PARIS: International airlines are in line to make a combined net loss of more than $84 billion this year in the wake of the coronavirus crisis which has decimated air travel, the International Air Transport Association said Tuesday.
“After $84 billion net losses this year we forecast supplementary losses of $15 billion in 2021,” the IATA said at a new conference, revealing the extent to which its 290 member carriers have been affected by the virus and the ensuing global lockdown designed to limit its spread.
“The losses this year will be the biggest in aviation history, over $84 billion in 2020 and nearly $16 billion in 2021,” said IATA director general Alexandre de Juniac.
“By comparison, airlines lost $31 billion with the Global Financial Crisis and oil price spike in 2008 and 2009. There is no comparison for the dimension of this crisis.”
De Juniac said IATA research “shows that people will return to flying as soon as borders open” and carriers had to be prepared for an orderly resumption once demand returns in line with health guidelines.
“The outlook is challenging to say the least. But aviation is a resilient industry,” De Juniac added. “With a globally harmonized and mutually recognized approach to the re-start measures, we can rebuild the confidence of travelers and kick-start the recovery in aviation and more broadly.
He added the sector hoped that a range of safety measures including more effective mass testing would “give governments the confidence to re-open borders without quarantine measures” as “if quarantine is introduced economies are effectively kept in lockdown for the purposes of travel.”
But De Juniac warned of a growing debt burden as despite government relief measures that had grown by $120 billion to $550 billion — equivalent to some 92 percent of expected 2021 revenues.
The IATA warned in April that airlines faced an “apocalypse” without state aid and forecast that revenues would fall by some 55 percent amid the sharpest falloff in passenger demand since the 9/11 attacks in the United States in 2001.
De Juniac said he hopes to see a more orderly resumption of service than on that occasion “when everybody essentially did their own thing and we have spent 20 years sorting out the differences.”
Airlines headed for $84bn net loss in 2020: IATA
https://arab.news/zwqc2
Airlines headed for $84bn net loss in 2020: IATA
- “The losses this year will be the biggest in aviation history," IATA director said
Saudi Arabia allocates $2.66bn to activate Standard Incentives Program for the industrial sector
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced the allocation of SR10 billion ($2.66 billion) to activate the Standard Incentives Program for the industrial sector, followed by approval from the Council of Ministers last month.
The announcement was made during the Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector event on Jan. 11.
According to a press statement, this initiative seeks to spur growth in the industrial sector by accelerating investments and achieving sustainable industrial development in the Kingdom to elevate the competitiveness of the Saudi industries globally.
Developing the industrial sector is crucial for Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom, under its Vision 2030 program, is pursuing an economic diversification journey by reducing its dependence on oil revenues.
“These incentives were developed within the framework of an integrated governmental effort, characterized by collaboration with various relevant government entities, particularly the pivotal role played by the Localization and Balance of Payments Committee,” said Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef.
He added: “This committee serves as the overarching body for shaping policies, directions, and initiatives that enhance the empowerment of industrial investments and support national talents.”
The press statement added that the incentives program offers coverage of up to 35 percent of the initial project investment, capped at SR50 million for each qualifying initiative.
The program is divided evenly across the project lifecycle, granting 50 percent during construction and the remaining 50 percent during production.
The press statement added that the first phase of this program will target investments in chemical conversion industries, the automotive sector, and machinery and equipment.
The incentives program will be rolled out to other industry segments in subsequent phases in the latter part of this year.
“This program is the first of its kind in the region and aims to enable the manufacturing of products that are not currently produced in the Kingdom. It opens new horizons for high-quality investments and allows both local and international investors to benefit from the unique capabilities the Kingdom possesses,” said Alkhorayef.
He added: “The Standard Incentives Program has been designed to focus on achieving localization and local content targets, as these are fundamental elements for sustainable development.”
The minister further highlighted that through the program, Saudi Arabia aims to empower industries that enhance the utilization of the Kingdom’s natural resources and increase reliance on local talent, contributing to reducing imports, strengthening the balance of payments, and fostering economic resilience.
