Monsha’at report charts sustainable trends among Saudi and Global SMEs

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Updated 03 March 2025
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Monsha’at report charts sustainable trends among Saudi and Global SMEs

Monsha'at, Saudi Arabia's Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, has released its latest quarterly SME Monitor, providing an in-depth look at key trends shaping the Kingdom's SMEs ecosystem. This edition highlights a 67 percent quarterly increase in commercial registrations, the expansion of green financing and sustainability programs, and the growing role of Saudi SMEs in the global green economy.

With Saudi Vision 2030’s commitment to sustainability, the report highlights many of the ways in whichSaudi SMEs can contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitious renewable targets, from adopting circular economy principles to investing in renewable energy, reforestation, and environmental megaprojects, eco-tourism, EV adoption, and sustainable reporting. With $186 billion being invested by the Saudi Green Initiative to support the local green economy, the opportunities for sustainable SME growth are ripe.

If the Kingdom’s private sector is rapidly adopting, it’s thanks in large part to ambitious public sector policies supporting green growth and innovation, the report shows. In addition to sizeable investments by the Green Financing Framework (GFF) to create a more circular economy, accelerators like Sidra and Mega Green and a number of VC funds are enabling a surge of investments in food security, water, and agriculture, circular economy, energy transition and storage, sustainable manufacturing, smart cities and sustainable infrastructure, and more.

“At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s transformation lies our vibrant SME sector, which serves as a powerful driver of the economy,” Rakan Alsheikh, the deputy minister for policies and economic planning, told Monsha’at. “They are not just business entities but pioneers of sustainable solutions that create lasting impact. Their agility and adaptability allow them to integrate renewable energy, green technologies, and circular economy principles into their operations, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a more sustainable future.”

In addition to its coverage of sustainability trends in Saudi Arabia, the latest SME Monitor also has a special section on global developments in SMEs sustainability.

In the OECD, for example, three-quarters of SMEs are now actively working to reduce their carbon footprint, while 12 percent of EU SMEs generate renewable energy onsite. With the global market for green technology and sustainability projected to reach $135 billion by 2030, early adopters stand to gain significant competitive advantages.

In its survey of broader SMEs developments across Saudi Arabia, the report also reveals a notable uptick in commercial registrations in Q4 2024, a key indicator of the country’s consistently dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. In addition to 160,000 new registrations, sectors like e-commerce reached 40,953 total registrations that quarter, an impressive 10 percent year on year increase.

Thanks to the variety of enablement, financing, franchising, innovation, and business development programs offered by Monsha’at, more than 100,000 SMEs benefitted from the Kingdom’s chief SME enabler in Q4 2024, the report shows.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s VC funding ecosystem continued to lead MENA through Q4 2024, with $750 million deployed to Saudi-based startups over 178 deals that year, representing 39 percent of all investments in the region that year.

 

 

 


SEVEN invests in future of Saudi entertainment sector

Updated 21 June 2025
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SEVEN invests in future of Saudi entertainment sector

Saudi Entertainment Ventures, known as SEVEN, is investing heavily in the future of the Kingdom’s entertainment sector by creating a broad spectrum of job opportunities, said Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN.

AlFawzan told Arab News that SEVEN is developing a diverse range of technical, creative, operational, and managerial roles to unlock “new horizons of joy” while building a thriving and sustainable workforce that mirrors the energy and ambition of Saudi Arabia.

He said the company has already achieved 55 percent Saudization across its workforce, including 45 percent in leadership positions. “Through initiatives such as our Future Leadership Program in partnership with IMD, we are equipping Saudi talent with global best practices in entertainment management, ensuring they are prepared to lead this sector forward,” AlFawzan explained.

He said that delivering the best guest experiences depends on passionate, diverse teams who deeply understand and share the culture of the communities they serve. “We are committed to creating opportunities that empower Saudi youth to build meaningful careers in the entertainment industry,” he added.

The chief projects officer revealed that SEVEN is reshaping international entertainment experiences to resonate strongly with Saudi cultural values. 

Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN

AlFawzan stressed that guests remain at the core of every decision SEVEN makes. When collaborating with global brands like Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, and Hasbro, the company ensures a robust commitment to meaningful localization.

“It is never a matter of simply importing a concept,” he said. “We carefully reinterpret every experience to reflect Saudi traditions, family values, and community preferences.”

AlFawzan disclosed that more than 60 percent of SEVEN’s offerings are locally inspired, which guarantees that each destination feels authentic, familiar, and welcoming to Saudi audiences. “Our aim is for every visitor to feel a deep sense of cultural pride and connection upon entering a SEVEN venue because, for us, entertainment reflects identity — not just leisure,” he said.

Addressing concerns about whether large-scale projects like SEVEN overshadow local businesses in favor of international brands, AlFawzan reaffirmed the company’s dedication to nurturing both.

“We firmly believe that global and local players, alongside diverse creative talent, are all essential to the success of our destinations,” he said. While SEVEN partners with renowned names such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, Flow House, Play-Doh, Clip ‘n Climb, and Hasbro, it equally prioritizes celebrating Saudi creativity.

