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Saudi SAMA Explores Potential of Digital Currencies to Facilitate Payments Globally

The Saudi Central Bank. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Central Bank. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi SAMA Explores Potential of Digital Currencies to Facilitate Payments Globally

The Saudi Central Bank. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Central Bank. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

With many consumers abandoning physical cash, and in light of the accelerating development of crypto-currencies, central banks in the world have started working to ensure a legal and safe cover for the use of digital currencies.

According to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), 135 countries and monetary unions, representing 98 percent of global GDP, are exploring digital currencies for central banks, compared to only 35 countries in 2020.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicates that about two-thirds of the countries in the Middle East and Central Asia are considering adopting digital currencies for their central banks as a means to enhance financial inclusion and improve the efficiency of cross-border payments.

The Central Bank of Saudi Arabia (SAMA) joined as a full participant in a multi-country digital currency initiative, known as the mBridge project, which was positioned as a potential alternative to the SWIFT payment system to enable faster and potentially cheaper international payments.

Head of Development at Binance in Saudi Arabia Bandar Altunisi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the mBridge project was a cooperative initiative led by the BIS to explore the potential of digital currencies issued by central banks to facilitate trade and instant cross-border payments.

The project includes the central banks of China, Thailand, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

In addition to the five participating central banks, the project includes 27 other official entities with observer status, such as the IMF, the World Bank, and central banks in many countries, including Norway, South Korea, and Türkiye, according to Altunisi.

“The mBridge project, which was launched in 2021, represents an innovative solution to address the gaps and challenges of inequality in the current procedures used for cross-border payments,” he explained.

Altunisi believes that the success of this project will contribute to accelerating cross-border payments and reducing their cost.

As for the importance of this project for Saudi Arabia, he noted that it will provide new settlement solutions for oil and gas exports. On a broader scale, trade will become more efficient, ultimately benefiting all parties involved, including the final consumer, he remarked.

He added that additional expertise in the field of Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) provided by the mBridge project will give regulatory authorities in Saudi Arabia more comfort and ease in allowing broader regulation and application of crypto-currencies and other solutions based on Blockchain technology.

Altunisi spoke about the difference between digital currencies that central banks are considering adopting and encrypted ones, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. He noted that the latter are decentralized currencies that use encryption techniques to boost the security of transactions and rely on Blockchain technology to ensure transparency and immutability of transaction records.

Digital currencies are digital copies of paper currencies issued and regulated by central banks, Altunisi stated, adding: “Unlike crypto-currencies, these digital currencies are centralized and usually aim to improve the efficiency of payment systems, bolster financial inclusion, and provide governments with better monetary policy tools.”

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Business

Gold Falls on Investor Caution ahead of Key US Economic Data

Gold bars being washed after removal from molds at a refinery in Sydney (AFP)
Gold bars being washed after removal from molds at a refinery in Sydney (AFP)
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Gold Falls on Investor Caution ahead of Key US Economic Data

Gold bars being washed after removal from molds at a refinery in Sydney (AFP)
Gold bars being washed after removal from molds at a refinery in Sydney (AFP)

Gold fell on Tuesday, though held above the $5,000-per-ounce level, as investors stayed cautious ahead of key US jobs and inflation data due later this week that could help gauge the US Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory.

Spot gold fell 0.7% to $5,030.80 per ounce by 0716 GMT. The metal gained 2% on Monday, as the dollar weakened to its lowest level in more than ‌a week. ‌Gold scaled a record high of $5,594.82 on ‌January ⁠29.

US gold ‌futures for April delivery lost 0.5% to $5,051.70 per ounce.

Spot silver slipped 2.1% to $81.63 an ounce, after rising nearly 7% in the previous session. It had hit an all-time high of $121.64 on January 29.

"We're in a situation where gold has something of a built-in upside bias broadly, and now it's a question of ⁠just how much will short-term Fed policy expectations matter," said Ilya Spivak, head of ‌global macro at Tastylive.

The US dollar ‍edged higher on Tuesday, ‍making greenback-priced metals more expensive for overseas buyers.

Spivak added that ‍gold is being pulled back to the $5,000 level from both the upper and lower price ranges, while silver is showing more volatility on speculative trading.

Investors are awaiting a string of US economic data - retail sales due Tuesday, the nonfarm payrolls report on Wednesday and inflation data on Friday. Markets are currently pricing ⁠in at least two 25-basis-point rate cuts in 2026, with the first expected in June.

The non-yielding bullion tends to do well in a low-interest-rate environment.

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Monday that US job gains could be lower in the coming months.

For gold, "$5,000 is a support and $80 for silver. But intraday, both metals will be broadly range-bound, with a slight tilt towards negativity because of profit booking," Jigar Trivedi, a senior research analyst at IndusInd Securities, said, adding that investors are ‌cautious given recent volatility.

Spot platinum shed 2% to $2,080.30 per ounce, while palladium lost 1.1% to $1,721.75.

Business

Macron Calls on Europe to Invest in Its Strategic Sectors

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a meeting with students from the "Prepas Talents du service public" as part of a program that aims to give every young person an opportunity to join the civil service, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 06 February 2026. (EPA)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a meeting with students from the "Prepas Talents du service public" as part of a program that aims to give every young person an opportunity to join the civil service, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 06 February 2026. (EPA)
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Macron Calls on Europe to Invest in Its Strategic Sectors

French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a meeting with students from the "Prepas Talents du service public" as part of a program that aims to give every young person an opportunity to join the civil service, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 06 February 2026. (EPA)
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech during a meeting with students from the "Prepas Talents du service public" as part of a program that aims to give every young person an opportunity to join the civil service, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 06 February 2026. (EPA)

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Europe to boost investment in strategic sectors or risk being "swept aside" in the face of competition from the United States and China, in an interview published on Tuesday.