During the event, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih, said that the Standard Incentives Program marks a significant step toward realizing the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the National Investment Strategy.
“The program seeks to achieve the Vision 2030 goals in the short and medium term, including increasing non-oil exports to 50 percent of the size of the non-oil economy and localizing critical materials essential to the economy,” said Al-Falih.
He added: “Today, the industrial sector contributes to an investment that accounts for 40.8 percent of the gross domestic product. The industrial sector accounts for approximately 30 percent of foreign direct investment.”
Al-Falih further noted that most of the licenses granted by the Ministry of Investment to international companies are in the manufacturing industries sector.
The investment minister added that 571 international companies have opened their regional headquarters in the Kingdom, most of which are industrial firms.
“We will provide these companies with enablers and incentives through various programs. Our role is not just to promote ourselves but also to enable various sectors to be competitive and ensure that all key sectors, as everyone has mentioned — starting with the industrial sector— are indeed attractive for investment,” said Al-Falih.
According to the press statement, Al-Falih said that these incentives, in their current form, are expected to energize the industrial movement in the Kingdom.
The investment minister added that projections indicate that the initiative is expected to generate an estimated SR23 billion annually in GDP from the targeted projects.
During the event, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, said each sector should understand its role in achieving its objectives.
The energy minister added that the Standard Incentives Program aims to launch economically viable projects, ensuring sustainable development in the Kingdom.
“Through this program, we also aspire to achieve sustainability by launching economically viable projects, creating quality job opportunities for Saudi men and women, and fostering innovation and creativity in industrial sectors,” said the energy minister.
He added: “We believe this methodology, centered on empowering industrial projects, will contribute to the gradual expansion of these investments, broadening the industrial base for both investors and the Kingdom as a whole.”
The energy minister further underlined that these initiatives, in the future, will grow into leading companies that enrich the national economy, diversify income sources, steady the balance of payments, and boost non-oil exports.
Faisal Al-Ibrahim, Saudi Arabia’s minister of economy and planning, said that the program has been developed to grow and deepen the industrial base, which will significantly impact the overall non-oil economy.
“We look forward to seeing non-oil activities increase in number and become more sustainable. Therefore, it is important to design these incentives in a way that does not create additional dependency on them,” said Al-Ibrahim.
He added: “Instead, they should create dynamism in the private sector, enabling it to mature and reach a stage where it grows, continues to produce, and competes sustainably.”
According to Al-Ibrahim, the nation wants to create a dynamic private sector that relies on itself and benefits from the incentives program.
“We measure success through the creation of high-quality jobs, increased productivity, higher non-oil exports, and an overall increase in investment in the Kingdom, leveraging global value chains,” added Al-Ibrahim.
During the event, the Minister of State and member of the Council of Ministers, Hamad Al-Sheikh, said that the objective of the standard incentives program is to equip the industrial sector and investors in the Kingdom.
“The goal is to empower the industrial sector and investors, ensuring clarity regarding application mechanisms, evaluation criteria, and a clear process for prioritization in case multiple investors apply for the same opportunity,” said Al-Sheikh.
Al-Sheikh added that the program aims to encourage new waves of small and medium-sized factories to produce innovative and economically prioritized products for the national economy.
He concluded that the incentives program promotes technology transfer and is expected to improve the trade balance through local production.
Saudi Arabia’s $2.66bn program to align industrial incentives with investor demand: Alkhorayef
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is taking a flexible approach to distributing its SR10 billion ($2.66 billion) standardized incentive program to maximize its impact across industries, according to a senior official.
In an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector event, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, said the program is designed to align with investor demand and deliver optimal returns.
“We are now very flexible with regards to the split between different sectors because we would like to see, you know, how the appetite of the investor and where are the areas where maybe the program needs to focus more and put more effort,” Alkhorayef said.
The SR10 billion standardized incentive program, announced by Alkhorayef in his opening speech, aims to empower industrial investments and promote sustainable development.
