asset Allocation Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Global Asset Allocation Conference underlined on Tuesday the importance of new rules and patterns to strengthen the digital economy.

The conference was organized by the Family Office and held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, President of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, stressed that in light of globalization, any political, financial or social crisis can turn into a global matter.

He noted the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war crisis on food security, energy and supply chains, which have cast their effects on the global economy.

Prince Turki stressed the need for Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States to build strong economies on firm foundations.

On the role of women in Saudi society, he said: “Our society will not realize its aspirations unless equality is achieved between men and women.”

The government and people of Saudi Arabia were determined to work in this direction for the sake of society, he added.

Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed, Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board of Al-Arabiya TV news channel, discussed during the conference the trade partnership between Saudi Arabia and China and its impact on the relationship with the United States.

He pointed to the importance of the agreement to restore relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which was mediated by Beijing, explaining that China has become an important country in the international map and the region, at a time when ties are still strong with Europe and America.

Jonathan Berger, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of AS Birch Grove, underlined the opportunities in the liquid credit market in North America, while Edward Siskind, Founder and CEO of Cale Street, touched on low occupancy levels in commercial real estate in major American cities, with the new work-from-home policy and the rise of sustainability movements.



Saudi Private Sector Grows to Highest Level in 6 Months

People are seen at an employment forum in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
People are seen at an employment forum in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Private Sector Grows to Highest Level in 6 Months

People are seen at an employment forum in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
People are seen at an employment forum in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector expanded for the third consecutive month in October, driven by a surge in new orders - their highest levels since March - and a substantial rise in sales, which significantly boosted business activity.

The Riyad Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased from 56.3 in September to 56.9 in October, reflecting improved operating conditions and economic momentum. This growth was attributed to robust sales in October, as companies reported strong customer demand and overall favorable economic conditions.

Consequently, businesses experienced an expansion in commercial activity and maintained a positive outlook for future growth. Additionally, purchasing of production inputs accelerated after reaching a three-year low in September, though it remained moderate compared to early-year levels, with companies noting sufficient inventory levels.

The report highlighted, however, that the strong sector-wide improvement was accompanied by increased cost pressures in materials and staffing, resulting in the first rise in average prices for goods and services in four months.

Dr. Naif Al-Ghaith, Chief Economist at Riyad Bank, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the robust economic performance was driven by a notable rise in sales, contributing to expansions in employment, procurement, and inventory.

The accelerated pace of input purchases in September, the fastest in three years, reflects a continued expansionary trend since September 2020, driven by rising demand, he stressed

The significant increase in new orders in October underscores the success of Vision 2030’s strategic emphasis on innovation and infrastructure development, he added.

More than 40% of surveyed companies reported increased demand, driven by strong local customer interest, creative marketing strategies, and sustained investments in infrastructure, demonstrating the resilience of Saudi Arabia’s economy and reinforcing its position as a leading non-oil economy in the region.

He noted that these gains align with the non-oil GDP growth rate of 4.2% in the third quarter, indicating a positive economic shift as the country seeks to diversify income sources away from oil, contributing to Vision 2030’s goals of building a sustainable economy capable of meeting future challenges.

Al-Ghaith projected that the non-oil sector’s contribution to GDP would exceed 52%, with growth surpassing 4% this year.