The French leader warned that US "threats" and "intimidation" were not over and urged against complacency, in an interview with several European publications including Le Monde, The Economist and The Financial Times.

Ahead of a European Union meeting, he advocated for "simplifying" and "deepening the EU's single market", and for "diversifying" trade partnerships.

"There are threats and intimidation. And then, suddenly, Washington backs down. And we think it's over. But don't believe it for a second. Every day, there are threats against pharmaceuticals, digital technology..." he said.

"When there is blatant aggression... we must not bow down or try to reach a settlement," he said.

"We tried this strategy for months, and it's not working. But above all, it strategically leads Europe to increase its dependence."

He said that the EU's public and private investment needed "some EUR1.2 trillion ($1.4 trillion) per year", including green and digital technologies, defense and security.

He also renewed his call for common European debt, an idea France has championed for years, but other countries have rejected.

"Now is the time to launch a common borrowing capacity for these future expenditures, future-oriented Eurobonds," Macron said.

Business

World Defense Show Sees Surge in Agreements, Strategic Partnerships

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef witnesses the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the National Industrial Development Center and Airbus (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef witnesses the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the National Industrial Development Center and Airbus (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
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World Defense Show Sees Surge in Agreements, Strategic Partnerships

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef witnesses the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the National Industrial Development Center and Airbus (Asharq Al-Awsat). 
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef witnesses the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the National Industrial Development Center and Airbus (Asharq Al-Awsat). 

The second day of the third edition of the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh witnessed intensified momentum in the signing of defense agreements and strategic partnerships with international entities.

It reflects Saudi Arabia’s drive to localize technology, build national capabilities in the military and defense sectors, and deepen local supply chains in line with Vision 2030.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the Saudi Ministry of Defense signed 28 contracts with local and international companies specializing in military industries.

Four contracts were signed by Dr. Khaled Al-Biyari, Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs, with chief executives of France’s MBDA, Raytheon Saudi Arabia, South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, and Italy’s Leonardo.

Al-Biyari also attended the signing of eight additional contracts concluded by Ibrahim Al-Suwayed, Undersecretary of Defense for Procurement and Armament, with local and global companies from France, Türkiye, South Korea, and Italy.

A further 16 contracts were signed by executive directors at the Ministry’s Procurement and Armament Agency with representatives of defense firms.

The agreements aim to enhance the readiness and combat efficiency of the armed forces, ensure the sustainability of military systems, and support the localization of defense manufacturing. These efforts align with Vision 2030 targets to localize more than 50 percent of spending on military equipment and services.

In a parallel development, Al-Biyari and German State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Defense Jens Plötner signed draft arrangements for defense cooperation between the two countries.

The exhibition also highlighted efforts to localize the aviation industry. The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources oversaw the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the National Industrial Development Center and European aerospace company Airbus.

The memorandum includes plans to establish engineering centers for manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance, transfer technology and expertise, and develop a logistics ecosystem to support the aviation industry.

It also covers attracting global suppliers to invest locally, exploring procurement and export options, and identifying incentives and financing mechanisms to support joint projects. Training programs and educational partnerships are also planned to qualify Saudi talent to lead the aviation sector and related industries.

Innovation and integration were the central themes of the exhibition’s second day. Eng. Ahmad Al-Ohali, Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing integrated and globally competitive defense industries.

He noted that the exhibition reflects national goals to advance localization, strengthen supply chains, and enhance operational readiness across defense and security sectors.

Chief of the General Staff General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili outlined strategic directions for developing the national defense system in light of evolving global operational conditions. Senior local and international officials participated in discussions on building a resilient defense framework capable of addressing future challenges.

The program also featured “Thought Leadership” sessions focusing on the evolution of defense industries, investment opportunities in aviation and space, and supply chain development.

Activities continued at the Defense Industry Lab and the Saudi Supply Chain Zone, designed to strengthen collaboration among manufacturers and accelerate technology transfer.

Exhibition Chief Executive Officer Andrew Pearcey said the strong international participation reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the future of defense technologies. The World Defense Show brings together 1,468 exhibitors from 89 countries, with live demonstrations and strategic programs covering air, land, sea, space, and security domains.

Further strengthening industrial capabilities, GE Aerospace signed an industrial participation agreement with the General Authority for Military Industries to enhance repair and maintenance capabilities for F110 engines.

A separate memorandum of understanding was also signed to explore building a globally competitive aviation industrial base and accelerating the Kingdom’s manufacturing roadmap. The authority said the agreement would support knowledge transfer, international certification, and the localization of engine component manufacturing.

Major global defense and aerospace companies also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s localization agenda. Boeing highlighted its support for enhancing readiness and domestic capabilities, while RTX, through Raytheon Saudi Arabia, showcased advanced defense systems and emphasized workforce development and integrated solutions aligned with the exhibition’s theme, “The Future of Defense Integration.”

The World Defense Show continues to consolidate its role as a global platform connecting manufacturers, investors, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.

Supported by regulatory development, incentive programs, and human capital initiatives, Saudi Arabia has made tangible progress in localization. By 2024, localized military spending had reached nearly 25 percent, local content stood at 40.7 percent, and Saudization reached 63 percent, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to become a regional hub for defense and aviation industries by 2030.