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Vision 2030 Redefines Saudi Arabia's Wealth from Oil Supplier to Global Energy Hub

Solar power in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Solar power in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
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Vision 2030 Redefines Saudi Arabia's Wealth from Oil Supplier to Global Energy Hub

Solar power in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
Solar power in Saudi Arabia (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has chosen to rethink its relationship with its resources, asking a different question: How can we make what we have work to its fullest potential in a rapidly changing world?

This was the essence of Vision 2030, which saw valuable opportunities in diversifying energy sources and maximizing the value of oil and gas to achieve greater prosperity, keeping pace with global environmental changes.

The first clear sign of this shift was the renaming of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to the Ministry of Energy, a clear indication of expanding the horizon from oil and gas alone to a comprehensive energy system that includes renewables at its core.

A Naturally Qualified Land

This choice was not made without study. The Kingdom possesses geographical enablers that give it an exceptional competitive position: a climate conducive to successful solar energy projects, vast areas suitable for wind power projects, and geographical diversity that contributes to the development of hydrogen energy, all supported by accumulated investment capabilities and research expertise.

On this fertile ground, a series of initiatives and projects were launched: The National Renewable Energy Program, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Renewable Energy Initiative, and the establishment of the National Renewable Energy Data Center, followed by solar and wind power projects aimed at enhancing electricity generation efficiency.

The results speak clearly: The production capacity for electricity generation from renewable sources increased from 3 gigawatts in 2020 to 46 gigawatts in 2025. The total number of projects related to this sector reached 64, distributed among 40 solar power projects, 9 wind power projects, and 15 energy storage projects.

Hydrogen: The Big Bet

At the heart of NEOM, an unparalleled project is being born: the green hydrogen project, the largest and first of its kind globally, with a production capacity of 600 tons of green hydrogen per day.

To support this direction, the first phase of the Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub was launched, equipped with facilities for generating electricity from renewable sources, desalination plants, electrolysis units, facilities for converting hydrogen into green ammonia, and a dedicated export terminal.

The Battery Race

Figures in the energy storage sector are no less exciting; the Kingdom is approaching China in the global battery storage project cost race, with a cost of $409 per kilowatt for projects with a four-hour storage capacity, compared to $404 for China.

The total capacity of proposed energy storage projects reached 30 gigawatt-hours, while 8 gigawatt-hours have been connected to the electricity grid.

In a remarkable achievement, Aramco successfully operated the world's first renewable energy storage system to support gas well production operations, with a capacity of 1 megawatt-hour, capable of supporting 5 wells for 25 years.

This system relies on a Saudi patent and represents a reliable alternative to traditional solar energy solutions, offering high efficiency in harsh climatic conditions and intelligent response to changing energy needs.

SPARK... When Industry Becomes the Value

Vision 2030 recognized that production alone is no longer sufficient, and that true value lies in building industries, localizing supply chains, and enhancing local content. This is where the idea for King Salman Energy Park "SPARK" was born, with investments exceeding 12 billion Saudi Riyals (3.2 billion dollars) and involving more than 60 local and international investors.

SPARK is located in a strategic position close to energy sources, shipping, and export networks, and includes a dry port allowing faster access. So far, 7 factories have been opened, while another 14 are currently under construction.

Balance, Not Compromise

While the world moves towards transitioning to alternatives to oil and gas, the Kingdom adopts a different vision, believing that an accelerated transition could harm global security and growth, given that renewable energy alone cannot fully meet developmental needs.

Therefore, the Kingdom continues to invest in exploring and developing oil fields, most notably the development of the unconventional Jafurah field, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, which will contribute to maximizing the value chains of gas and petrochemical industries.

Thus, the Kingdom walks a fine line, balancing the preservation of global energy supplies with investment in technologies that eliminate carbon emissions, positioning itself today as a comprehensive energy hub and a model of prudent management.

