Saudi Arabia’s agriculture sector is witnessing major changes to meet its preset objectives and achieve sustainable food security in line with Vision 2030. This is driven by the new directions to develop the aquaculture, organic farming and green houses in the country.
The recent national development strategy launched by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Agricultural development Fund is looking to develop this sector through transforming the aquaculture into a real industry and increasing its contribution in the economy.
This plan will help achieve self-sufficiency in seafood products, increase the production capacity to 1 million tons by 2029 in addition to creating more than 400,000 job opportunities for young Saudis.
The Saudi Agriculture Exhibition offers an ideal platform gathering industry experts, to discuss the latest trends and the lucrative investment opportunities that this sector has to offer.
It also facilitates knowledge and experience transfer among local and international participants, while showcasing products, services and new technologies that support the growth of this vital industry.
The exhibition has reinforced its position as a leading specialized tradeshow contributing to and supporting the development of the Kiingdom’s agriculture sector.
The organizing company, Riyadh Exhibitions Company has announced that they have started with the preparations for the 36th edition of the Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, which will be held between Oct. 8-11, at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Riyadh Exhibitions Co. Ltd. is a Saudi company specialized in organizing local and international exhibitions, conferences and other trade events. The company caters to several activities for various economic sectors. Throughout its 36 years, REC has organized more than 440 unique and successful shows and conferences.
REC boasts an international presence, supported by over 120 commercial and industrial bodies from more than 50 countries. Regionally, REC dominates with its wide range of events programs, serving 20 economic and financial sectors in the Middle East. REC’s leading events are certified by UFI.
Saudi Agriculture Exhibition to be held in October
Saudi Agriculture Exhibition to be held in October
Saudi firms yet to fully embrace AI: Cisco survey
Ahead of the LEAP 2025 conference in Riyadh, Cisco announced findings from its latest AI Readiness Index, which reveals that 72 percent of organizations in the Kingdom have a strategy to deploy AI powered solutions in their organization. The report highlights that despite increasing urgency in deployment and investment, businesses in Saudi Arabia face challenges in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI, amid the rapid market evolution and the significant impact AI is anticipated to have on business operations.
The index is based on a double-blind survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 markets, including Saudi Arabia. These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organizations. The AI Readiness Index is measured across six pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture.
Key findings include:
Acting with urgency
AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is an increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In the Kingdom, nearly all (98 percent) report an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year, primarily driven by the CEO and leadership team. Nearly all (86 percent) companies say they only have 18 months to start demonstrating the impact of AI. More than half (60 percent) give it only 12 months.
Rising investment
Over the past year, AI has been a priority spend for organizations in Saudi Arabia, with 50 percent allocating 10-30 percent of their IT budgets to AI projects. AI investments have focused on three strategic areas: IT infrastructure (51 percent), cybersecurity (40 percent), and data management (38 percent). The top three outcomes they aim to achieve include improving the efficiency of systems, processes, operations, and profitability; the ability to innovate and remain competitive; and creating a better experience for customers and partners.
Infrastructure gaps
Networks are yet to be equipped to meet AI workloads. There are gaps in compute, data center network performance, and cybersecurity, among other areas. Only 31 percent of organizations have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands and nearly a third (34 percent) have the capabilities to protect data in AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response. In Saudi Arabia, 62 percent rated improving scalability, flexibility, and manageability of their IT infrastructure as their top priorities, showing they are aware of the gaps that need to be addressed.
Skills development
A lack of skilled talent is a top challenge for companies in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals to drive AI initiatives. Only 46 percent of Saudi organizations claim their talent is at a high state of readiness to fully leverage AI, and 39 percent say their organizations lack in-house talent necessary for successful AI deployment.
Salman Faqeeh, managing director, Cisco Saudi Arabia, said: “Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of embracing AI as a catalyst for digital transformation. The findings of Cisco’s recent AI Readiness Index highlight the significant strides organizations in the Kingdom are making, with clearly defined strategies and increasing investments in AI. At Cisco, we are committed to empowering organizations with cutting-edge technologies and expertise to realize the full potential of AI.”