Covering up to 35 percent of a project’s initial investment, capped at SR50 million per project, the program seeks to reduce reliance on imports by targeting sectors with high dependency on foreign products and no local production.
The initiative targets at least 200 projects, focusing on industries where the Kingdom relies heavily on imports.
“From the impact, the impact is mainly going to be on the balance of payment where all of the products that we have targeted are products where we have a lot of imports but there is no local production,” Alkhorayef said.
The objective is to “reduce our imports” while enhancing the industrial sector’s capabilities through new products and technologies.
The program is inclusive, accommodating both foreign and local investors. “Any investor who registers as a Saudi investor doesn’t have to be a Saudi national, so even foreign investors can tap into this opportunity,” Alkhorayef explained.
Two key requirements guide eligibility: the project must align with targeted products listed in the program, and the program will contribute up to SR50 million, not exceeding 30 percent of the project’s total investment size.
To ensure effective fund allocation, an inter-ministerial committee with representatives from the ministries of Industry, Investment, Economy, Finance, and Energy evaluates each project.
“They look at the different opportunities — what does the project bring to the table in terms of value, and then based on that, it’s allocated,” Alkhorayef said.
Unlike previous models tailored for large-scale projects, the current program has been designed to cater to SMEs.
“Today, we had to really design something that is more approachable by SMEs,” Alkhorayef added.
The minister emphasized the program’s focus on chemicals, automotive, and machinery sectors while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing investor interests.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, the incentive program aims to attract high-value investments, diversify the industrial base, and build a globally competitive manufacturing ecosystem.
Video game industry helping to reshape Saudi economy, experts say
- Saudi Arabia has secured the second-highest global ranking for average daily time spent playing video games
RIYADH: The booming video game industry in Saudi Arabia is expected to play a crucial role in materializing the economic diversification goals of the Kingdom by the end of this decade, according to experts.
Speaking to Arab News, Povilas Joniskis, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group, said that the gaming industry is steadily evolving in Saudi Arabia, with the Kingdom’s young population considering it an effective social communication tool.
The comments from Joniskis support the Kingdom’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to ensure the sector creates jobs and contributes $13 billion to the country’s gross domestic product.
“Vision 2030’s economic diversification aims to unlock potential beyond oil and gas with a broad array of growing industry sectors. The gaming industry is rapidly emerging as one of them. The sector shows strong long-term potential, currently positioned as one of the largest entertainment verticals globally, second only to video and TV streaming services,” said Joniskis.
He added: “Saudi Arabia’s gaming market benefits from both demand and supply advantages. On the demand side, a young, vibrant population — predominantly under 35 — views gaming not just as entertainment but as a key social interaction platform.”
In July, a report released by US-based online gaming platform Mobile Premier League revealed that Saudi Arabia has secured the second-highest global ranking for average daily time spent playing video games.
Joniskis added that the video gaming industry in Saudi Arabia will create a multiplier effect across the broader economy, as it will attract global developers to come and invest in the Kingdom’s gaming sector, as well as create opportunities for local talent.
Federico Pienovi, chief business officer and CEO for Asia Pacific and Middle East and North Africa at Globant, echoed similar views and said the video game sector is creating new jobs in technology and creative fields while broadening the Kingdom’s entertainment landscape beyond traditional offerings.
“The growth of the video game industry is being integrated into major development projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, which aim to establish entertainment and cultural hubs in the region. Globant’s Games Studio is one of the companies working in this growing market, collaborating with Saudi giga-projects through their expertise in AAA game development and immersive experiences,” Pienovi told Arab News.
In November, Globant inked a deal with Qiddiya Investment Co. — fully owned by the Public Investment Fund — to turn Qiddiya City into an immersive hub for entertainment, sports, and culture.
Under the deal, Globant will work with QIC to develop the “PLAY LIFE Connected Experience,” a digital ecosystem designed to transform how visitors and residents interact with the destination’s wide range of offerings.
Pienovi added his firm is investing in gaming infrastructure and talent development, fostering both international partnerships and local initiatives as part of its strategy to become a key player in the global gaming market, as outlined in Vision 2030.