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Business

Saudi Arabia Offers 100% Social Insurance Debt Waiver to Businesses That Have Exited Market

Officials from the General Organization for Social Insurance at an earlier meeting with businessmen and businesswomen at the Riyadh Chamber (SPA)
Officials from the General Organization for Social Insurance at an earlier meeting with businessmen and businesswomen at the Riyadh Chamber (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Offers 100% Social Insurance Debt Waiver to Businesses That Have Exited Market

Officials from the General Organization for Social Insurance at an earlier meeting with businessmen and businesswomen at the Riyadh Chamber (SPA)
Officials from the General Organization for Social Insurance at an earlier meeting with businessmen and businesswomen at the Riyadh Chamber (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) has made businesses that have ceased operations and exited the Saudi market eligible for a 100% waiver of outstanding social insurance debts, subject to approved conditions, Asharq Al-Awsat has learned.

The move aims to address accumulated financial obligations, help businesses settle their accounts and close outstanding cases, and support stability in the Kingdom's private sector while resolving financial difficulties faced by companies that have left the market.

The measure is part of a broader package of improvements GOSI is implementing to enhance services for employers and businesses, in response to feedback and suggestions gathered during direct meetings with officials and business owners, in cooperation with chambers of commerce.

Taking Economic Conditions into Account

The initiative has economic and regulatory implications beyond debt relief, seeking to address financial and administrative liabilities left behind by businesses that have exited the market and facilitate the formal closure of their records in accordance with regulations.

Its main significance lies in striking a balance between protecting the rights of the social insurance system and its contributors, on the one hand, and taking into account the economic circumstances of businesses that have ceased operations, on the other.

It also reinforces regulatory flexibility in the business environment, ensuring that accumulated obligations do not become a permanent obstacle to the settlement of financial and administrative affairs.

Enhancing Market Attractiveness

The initiative reflects a more flexible approach to dealing with business distress, focusing on resolving outstanding liabilities rather than allowing them to remain a continuing burden on business owners.

This approach is expected to strengthen confidence in regulatory procedures and enhance the attractiveness of Saudi Arabia's business environment.

The move is particularly significant given the changing nature of the business sector, with new companies entering the market each year while others cease operations because of competition, rising costs, or shifting market conditions.

Settling the social insurance accounts of businesses that have exited the market could ease the administrative and financial burden on their owners, help them reorganize their financial affairs and potentially pave the way for a return to commercial activity in the future, without old liabilities remaining an obstacle, subject to applicable regulations.

According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, GOSI has notified all companies and establishments of improvements introduced to its business services, including the debt waiver.

The measure is designed to enable businesses that have ceased operations to resolve their outstanding social insurance obligations and complete the regulatory procedures associated with closing their operations, easing the financial burden on owners whose businesses are no longer active.

Service Improvements

In a related development, GOSI's improvements include upgrades to services for registering businesses, terminating their activities and managing ownership records, alongside efforts to resolve recurring technical problems and improve the quality of digital services.

The changes are intended to improve the user experience and accelerate transaction processing.

GOSI has also expanded electronic payment options through its GOSI Business app, allowing employers to pay amounts exceeding 30,000 Saudi riyals ($8,000) in multiple installments.

The measure aims to make it easier for businesses to meet their financial obligations while providing greater payment flexibility.

The updates also include measures to increase transparency in transaction processing by clarifying the reasons for rejecting occupational injury claims and contributor-related transactions.

Notifications have also been introduced through the GOSI Business and Tawakkalna apps to inform users when applications are received, accepted, returned, or rejected.

Together, the improvements reflect GOSI's efforts to modernize its digital services, simplify procedures for employers and improve the management of social insurance obligations.

The measures are also intended to support the business environment and help resolve outstanding financial and administrative matters involving businesses.

Business

From Aramco's Profits to State Budget Revenue: How Do Oil Proceeds Reach Government Coffers?

A general view shows Ras Tanura's oil production plant near Dammam in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province (AFP)
A general view shows Ras Tanura's oil production plant near Dammam in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province (AFP)
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From Aramco's Profits to State Budget Revenue: How Do Oil Proceeds Reach Government Coffers?