He said that the company is actively developing original attractions and homegrown concepts across its venues by working closely with Saudi artists and entrepreneurs to bring local content and ideas to life.

“Whether through Saudi-owned offerings or regionally inspired entertainment, we are establishing platforms where local innovation can thrive alongside international intellectual properties,” AlFawzan said. “Our guests deserve an entertainment landscape that honors global excellence while remaining deeply rooted in Saudi identity, originality, and values.”

AlFawzan also said that SEVEN places sustainability and cultural connection at the core of its nationwide entertainment developments, fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

“Sustainability is not an afterthought at SEVEN; it is a guiding principle embedded in every stage of our development,” he said. He detailed how the company integrates environmental responsibility from design through construction and into long-term operations, with a clear focus on minimizing environmental impact.

He said that SEVEN is targeting LEED certification across its portfolio spanning 14 cities. “To date, we have recycled more than 75 percent of construction waste and sourced over 50 percent of materials from certified green suppliers,” AlFawzan noted. He highlighted that the incorporation of high-performance solutions has led to energy savings of up to 20 percent and water savings of up to 80 percent in key project locations.

Beyond environmental stewardship, SEVEN prioritizes broader social impact through community engagement and cultural preservation. “Entertainment is a powerful catalyst for community connection and cultural pride,” AlFawzan explained.

“With over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) invested across 14 cities, our projects are accessible within minutes or a short drive for most Saudi communities,” he pointed out. “Accessibility is at the heart of our vision: making extraordinary experiences part of everyday life.”

He also revealed that SEVEN is introducing region-first and world-first concepts to the Kingdom, including the world’s first Hot Wheels electric go-karting experience and next-generation Family Entertainment Centers that seamlessly combine physical play with digital interaction.

“But more than the rides and attractions, what truly sets SEVEN apart is our focus on culture and community,” he added.


Nova Water signs MoU with Saudi NCVC to plant 200,000 trees

Updated 21 June 2025
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Nova Water signs MoU with Saudi NCVC to plant 200,000 trees

Nova Water, a bottled drinking water company, has signed an MoU with the Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification to plant 200,000 trees across the Kingdom by 2030.

This initiative underscores Nova’s ongoing environmental mission to reduce its ecological footprint and protect local ecosystems — while directly contributing to the overarching goals of the Saudi Green Initiative. It marks the latest step taken by the company to combat desertification, advance the development of a sustainable water ecosystem and safeguard the Kingdom’s future.

The agreement was officially signed by Dr. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Abdulqader, CEO of NCVC, and Sulayman Serdar Seyhanli, CEO of Nova Water. The collaboration focuses on four core areas: identifying key locations for reforestation, prioritizing the use of native plant species, engaging Nova employees in afforestation activities, and supporting the rehabilitation of Saad National Park, located near the company’s facilities in Rumah, 120 km east of Riyadh.

Seyhanli said: “At Nova Water, we understand the importance of implementing innovative environmental solutions in the water sector. Our agreement with the NCVC is a testament to our unwavering support for national sustainability initiatives. Together, we are building a greener future while aligning with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and contributing to the protection and expansion of the Kingdom’s natural green cover.”

He added: “As a natural partner of the Saudi Green Initiative, this agreement represents a carefully planned execution strategy — covering irrigation, planting, and the ongoing care of seedlings across agreed-upon areas.” 

Our reforestation efforts will span the next six years, from 2025 through to 2030, and will culminate in the successful planting of 200,000 trees and shrubs across Saudi Arabia. We are fully committed to seeing this goal through.”

This ambitious program seeks to create long-term environmental and social impact, including restoring native wildlife habitats, rehabilitating decertified lands, and enhancing biodiversity. Ultimately, it will support rainfall regeneration, provide shelter and food for local fauna, and contribute to rebalancing fragile ecosystems — which are the very objectives the NCVC was established to fulfill since its inception in 2021.


John Fekete joins CBRE MENA as general manager for advisory business in KSA

Updated 21 June 2025
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John Fekete joins CBRE MENA as general manager for advisory business in KSA

CBRE Middle East, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has appointed John Fekete as the new general manager for its advisory operations in Saudi Arabia.

Fekete joins CBRE from Qiddiya, where he served as the executive director of real estate strategy, spearheading the office, retail and residential strategy of one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Prior to this, he held senior positions at JLL in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where he played a crucial role in shaping real estate strategies across the Middle East and North Africa.

Commenting on his appointment, Fekete said: “I am honored to join CBRE, a company renowned for its commitment to excellence in the real estate sector. I look forward to working with this talented team to drive growth and deliver outstanding results for our clients in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030.”

Throughout his career, Fekete has demonstrated expertise in urban planning, transactions, property management, investment management, and strategic planning. In his previous roles, he managed real estate strategies across multiple countries in the EMEA region including his role at Citigroup as EMEA head of real estate.

Michael Young, managing director for CBRE MENA region, said: “We are delighted to welcome John to our team; his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the real estate market will be invaluable as we continue to grow our operations in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Anshuman Magazine, chairman and CEO for India, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, added: “We are thrilled to welcome John to our team.”