Soham Thacker, founder and CEO of esports gaming platform Gamerji, said that has been making long strides in promoting gaming and esports by conducting events like the Esports World Cup, Next World Conference and Gamers8.
“Saudi Arabia has successfully put itself as the epicenter of the video game industry. These events along with the upcoming Esports Olympics to be held in the region will boost the tourism as well as economic development of the country,” said Thacker.
Factors driving Saudi Arabia’s video game industry
Joniskis said that Saudi Arabia’s predominantly young population, with a majority under 35 years old, has embraced gaming as a primary form of entertainment and socializing, and it is driving the growth of the industry in the Kingdom.
The BCG official added that high disposable income among Saudi citizens also plays a crucial role, enabling access to premium gaming devices and extensive leisure time for entertainment pursuits.
“This purchasing power translates directly into enhanced gaming experiences through top-tier hardware,” said Joniskis.
He added: “Equally significant is the Kingdom’s robust technical infrastructure. Despite Saudi Arabia’s vast territory, the country maintains impressive network performance with CST reports showing low latency rates under 40ms across major titles including League of Legends, ML:BB, Call of Duty on both PC and mobile platforms, and PUBG Mobile.”
Pienovi said that high smartphone penetration rates and widespread access to high-speed internet have made mobile and online gaming easily accessible across the Kingdom.
“This infrastructure has helped establish gaming as a mainstream activity, supported by growing interest in esports tournaments, social media gaming communities, and live streaming platforms.
The cultural shift toward digital entertainment has been complemented by Vision 2030’s focus on expanding the entertainment sector,” said Pienovi.
Can Saudi Arabia become a global video game hub?
According to experts who spoke with Arab News, Saudi Arabia’s target to become a global video game hub by the end of this decade is an achievable goal thanks to the Kingdom’s National Gaming Strategy.
“Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global gaming hub, while bold, appears achievable through its unprecedented National Gaming Strategy. This coordinated approach ensures orchestrated delivery across various stakeholders and entities, setting a new standard for industry development,” said Joniskis.
The BCG official added that the Kingdom has aligned key market elements: strong local demand coupled with strategic initiatives, which include targeted incentive packages for global companies and talent, strategic investments through PIF and Savvy, and major infrastructure developments like Qiddiya and NEOM.
Thacker also underscored the pivotal role being played by PIF to turn the Kingdom into a global gaming destination by the end of this decade.
FAST FACT
Saudi Arabia’s predominantly young population, with a majority under 35 years old, has embraced gaming as a primary form of entertainment and socializing, and it is driving the growth of the industry in the Kingdom.
“Most of the gaming companies have the PIF as either their partner or an investor. Hence, it is very clear that the country aims to be the hub of the gaming industry and with the millions of dollars spent on events and tournaments in the region, Saudi Arabia is definitely poised to be the hub of gaming in the next few years,” said the Gamerji founder.
In January, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund strengthened its investment in the video gaming sector by increasing its stake in Japan-based Koei Techmo from 5.56 percent to 6.6 percent.
Koei Tecmo is known for developing several popular video games including Nobunaga’s Ambition, Dynasty Warriors, Atelier, and Ninja Gaiden.
In 2023, PIF also raised its stake in Nintendo to 8.26 percent, making it the largest outside investor in the Japanese gaming company.
Nintendo is one of the most prominent names in the global video games industry, with a portfolio of titles including Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda, and Mario.
The role of Savvy Games
It was in September 2022 that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Savvy Games Group’s strategy, with an investment budget of $37.7 billion.
Savvy is currently accelerating talent in the Kingdom and catalyzing Saudi Arabia’s unique geographical location to build the dominant global hub for games and esports.
“Savvy Games, backed by the PIF, represents a significant step in developing Saudi Arabia’s gaming industry. With $38 billion allocated for investments, the initiative aims to attract international developers and publishers to establish local operations,” said Pienovi.
