Saudi fintech sector flourishing with over 200 firms now driving innovation: SAMA chief 

There has been an increase in fintech companies operating in Saudi Arabia of around 300 percent in less than two years. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 04 September 2023
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Saudi fintech sector flourishing with over 200 firms now driving innovation: SAMA chief 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a fintech boom with the number of companies operating in the sector more than doubling already this year compared to the end of 2022, according to the Kingdom’s central bank chief.    

Ayman Al-Sayari, governor of the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, revealed that as of August 2023, over 200 of these firms are now present in the economy – up from 89 in 2022.  

The bank’s annual fintech report showed that in 2021 the number of fintech companies operating in Saudi Arabia was just 51 – meaning there has been an increase of around 300 percent in less than two years.  

The growth comes as SAMA has taken strategic initiatives to support the fintech ecosystem in the Kingdom, and speaking during the Arab Banking Conference being held in Riyadh, Al-Sayari highlighted a collaboration between the bank and the Capital Market Authority to launch a program aimed at bolstering startups in the sector.  

This initiative will provide comprehensive packages designed to accelerate the growth of these companies, he added.  

SAMA’s annual fintech report for 2022 further underscored the sector’s growth, noting that the Kingdom ended the year with 30 licensed firms specializing in finance, insurance, and payments.  

The report also highlighted a total revenue of SR2.8 billion ($746.4 million) generated by fintechs in 2022, an increase from SR2 billion in 2021. Total assets held by fintechs also grew to SR6.8 billion in 2022 from SR6.5 billion the year before. 

Saudi Arabia’s fintech expansion aligns with its strategy to position itself as a regional financial hub by 2030.  

The Kingdom also aims to increase the share of non-cash transactions among individuals to 70 percent by 2025 as well as raise the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product to SR4.5 billion.

Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s robust economic performance, Al-Sayari revealed that the Kingdom achieved an impressive 8.7 percent growth in its GDP in 2022. He stressed this growth rate surpasses that of all G20 countries and even exceeds the expectations of international organizations.  


Saudi reserves at central bank grow to $450bn

Updated 10 sec ago
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Saudi reserves at central bank grow to $450bn

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s reserves at the Kingdom’s central bank saw a 2.8 percent year-on-year rise to SR1.69 trillion ($450.31 billion) in November.

These assets include monetary gold, foreign accounts, and special drawing rights — the International Monetary Fund’s reserve position.

The latter category comprises currency and deposits abroad as well as investments in foreign securities and accounted for 94.6 percent of the total, reaching SR1.6 trillion — an annual rise of 3.12 percent.

Special drawing rights declined to SR77.5 billion, a slight decrease of 0.8 percent, accounting for 4.6 percent of Saudi Arabia’s total reserves.

Created by the IMF to supplement member countries’ official reserves, SDRs derive their value from a basket of major currencies, including the US dollar, euro, Chinese yuan, Japanese yen, and British pound sterling. 

SDRs can be exchanged among governments for freely usable currencies when needed. 

In addition to providing supplementary liquidity, SDRs help stabilize exchange rates, act as a unit of account, and facilitate international trade and financial stability.

The IMF reserve position totaled around SR12.25 billion but recorded an 11.3 percent decline during this period. This category represents the amount a country can draw from the IMF without conditions.

Gold reserves remained steady at SR1.62 billion, a level unchanged since February 2008.

In November, Saudi oil giant Aramco paid $31.1 billion in dividends for the quarter, significantly boosting the country’s reserves.

The Kingdom’s government, which directly holds nearly 81.5 percent of Aramco, receives the majority of these dividends, effectively funneling substantial financial inflows into state coffers.

Investing in foreign assets is a key strategy for SAMA to bolster the nation’s monetary stability and enhance its economic resilience.

Through a diversified portfolio of foreign securities and currency deposits abroad, SAMA ensures liquidity to meet external payment obligations, supports the Saudi riyal’s exchange rate stability, and creates a buffer against global economic fluctuations.