A general view shows Ras Tanura's oil production plant near Dammam in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province (AFP)
A general view shows Ras Tanura's oil production plant near Dammam in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province (AFP)

Saudi Aramco's financial results and Saudi Arabia's third-quarter budget performance report, released on the same day, revealed a divergence between the company's rising profits and declining government oil revenue recorded in the state budget.

While Aramco's net income rose 34.2% during the first nine months of 2026 to SAR 380.6 billion ($101.5 billion), government oil revenue fell 1.3% over the same period and declined approximately 23% in the third quarter alone.

Comparing the two indicators does not necessarily imply a direct relationship between the company's profits and the revenue flowing into government coffers. Corporate earnings are recognized under different accounting principles from those governing the calculation and collection of government revenue.

The financial relationship between Aramco and the government also involves multiple channels, including taxes, royalties, dividends and offsetting settlements, each with its own payment and collection schedule.

Aramco's Profits and Cash Flows

Aramco reported net income of SAR 380.6 billion ($101.5 billion) for the first nine months of 2026, compared with SAR 283.6 billion ($75.6 billion) in the corresponding period last year, an increase of 34.2%.

Adjusted net income reached SAR 368.9 billion ($98.4 billion), up from SAR 302.3 billion ($80.6 billion) a year earlier.

However, the increase in earnings was not accompanied by a comparable rise in cash generated by the company's operations, according to its financial report.

Cash flow from operating activities totaled SAR 355.8 billion ($94.9 billion), compared with SAR 357.6 billion ($95.4 billion) in the same period last year, remaining largely unchanged.

Aramco attributed this to changes in working capital, which refers to funds tied up in day-to-day operations, including outstanding sales receivables, inventories and amounts owed to or by the company.

These movements limited the extent to which higher earnings translated into operating cash flow.

Meanwhile, free cash flow increased to SAR 221.6 billion ($59.1 billion), compared with SAR 217.3 billion ($57.9 billion) a year earlier.

This metric measures the cash remaining after capital expenditures are deducted from operating cash flow. It benefited from a reduction in capital expenditures to SAR 134.2 billion ($35.8 billion), from SAR 140.3 billion ($37.4 billion) in the comparable period.

Oil Revenue in the State Budget

On the other side of the equation, Aramco's earnings growth was not mirrored by a corresponding increase in government oil revenue.

Ministry of Finance data showed that oil revenue fell 23% year on year in the third quarter to SAR 116.5 billion ($31.1 billion), compared with SAR 150.8 billion ($40.2 billion) in the same period last year.

Over the first nine months of 2026, oil revenue totaled SAR 446.3 billion ($119 billion), down from SAR 452.4 billion ($120.6 billion) in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a relatively modest decline of approximately 1.3%.

By contrast, non-oil revenue increased 8% during the nine-month period to SAR 412.5 billion ($110 billion), helping lift total budget revenue by 3% to SAR 858.9 billion ($229 billion).

In the third quarter alone, non-oil revenue rose 20% to SAR 142.6 billion ($38 billion).

The growth in non-oil revenue therefore helped cushion the impact of declining oil revenue on the government's overall income.

Third-quarter expenditure totaled SAR 343.4 billion ($91.6 billion), against revenue of SAR 259.1 billion ($69.1 billion), resulting in a quarterly budget deficit of approximately SAR 84.3 billion ($22.5 billion).

Why Don't the Figures Move in the Same Direction?

Part of the divergence between Aramco's financial results and government budget revenue stems from the different nature of the figures themselves.

The company's profits are recognized according to its accounting results, while budget figures reflect government revenue actually collected during the reporting period.

Moreover, the government's financial returns from Aramco's operations flow through several channels, including taxes, royalties and dividends, with differences in when these amounts become due and when they are paid.

Accounting profits do not necessarily translate into cash inflows during the same period. Liquidity is affected by the timing of receivables collection, inventory movements and operating payments.