He added: “This substantial funding could accelerate industry growth by enabling partnerships between international gaming companies and local institutions. The investment strategy focuses on building technical capabilities, fostering innovation, and developing gaming infrastructure that aligns with global
industry standards.”
Echoing similar views, Joniskis told Arab News that Savvy Games has rapidly ascended to become one of the top 10 gaming companies globally by revenue, marking Saudi Arabia’s emergence in the global gaming industry.
The BCG official added that Savvy is strategically localizing game development activities within Saudi Arabia, creating opportunities for domestic talent.
“Through strategic acquisitions — ESL, FaceIt, and Vindex — Savvy has established itself as a global esports leader. Partnerships with industry leaders like Niantic and XSolla are strengthening the regional ecosystem through talent academies and incubators, supporting global companies’ regional expansion,” said Joniskis.
Areas of improvement
Joniskis also highlighted some of the areas that could be strengthened to accelerate the growth of Saudi Arabia as a global gaming destination.
“The Kingdom can strengthen its position by aligning game production incentives with established hubs like Montreal, Austin, and others, enhancing cost competitiveness to attract global developers and investment,” said Joniskis.
He added: “Education represents another crucial focus area. Expanding beyond traditional degree programs to include vocational training would create more accessible pathways for existing talent to enter the gaming industry. This comprehensive approach to talent development supports both immediate and long-term industry needs.”
For his part, Pienovi said that Saudi Arabia’s gaming presence requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on sustainable growth and innovation.
The Globant official also underscored the vitality of cultivating local talent through specialized education programs and strategic partnerships with global technology leaders.
“Innovation zones and dedicated gaming districts could serve as catalysts for industry growth, providing spaces where technology companies, startups, and creative talent can collaborate. This infrastructure development needs to be complemented by investment in competitive gaming facilities and events that can attract international attention,” added Pienovi.
Saudi capital market strategy set to boost growth, transparency
- Capital Market Authority initiatives to transform capital market into a key pillar of the national economy
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority has unveiled its ambitious 2024-2026 strategic plan, which aims to further develop the Kingdom’s financial market and enhance its global competitiveness.
With more than 40 initiatives, the plan is set to transform the capital market into a key pillar of the national economy, in line with Vision 2030.
In an interview with Arab News, Constantin Cotzias, European director at Bloomberg LP, said that the plan’s alignment with Vision 2030 is crucial to drive Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification through robust financial integration and growth.
“The strategy emphasizes capital market development as a key enabler of economic growth by expanding financing options, promoting investment opportunities, and attracting international capital,” said Cotzias.
He added that the sukuk and debt markets will play a key role in financing large-scale infrastructure and sustainable investments, driving the Kingdom’s non-oil economy.
Strategic pillars
The CMA’s strategy is built around three main pillars: market growth, ecosystem enablement, and investor protection.
The first pillar focuses on enhancing the capital market’s position in financing and investment. This includes expanding the stock market’s role in capital raising, developing sukuk and debt instruments, and enabling the asset management industry to attract more international investment.
Martin Rauchenwald, managing partner at Arthur D. Little, told Arab News that deepening the market and increasing foreign investor participation is essential for creating a more liquid and resilient market that can withstand global economic volatility.
“Competitive valuations and robust market liquidity are essential for attracting investors, making Saudi debt instruments more appealing than global alternatives,” Rauchenwald added.
The strategy emphasizes capital market development as a key enabler of economic growth by expanding financing options, promoting investment opportunities, and attracting international capital.
Constantin Cotzias, European director at Bloomberg LP
A key component of this pillar is the CMA’s focus on increasing the size of the debt instruments market to 24.1 percent of gross domestic product by 2025. Cotzias explained that achieving this target will require regulatory reforms that enhance market accessibility for global investors and improve liquidity.
Furthermore, simplifying the regulatory framework for issuing and listing debt instruments will significantly speed up capital market activities.
Rauchenwald compared this to international benchmarks, noting that markets like the US and EU have streamlined their processes to allow for higher volumes of bond activity, which is a goal Saudi Arabia is striving for.