Historically, foreign currency and deposits abroad formed the bulk of Saudi Arabia’s foreign reserves, primarily driven by oil exports. However, since 2004, a shift has been noted in the composition of these reserves.

Data from SAMA shows that investment in foreign securities began to exceed international currency and deposits, rising from a 50.5 percent share in 2004 to 81 percent by June 2007, and standing at 59.75 percent in November.

This shift reflects the Kingdom’s growing focus on diversifying its reserve assets and optimizing foreign reserve management.

To further support oil prices and secure stable oil revenues, Saudi Arabia has played a crucial role in the OPEC+ alliance. Since 2017, the Kingdom has actively participated in oil output cuts to balance global supply and demand.

This strategy, which has kept Saudi Arabia’s production around 9 million barrels per day in recent years, is aimed at supporting oil prices, stabilizing the Kingdom’s oil revenue, and strengthening the global oil market.

Saudi Arabia has been gradually shifting its investment strategy, moving away from holding the majority of its foreign assets within the central bank.

Instead, the focus has been on building substantial sovereign wealth bodies, such as the Public Investment Fund and the National Development Fund, which together manage hundreds of billions of dollars.

This shift aligns with the Kingdom’s broader objective to diversify its reserves and strategically invest in both domestic and international assets.

A key component of this transformation is the Fiscal Sustainability Program, which aims to decouple public spending from fluctuating oil revenues, avoiding the pro-cyclical spending patterns seen in past oil booms.

By expanding PIF and enhancing its capacity to invest in non-oil sectors, Saudi Arabia is actively working to reduce its dependence on oil and ensure a more stable and resilient economic future.


Saudi agritech firm closes $2.55m in seed funding round

Updated 6 min 28 sec ago
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Saudi agritech firm closes $2.55m in seed funding round

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s hydroponic farming sector is poised for a boost, as the Kingdom-based agritech startup Arable announces the successful closure of a $2.55 million seed funding round, led by undisclosed investors.

The funding round attracted both institutional and private investors, with 90 percent of the capital coming from foreign investors. The funds will be allocated within Saudi Arabia to help advance the country’s agricultural sector, the company stated in a press release.

Saudi Arabia, facing limited water resources and harsh climate conditions, grapples with significant agricultural challenges, including groundwater salinization.

Hydroponic farming presents a promising solution to improve produce yields and conserve water in the Arabian peninsula—one of the driest regions in the world, with little rainfall.

Arable emphasized that its growth is supported by key strategic partnerships and government backing, which have bolstered the company's progress in the region's agricultural landscape.

“Saudi Arabia offers an unparalleled ecosystem for startups like Arable to thrive. Thanks to the support of organizations such as the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the Ministry of Investment, the National Technology Development Program, and the General Authority of SMEs, we’ve been able to scale rapidly and bring innovation directly into the Kingdom,” said Lawrence Ong, CEO of Arable.

Founded last year by Ong and Christina Khalife, Arable designs and operates hydroponic farming systems. The company claims its innovative approach enables faster, more cost-effective setups with lower operational expenses.

Arable’s goal is to provide an affordable method of vegetable production by growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions to deliver essential minerals directly to the roots—ideal for the Kingdom’s challenging desert climate. The company also points out that 80 percent of its system’s components can be sourced or manufactured locally.

The firm aims to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s agricultural transformation by offering a sustainable and scalable solution for growing fruits and vegetables, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of reducing food imports and increasing local food production.

“The Saudi Ministry of Investment supports foreign investment and local innovation by streamlining the investor journey and ensuring a seamless experience. At MISA, we facilitate various initiatives and strategies aligned with Vision 2030, supporting the growth of businesses across all sectors, including those such as Arable, which address critical needs such as food security,” said Mohammad Abahussain, deputy minister at the Ministry of Investment.

Hydroponic farming has the potential to thrive even in harsh environments by promoting fibrous root development, which allows better nutrient absorption, reduces the risk of root rot, and accelerates plant maturity.