A highly respected leader in the real estate industry, John brings a wealth of experience and deep market insight. His exceptional track record and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving outstanding value to our clients. We look forward to the impact his leadership will have on our advisory operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”


Saudi 100 Brands returns to Paris Fashion Week with Tranoi Showcase

Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi 100 Brands returns to Paris Fashion Week with Tranoi Showcase

The Saudi Fashion Commission presents homegrown talents at Paris Fashion Week, to be held from June 24 to 27 at the fifth floor of La Samaritaine. 

The exclusive showroom dedicated to Saudi 100 Brands, the commission’s flagship program, will highlight 11 trailblazing designers and their Spring-Summer 2026 collections.

This exceptional showcase by Saudi 100 Brands aims to provide a platform for meaningful cultural exchange through contemporary Saudi fashion. 

It is part of a long-term vision — to establish the Kingdom as an essential presence in the global fashion industry.

Burak Cakmak, CEO, the Saudi Fashion Commission, said: “The return of Saudi 100 Brands to Paris Fashion Week reflects our commitment to showcasing Saudi creativity at the highest level. 

“This platform not only brings our designers to a global audience but also deepens our connections with the international fashion community, reinforcing our vision to position Saudi Arabia as a driving force in shaping the future of fashion and nurturing meaningful global partnerships.”


Boris Provost, CEO of Tranoï, said: "Saudi fashion is experiencing remarkable momentum, and we are proud to support this creative energy with Saudi 100 Brands. 

“At Tranoï, we are committed to amplifying the voices of emerging talents on a global scale. This collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission perfectly embodies our mission: to offer an international stage to a new generation of designers, here in Paris, the fashion capital of the world.”

The 11 designers presented in the renowned Parisian department store exemplify Saudi creative excellence, with a selection varying between menswear and womenswear.

Menswear designers are 1886, Awaken, Eleven, Hajruss, Mirai and RBA.

Womenswear designers are Razan Alazzouni, Rebirth, Reem Alkanhal, Waad Aloqaili and Yasmina Q

Highlighted by Saudi 100 Brands and Tranoi, the event celebrates creative boldness and reaffirms the Saudi Fashion Commission’s commitment to promoting emerging talent on the international stage.

The creative showcase is open from June 24 to 27, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the fifth floor of La Samaritaine.


Sony expands LED display family with Crystal LED CAPRI

Updated 18 June 2025
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Sony expands LED display family with Crystal LED CAPRI

Sony is expanding its lineup of LED walls with the debut of Crystal LED CAPRI. The new CAPRI series achieves a maximum brightness of 1,500 cd/m2 with a 2.50 mm LED pitch size. Key features include high refresh rates and brightness, a wide color gamut, and anti-reflection. Additional benefits include installation flexibility, familiar structure, streamlined maintenance, and compatibility with Sony’s ecosystem of virtual production technologies. The new models, ZRD-VS25FB and ZRD-VS25FM, are compatible with the Brompton controller and the Megapixel controller, respectively.

The CAPRI models are targeted to a broad range of customers looking to cost-effectively support virtual production applications, including television, feature films, commercials, and broadcast, as well as for rental and staging purposes. The CAPRI series offers options that ensure the high picture quality synonymous with Sony at a more accessible price. CAPRI also complements Sony’s premium flagship Crystal LED VERONA.

The CAPRI series is expected to be available this winter. A sample of the CAPRI was on display on June 11-13 at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando in Sony’s booth.

“With the announcement of CAPRI, Sony is furthering our commitment to the creation of spatial content, such as virtual production, by giving a wider range of users opportunities for flexibly showcasing images in high fidelity,” said Rich Ventura, vice president, professional display solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We’ve broadened our lineup to offer more cost-conscious choices, which expand the market in support of high-quality virtual production at every level and ensure the growth of Sony’s distinctive virtual production ecosystem.”

Impressive picture quality

Virtual productions rely on high quality imagery. The CAPRI series combines high refresh rates of up to 7,680 Hz to reduce scanline artifacts and ensure smooth, fluid motion. With a high brightness of 1,500 cd/m2, complemented by coverage of over 98 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, the displays accurately reproduce lifelike images. Additionally, the new models feature anti-reflection capabilities to mitigate the impact of reflection from lighting equipment.

Fast and easy installation

The latest CAPRI series also takes advantage of recent installation advancements to ensure fast and efficient setup. Offering a 1:1 cabinet optimized for temporary installations, such as virtual production stages, the models can quickly and easily be assembled and dismantled using locating pins for easy alignment and a tool-free lever locking mechanism.

Industry standard control

Through alignment with Brompton’s Tessera SX40 and Megapixel’s HELIOS, the CAPRI models maintain control using the same familiar tools and interfaces already commonly deployed in the industry, alleviating the need for additional training and maximizing uptime.

Streamlined maintenance

To keep virtual productions focused on the creative processes, the CAPRI has thoughtful features that simplify maintenance. LED module blocks can be changed from the rear and feature status indication lights for easily identifying which blocks need service.