The second pillar emphasizes enabling the capital market ecosystem, particularly through support for financial market institutions and fintech innovation.
The CMA aims to double the number of fintech companies licensed by 2026, with a focus on open finance applications and regulatory support for startups.
Mohammad Nikkar, principal at Arthur D. Little Middle East, highlighted the importance of the CMA’s Fintech Lab initiative, which provides a controlled environment for fintech companies to experiment and grow.
“The CMA’s sandbox approach balances regulatory oversight with the flexibility needed to foster fintech startups and innovation,” Nikkar told Arab News.
Competitive valuations and robust market liquidity are essential for attracting investors, making Saudi debt instruments more appealing than global alternatives.
Martin Rauchenwald, managing partner at Arthur D. Little
The growth of fintech is expected to enhance competition and operational efficiency in the financial market. By promoting innovation and integrating advanced technologies, the CMA aims to streamline financial operations and improve access to services for both institutional and retail investors.
The third pillar focuses on protecting investors’ rights by improving transparency and supervisory mechanisms.
Cotzias pointed out that enhancing compensation mechanisms and dispute resolution processes are vital for building investor confidence, particularly among retail investors.
Drawing comparisons with the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme, Cotzias noted that these measures reassure both local and international investors, ensuring that the market operates under a robust regulatory system.
Key initiatives
Among the 40 initiatives under the CMA’s strategy, the introduction of Special Purpose Acquisition Companies in the parallel market and the issuance of Saudi Depositary Receipts stand out.
These steps are expected to diversify investment opportunities and attract both domestic and international investors. Rauchenwald emphasized the importance of SDRs in boosting cross-border investment, adding that this move is aligned with the CMA’s goal of integrating Saudi markets globally.
In addition to facilitating debt market growth, the CMA is committed to developing regulatory frameworks for green, social, and sustainable debt instruments.
Cotzias emphasized that the lack of international standardization for sustainable finance products presents a challenge but added that the CMA’s efforts to align with global practices will attract more investment into green finance.
“Saudi Arabia can draw inspiration from frameworks like the EU’s Green Bond Standard, which reduces greenwashing risks and improves comparability,” he said.
The CMA’s green sukuk initiative is a significant milestone for the Kingdom’s environmental, social, and governance goals. Nikkar pointed out that Saudi Arabia’s competitive edge lies in its ability to combine Islamic finance with global sustainability goals.
“Green sukuk aligns with international best practices while leveraging Saudi Arabia’s leadership in Islamic finance,” he explained.
The CMA’s goal is to increase the stock market’s value to 80.8 percent of gross domestic product by 2025, up from 66.5 percent in 2019. This will be achieved by expanding investment opportunities, including sustainable and green sukuk, and by simplifying regulatory procedures to encourage more companies to list on the market.
Focus on fintech and innovation
The CMA’s strategy places significant emphasis on supporting financial technology innovation.
As Nikkar noted, the regulatory flexibility provided by the Fintech Lab allows startups to experiment with new business models in a controlled environment without being subject to the full regulatory burden typically imposed on licensed capital market participants.
This fosters a dynamic fintech sector while ensuring consumer protection.
By encouraging fintech growth, the CMA is enhancing the overall efficiency and competitiveness of the financial market. This initiative will not only benefit startups but also push traditional financial institutions to innovate and offer better services to meet the evolving needs of investors.
Rauchenwald added that the CMA’s focus on fintech innovation, combined with its risk-based supervision model, will reshape the competitive landscape for banks, brokers, and asset managers in Saudi Arabia.
“Fintech growth will disrupt traditional players, prompting them to innovate and compete more aggressively,” he said.
Achievements and future targets
The CMA’s 2024-2026 plan builds on the successes of its previous 2021-2023 strategy, which saw a 52 percent increase in the number of listed companies — rising from 204 in 2019 to over 310 by the end of 2023.
The value of managed assets also grew by 74 percent during this period, reaching SR871 billion ($231.9 billion).
Rauchenwald highlighted the significance of the new procedures for class action compensation, which allow groups of investors to file lawsuits collectively and seek compensation for misconduct.