“Arable’s impressive achievement in raising significant funding, with a majority from international investors, highlights the innovative potential of Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector,” said Ali Al-Sabhan, general manager of entrepreneurship at MEWA.

He added that the company’s hydroponic system, designed specifically for local conditions and at a significantly reduced cost—with most components sourced locally—sets a new standard for efficiency and sustainability.

“We are proud to have them as part of the Sunbulah platform, as this startup not only enhances our agricultural self-sufficiency but also attracts global interest, aligning perfectly with our vision for a diversified economy,” Al-Sabhan concluded.

A report from MEWA on technology adoption within the Kingdom’s agricultural sectors highlights significant growth in key areas. The global market for agricultural drones, for instance, is expected to surge from $1.1 billion in 2022 to $7.19 billion by 2032, driven by the increasing use of drone technology in precision farming.

At the same time, the overall agricultural market is projected to expand from $13.6 billion in 2022 to $33.6 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.8 percent, according to the report.

The global agricultural biotechnology market is also set for substantial growth, with forecasts indicating it will rise from $106.62 billion in 2022 to $242.17 billion by 2032. This growth reflects the growing impact of biotech innovations in boosting crop yields and enhancing sustainability.


Trump’s inauguration dominating conversation as warmer Davos raises eyebrows

Updated 17 min 32 sec ago
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Trump’s inauguration dominating conversation as warmer Davos raises eyebrows

DAVOS: The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos is welcoming global elites as US President Donald Trump’s inauguration dominates both conversations and headlines.

Day one of the forum’s flagship event was more of a prelude to what is to come, with only one panel taking place, titled “First Impressions: Inauguration Day.”

The rest of the program was free for networking within the Congress Center’s cafes, lounges and hallways. A new booth serving crepes in front of the high-level delegates lounge is a popular addition to this year’s meeting.

What was unpopular — so to say — but widely spoken of, was the warmer weather, an unavoidable consequence of the climate change that the World Economic Forum has so desperately tried to combat.

Indeed, looking out of the window as the SBB train curls around the Swiss Alps overlooking the ski-resort towns of Klosters and Davos, the usually snow-blanketed mountains and hills appear patchy. While nobody complains about the sun shining above, it still serves as a dreadful reminder that not even the elites can hide from the unsuspecting elements affected by humans.

“It’s getting warmer each year. Who knows what will happen five years from now,” one of the drivers of the fleet of shuttles bussing participants back and forth between Klosters and Davos tells me, wearing a tight-fitting short-sleeved shirt and colorful sport glasses.

Davos chic was on full display on the promenade, where pricey suits were paired with clunky snow boots. And with the temperature not dissimilar to that of London’s, participants kept their jackets in the cloak rooms as they walked through the several different tech, government and NGO pavilions that graced the slush-slapped street.

Among the new pavilions — termed “houses” — is Saudi House, dedicated to hosting distinguished, Davos-accredited panels, talks and discussions revolving around Saudi Arabia and its role in the world.

“Saudi House was designed to facilitate the participation of all the (Saudi) government entities taking part in Davos in one location,” Faisal Alibrahim, the Saudi minister of economy and planning, told Arab News in a previous interview.

“We think putting everyone in one place will create the vibrancy that can demonstrate and echo the vibrancy we are seeing here in the Kingdom.”

Other items on display at the house are dishes and drinks from Saudi cuisine. Plates of lamb kabsa — a hearty, spiced rice dish — were lapped up by attendees and washed down with a fluorescent red concoction made from rose-water and hibiscus juice. The other drink, what can only be described as a neon green fluid that looked as if it came from a lava lamp, was a surprisingly refreshing mix of mint and Curacao syrup.

As Washington ushers in a new president, who has vowed to “very simply, put America first” — all those attending the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting are bracing themselves to working through another four years of Trumpmania.


Saudi EXIM Bank signs $15m deal with Pakistan’s Bank Alfalah to boost trade

Updated 21 January 2025
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Saudi EXIM Bank signs $15m deal with Pakistan’s Bank Alfalah to boost trade

RIYADH: The Saudi Export-Import Bank and Bank Alfalah have signed a $15 million financing agreement, strengthening access to Pakistani markets and boosting trade and economic ties. 