He added: “Our participation at LEAP 2025 under the theme ‘Cisco Connects and Protects the AI Era,’ underscores our dedication to promoting innovation and collaboration in the country, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.”
This year, Cisco’s participation at LEAP 2025 centers around connecting and protecting businesses in the AI era. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with subject matter experts at Cisco’s booth and explore innovative solutions designed to transform data centers to power AI workloads, modernize workplaces for seamless collaboration, and enhance digital resilience with advanced security and observability.
Honeywell, Petro Rabigh sign MoU to license NEP technology
Under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy, Petro Rabigh and Honeywell have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the deployment of Honeywell UOP’s naphtha-to-ethane-and-prop technology. The signing ceremony was sponsored by Assistant Minister for Development and Excellence at the Ministry of Energy Ahmed Al-Zahrani, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.
The non-binding MoU represents a significant milestone in leveraging advanced technologies to transform butane and naphtha into high-value feedstocks for light olefin production, such as ethylene and propylene.
This collaboration will demonstrate and commercialize the innovative NEP technology, enhancing productivity, operational efficiency, and sustainability through the production of value-added petrochemical products from crude oil. The initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to drive innovation in the energy sector, promote liquid-to-chemical processes, and improve energy efficiency and economic resilience.
Petro Rabigh is the largest integrated refinery and petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia, producing fuels and high-value petrochemical products.
Honeywell has been a key player in the region for more than 70 years, delivering cutting-edge solutions and actively contributing to the government’s vision of advancing technology adoption and development efforts.
Latest Rasanah report offers deep dive into current geopolitical crises
The International Institute for Iranian Studies, known as Rasanah, has released its 2024-2025 Annual Strategic Report titled "Globalization of Crises and Complexity of Conflicts," providing an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical landscape shaping 2025.
The report documents the complexities of significant conflicts, offering insights into potential scenarios for the coming year, an official statement explained. It broadens its scope to include new geopolitical arenas, offering a detailed look at how traditional and emerging powers navigate the shifting sands of international influence.
Rasanah critically examines the ineffectiveness of UN bodies in conflict resolution and the impact of regime changes in the Middle East, which has emerged as a focal point of volatility and transformation.
Through four comprehensive sections, Rasanah provides insights into international developments, regional shifts and Saudi policy trends as well as the ebb and flow of Iranian regional and international influence.
Saudi Arabia's Strategic Positioning
Highlighting Saudi Arabia's alignment with Vision 2030, the report praises the Kingdom's efforts to bolster its regional and global standing.
The report discusses Saudi policies and responses to challenges with a resilient vision, including the Saudi response to Arab and regional developments and Saudi Arabia’s position amid global shifts.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia will continue its support of the future of the Middle East, including the Gulf region, by cooperating with its regional and international allies to de-escalate tensions and end conflicts in the region.
The Kingdom will likely mediate major regional thorny issues between different countries with the aim to restore stability and security to the Middle East.
Global Developments
The section on global developments dissects the interactions among major powers, the economic implications of these interactions, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, now described as a war of attrition. It also delves into non-traditional security issues as well as the evolving religious landscape in the Islamic world.
Regional Developments
2024 saw intensified geopolitical rivalry in the Middle East, with Israel and Iran particularly vying to establish a new paradigm of regional deterrence and conflict. The Gulf states have adopted a stance of positive neutrality, while Turkiye has pursued new strategies for regional and international benefits.
The report notes that in contrast, Africa continued to grapple with instability, fueled by internal crises and external interventions. The crisis in Bangladesh further reverberated across South Asia.
It forecasts continued geopolitical evolution into 2025, with Iran likely struggling to reclaim its previous influence.
Iran's Strategic Reassessment
In 2024, Iran underwent critical political, economic, social and military shifts that significantly influenced its domestic and foreign policy strategies.
Regionally, Iran faced unprecedented challenges, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, prompting a reevaluation of its traditional geopolitical strategies amid diminishing influence.