“This is a major step forward in promoting investor confidence and holding companies accountable,” he said, comparing it to global standards seen in the US and Europe.
Looking ahead, the CMA aims to continue growing the asset management industry by introducing more flexible regulatory frameworks for investment funds.
Cotzias noted that easing regulatory barriers for foreign investors will be critical in boosting Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness, especially in sectors such as real estate, renewable energy, and technology.
International competitiveness
One of the key goals of the CMA’s 2024-2026 strategy is to enhance the Saudi financial market’s international appeal.
By implementing regulatory reforms, improving transparency, and promoting ESG-aligned financial products, the CMA aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading regional and global financial hub.
Nikkar emphasized that diversifying financial products, particularly in Islamic finance, will help Saudi Arabia stand out against regional competitors like Dubai and Qatar.
“The Kingdom’s leadership in Islamic finance, combined with its commitment to sustainability, gives it a competitive edge in attracting both regional and international investors,” he said.
In terms of attracting foreign investors, Cotzias pointed out that the CMA’s review of foreign investor restrictions, including simplified registration and increased ownership limits, will enhance Saudi capital markets’ appeal to global investors.
Investor protection and governance
Central to the CMA’s strategy is the protection of investors’ rights. The authority plans to strengthen corporate governance practices across listed companies and investment funds.
According to Cotzias, these governance reforms are expected to raise the accountability of board members, improving investor trust in Saudi financial institutions.
The CMA’s focus on improving transparency and supervisory mechanisms will also enhance investor protection. By simplifying procedures for compensation and complaints resolution, the CMA aims to create a more transparent and accountable market environment.
Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem kicks off 2025 on a strong note
- Zension Technologies raises $30 million in a series A funding round
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s venture capital and startup ecosystem kicked off 2025 with fresh funding rounds as the Kingdom continues its regional dominance.
Zension Technologies raised $30 million in a series A funding round led by Wa’ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of Saudi Aramco.
The round also saw participation from Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and regional investor Global Ventures.
Founded in 2018 by Khalid Saiduddin and Nikos Anastasiadis, Zension provides protection, extended warranty, and guaranteed buyback services for mobile devices and consumer electronics.
These services are integrated into major retailers, telecommunications companies, and original equipment manufacturers operating in the Saudi and UAE markets.
With the fresh funding, Zension aims to launch its new service, Zaam, which is set to debut in the first quarter of the year across Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
SVC backs $150m tech fund by Global Ventures
Saudi Venture Capital has announced its investment in Global Ventures III, an early-stage fund exceeding $150 million in size.
Managed by UAE-based Global Ventures, it will focus on investments in technology and tech-enabled sectors across Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Target industries include supply chain technology, agritech, enterprise software as a service, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and deep tech.
“Our investment in the venture capital fund by Global Ventures is part of SVC’s Investment in Funds Program, in alignment with our strategy to catalyze venture investments by fund managers investing in Saudi-based startups, especially during their early stages,” said Nabeel Koshak, CEO and board member at SVC.
The market opportunity continues to be immense, with emerging technologies across platforms being built by exceptional founders continuing to shine through.
Noor Sweid, founder and managing partner at Global Ventures
Noor Sweid, founder and managing partner at Global Ventures, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, saying: “We are proud of our deep and continued partnership with SVC, and the investment underscores our continued deep commitment to enabling and building the Saudi Arabian VC and startup ecosystem.
“The market opportunity continues to be immense, with emerging technologies across platforms being built by exceptional founders continuing to shine through.”
SVC, a subsidiary of SME Bank under Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund, was established in 2018 to stimulate and sustain financing for startups and SMEs across their growth stages, from pre-seed to pre-initial public offering, through investments in funds and direct investments.
Interior design platform Revie raises $2.5m seed round
Saudi Arabia-based interior design and renovation platform Revie has raised $2.5 million in a seed funding round led by Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber.
Established in 2024 by Ibrahim Abu Khadra, Revie provides an end-to-end solution for residential and commercial renovations.