The new credit line deal seeks to increase the flow and competitiveness of the Kingdom’s non-oil exports as well as unveil new trade horizons between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This falls in line with Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties with the Kingdom, with the Saudi government reaffirming its commitment in September to fast-track a $5 billion investment package for the Asian country.

This also aligns with Saudi EXIM’s goal of diversifying the Kingdom’s economy by offering financing and insurance products for non-oil exports in support of Vision 2030.

“The agreement comes within the bank’s efforts to strengthen strategic relations with international banks and financial institutions to provide financing solutions that contribute to the development of Saudi non-oil exports and enhance their competitiveness in Pakistani markets, by encouraging importers from Pakistan to import Saudi products and services, which opens up broad prospects for the development of trade and investment between the two countries, and creates more promising trade and investment opportunities,” said General Director of the Finance Department at Saudi EXIM Bank Abdul Latif bin Saud Al-Ghaith.

The Group Head of Corporate, Investment Banking, and International Business at Bank Alfalah, Farooq Ahmed Khan, said: “The agreement between Saudi EXIM Bank and Bank Alfalah Ltd is a milestone in strengthening trade relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan.”

He added: “The financing line will enable Pakistani companies to access high-quality products in the Kingdom and will also enhance the volume of trade exchange between the two countries. 

“We at Bank Alfalah are proud to play a pivotal role in promoting trade and investment opportunities that are in line with the shared vision to strengthen and grow the economies of both countries.”

In October, Saudi businessmen expressed hope for successful collaborations in Pakistan, saying the country’s economic stability and improved regulatory framework had made it an attractive investment destination, following the signing of over two dozen deals between companies from both nations.


Saudi Arabia qualifies 6 mining firms for Exploration Enablement Program 

Updated 17 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia qualifies 6 mining firms for Exploration Enablement Program 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has chosen six local and international mining companies for its Exploration Enablement Program designed to boost investments and enhance the competitiveness of the sector. 

Royal Road, Ajlan and Bros Holding, and EV Metals Group were selected for this first phase of qualification, as well as Ma’aden, Gold and Minerals Co., and Al-Masane Al-Kobra Mining Co., also known as AMAK. 

These companies will receive key support as part of the government’s effort to attract high-quality investments and accelerate exploration activities within the Kingdom’s mining industry. 

The EEP was launched at the Future Minerals Forum in January 2024 by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment. 

A total of 49 applications were submitted from local and international mining companies, underscoring the growing interest in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector. 

The government has earmarked SR685 million ($182.57 million) for the EEP between 2024 and 2030, which will fund initiatives to further strengthen the sector’s global competitiveness and create long-term strategic value. 

The program aims to address gaps in geoscientific knowledge, foster local skills, and drive exploration for Class A minerals, including metallic minerals, precious and semi-precious stones, and ores requiring advanced operations. 

The initiative is designed to expand the exploration of strategic minerals in underexplored areas, reduce investment risks in the mining sector, and enhance the reliability of technical data.

The program seeks to attract local and international investors by fostering greater confidence in the mining industry.

The EEP focuses on widening the scope of exploration by covering a total license area of 4,000 sq. km.

Additionally, the program has recorded an extensive geophysical survey covering 9,500 sq. km. and achieved a total drilling depth of 440,000 meters.

These efforts are expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Kingdom’s mineral potential, facilitating better planning and development within the mining sector.

As part of its strategic objectives, the program is enhancing Saudi Arabia’s exploration capabilities by collecting 57,000 geochemical samples, supported by a team of 54 experts and professionals.

Saudi Arabia increased its projections for undiscovered mineral potential by 90 percent to $2.5 trillion during the third FMF in January 2024 with Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef stating that the estimation for the Kingdom’s untapped potential has grown from $1.3 trillion, reflecting the sector’s significant growth prospects.