This distinction is also evident in financial transactions between Aramco and the government, which are not limited to direct cash payments but include the settlement of certain mutual obligations through offsets.

For example, Aramco's cash income tax payments fell to SAR 2.8 billion (approximately $747 million) in the third quarter, compared with around SAR 51 billion ($13.6 billion) in the second quarter, as amounts due to the company from the government were settled by offsetting them against its tax obligations.

Under this mechanism, amounts owed to one party are deducted from what that party owes the other, rather than transferring the full amount in cash.

Such offsets affect both the volume of cash payments and the timing of financial transfers between Aramco and the government.

Consequently, government oil revenue does not necessarily move in the same direction as Aramco's financial results, since each is influenced by different factors and accounting mechanisms.

While the company's profits reflect its financial performance during a given period, government revenue recorded in the budget depends on the taxes, royalties and dividends due to the state, as well as the timing of their collection and settlement.

Aramco's profits may therefore increase during a period when government oil revenue is declining.

Overall, the results demonstrate Aramco's continued ability to generate strong profits and maintain substantial cash flows, supporting its capacity to sustain investment and distribute dividends to shareholders, foremost among them the Saudi government.

At the same time, growth in non-oil revenue underscores the importance of diversifying budget income sources to mitigate fluctuations in oil revenue, broaden the sources supporting public finances and advance the Kingdom's economic transformation.

Business

Crypto Dips on Democrat Midterm Wins, Binance Hack Dents Optimism

Representation of cryptocurrencies are seen in this illustration taken September 10, 2025. (Reuters)
Representation of cryptocurrencies are seen in this illustration taken September 10, 2025. (Reuters)
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Crypto Dips on Democrat Midterm Wins, Binance Hack Dents Optimism

Representation of cryptocurrencies are seen in this illustration taken September 10, 2025. (Reuters)
Representation of cryptocurrencies are seen in this illustration taken September 10, 2025. (Reuters)

Cryptocurrencies briefly dipped on Wednesday as Democrats won majorities in both the Senate and House in the US midterm elections, a potential blow to an industry that has pushed for faster deregulation for digital assets.

The sector has spent more than $300 million backing crypto-friendly Democrats and Republicans in roughly equal measure during the current and previous election cycles, hoping to pass legislation US crypto companies say will ‌put them on ‌a solid legal footing and allow them to thrive.

Bitcoin ‌briefly ⁠touched a six-week ⁠low before recovering to trade roughly flat by 0715 GMT at $78,070. Ether traded at $2,292, up just 1%.

Bitcoin has fallen by around 41% since hitting record highs above $122,000 in October 2025, bringing the value of the broader crypto market to around $2.61 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap.

The market has lost some $300 billion in value in the last month alone, as deepening concern about future returns from AI and the ⁠strain of rising borrowing costs pushed investors into less risky ‌assets such as government bonds and ‌safe-haven currencies.

Sentiment has also been hurt by the $6 billion hack of the Binance platform last ‌week, the largest heist in history.

On Tuesday, Binance customers had withdrawn ‌a net $4.72 billion from the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange since it reopened following the hack at the weekend.

"The market may be re-evaluating the risk-reward profile of crypto assets. On one hand, the string of security incidents is forcing investors to re-examine the ‌industry's security infrastructure and custody risks," Tim Sun, senior researcher at HashKey, said.

"On the other hand, potential shifts in ⁠the US political landscape ⁠could stall the progress of structural crypto legislation and institutional framework development. All of these factors leave the crypto market facing strong headwinds," he said.

US President Donald Trump, who vowed to make the United States the "crypto capital of the world" during his 2024 presidential campaign, has made his own forays into digital assets, with the launch of his "Trump" meme coin, plus his family's World Liberty Financial crypto platform, among other ventures.

The sector has seen sweeping reforms in the almost two years since Trump returned to office, including lighter enforcement and the creation of a strategic bitcoin reserve.

Washington has also allowed for easier access to banking and exchange-traded products and passed a federal stablecoin law that could help these assets move into the mainstream payments and money transfer systems.