The platform connects customers with vetted service providers and offers a seamless experience from design to execution. With the new funding, the company plans to invest in its technology and build a scalable foundation to support long-term growth.
Vreal secures pre-seed investment for AR/VR innovations
Saudi augmented and virtual reality technology provider Vreal has raised an undisclosed pre-seed investment round from the numu Angels Investment Community.
Founded in 2022, Vreal offers e-commerce businesses the ability to convert their products into 3D models in as little as 30 seconds using its advanced scanning technology.
The startup is exploring opportunities to expand its applications to other industries, including interior design, real estate, tourism, and heritage preservation. Vreal aims to strengthen its position in Saudi Arabia and tap into broader markets with its innovative technology.
MilkStraw AI raises $600k pre-seed funding to expand in MENA
UAE-headquartered artificial intelligence startup MilkStraw AI has raised $600,000 in pre-seed funding. The round was led by Flat6Labs, with participation from Angel Spark, Beyond Capital, and a group of angel investors.
MilkStraw, founded by Jawad Shreim in 2024 in the US, specializes in software solutions that automate and optimize cloud infrastructure costs for businesses.
The company intends to use the funding to expand its operations across the MENA region, focusing on providing cost-saving AI tools to enterprises in the region.
Mintiply Capital partners with Fuel Venture Capital for GCC-focused SPV
UAE-based Mintiply Capital, an advisory and investment banking firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions and alternative investments, has announced an exclusive partnership with US-based venture capital firm Fuel Venture Capital.
The collaboration aims to launch a Special Purpose Vehicle targeting high-potential early-stage startups across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, with a particular focus on the UAE.
This initiative is aligned with the UAE’s strategic goal of fostering a robust startup ecosystem and driving innovation as a key pillar of economic growth.
The SPV will provide targeted funding and resources to emerging startups, supporting the development of the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting sustainable economic growth.
ReNile raises $450k for agritech solutions
Egypt-based agritech startup ReNile has secured $450,000 in funding from undisclosed investors.
Founded in 2017 by Hazem El-Tawab, ReNile offers a full-stack solution for farmers that includes monitoring systems, emergency alerts, control systems, and analytics to enhance farming practices.
The company’s platform supports data-driven farming, helping users implement best-practice models to improve efficiency and yield.
MSME lending in Saudi Arabia grows by 22.6 percent in Q3 2024
Credit facilities extended to micro, small, and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia reached SR329.23 billion ($87.8 billion) in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 22.6 percent year-on-year increase, according to data from the Saudi Central Bank.
Of the total, 94.7 percent of loans were provided by Saudi banks, while finance companies contributed the remaining 5.3 percent.
MSME lending accounted for 9.1 percent of banks’ total loan portfolios and 18.8 percent of finance companies’ portfolios.
The Saudi government has set an ambitious target for financial institutions to allocate at least 20 percent of their lending portfolios to this critical sector, as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to foster economic diversification and support business growth.
Saudi Arabia tops MENA venture capital rankings for second year
Saudi Arabia retained its position as the leading destination for venture capital in the MENA region in 2024, raising $750 million, according to a report from regional venture platform MAGNiTT.
This marks the second consecutive year the Kingdom has led regional VC rankings. Saudi Arabia accounted for 40 percent of the total venture capital deployed in MENA, closing 178 deals — the most of any nation in the region.
While total venture capital raised in MENA declined 29 percent year-on-year to $1.9 billion in 2024, MAGNiTT noted that funding levels remained above pre-boom levels from 2020, indicating resilience in the ecosystem.
The Middle East alone accounted for $1.5 billion of this funding, spread across 461 deals, a 10 percent annual increase.
Investor participation in the region grew 14 percent to 392 investors, and the year saw 24 exits.
However, emerging venture markets — including the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, as well as Pakistan and Turkiye — faced a sharp slowdown, with total venture funding dropping 40 percent and deal volumes falling 20 percent compared to 2023.
Both metrics also fell below 2020 levels, reflecting broader challenges in the global venture landscape.