On the international stage, Iran’s diplomatic relations with both global and regional powers experienced notable shifts, impacting its strategic leverage and laying the groundwork for potential implications as it moves into 2025.
Rasanah's report not only maps out the intricate web of global and regional conflicts but also provides a sobering forecast for 2025, emphasizing the need for strategic foresight and international cooperation to navigate the complexities of modern geopolitics.
This comprehensive analysis, supported by robust data and scenario planning, serves as a critical tool for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of global politics in an era marked by crises and complex conflicts.
Italian clothing brand intimissimi opens first Saudi store
intimissimi, an Italian brand synonymous with elegance and romance, has opened doors to its first Saudi store at Panorama Mall in Riyadh. This launch marks a milestone for the brand, introducing its world-renowned sophistication, classic Italian flair, and unsurpassed workmanship to the Kingdom for the first time.
“The flagship store is more than just a shopping destination — it is a celebration of femininity and style,” a statement said. Designed with intimissimi’s standard attention to detail, the store provides an immersive shopping experience in which consumers can browse luxurious products in a welcoming, easy-to-navigate setting. The store exudes the essence of Italian charm, giving women across the Kingdom a taste of the Italian elegance that has captured hearts all over the world.
“Our entry into Saudi Arabia marks an exciting milestone for intimissimi as we continue to expand our presence in the Middle East. This step reflects the Kingdom’s increasing demand for luxury apparel and its dynamic, style-conscious community. We are thrilled to bring our elegant tradition to Saudi Arabia and look forward to becoming a cherished part of Riyadh’s vibrant fashion scene,” said Tamara Jaber, brand manager at intimissimi.
To celebrate the grand opening, intimissimi at Panorama Mall hosted an exclusive event, which drew a distinguished crowd, including some of Saudi Arabia’s top influencers and fashion enthusiasts. Guests were invited to explore the new store and its collections, enjoying an evening filled with glamor and sophistication. The event featured special promotions, and exclusive surprises, creating a truly unforgettable experience that marked the brand’s debut in the Kingdom.
intimissimi’s collections, which include luxurious intimates, elevated knitwear, and comfy nightwear, will now be available for shoppers in Riyadh. Founded in 1996, the brand combines Italian heritage with current designs to empower women with comfort and beauty. It is available in 53 countries with 1,719 stores worldwide.
Saudi Awwal Bank named Kingdom’s ‘best trade finance provider’
Saudi Awwal Bank, a leading financial institution in the Kingdom, has been honored by Global Finance as the “Best Trade Finance Provider” in Saudi Arabia for 2025.
The prestigious award marks the fifth consecutive year SAB has received this recognition since its landmark merger, further solidifying its reputation as the foremost trade finance institution in the Kingdom and reflecting its remarkable performance in 2024.
The award is based on a comprehensive evaluation of several key factors, including transaction volumes, global coverage, customer service excellence, competitor benchmarking, and the adoption of innovative technologies. Feedback from multinational decision-makers worldwide and insights from industry analysts and corporate executives underscored SAB’s ability to consistently outperform competitors and maintain a strong position in the competitive trade finance sector.
Yasser Al-Barrak, chief corporate and institutional banking officer at SAB, said: “This award reflects the unwavering dedication, hard work, and collaboration of numerous departments across SAB in addressing our clients’ complex and evolving needs. Our success is driven by the expertise of our teams, our innovative solutions, exceptional service, and global reach through our partnership with HSBC.”
He added: “We are also committed to providing the best services and projects that support development and promote economic growth to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
SAB’s product and service offerings and its steadfast commitment to client satisfaction have positioned it as a vital driver of trade within the Kingdom.
Despite a dynamic business environment, SAB continues to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of both local and multinational clients. This adaptability and innovation have enabled the bank to sustain robust performance metrics and reaffirm its status as a preferred provider of both conventional and Islamic trade finance solutions.
Today, as a leader in trade finance, SAB is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, striving to enhance the Kingdom’s economic growth and positioning itself as a key player in the global financial landscape.
