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Now foreigners can invest in Makkah, Madinah property

Strengthening the real estate sector and attracting more FDI into the Kingdom is one of the key goals outlined under the Vision 2030 program. (AFP)
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Updated 28 January 2025
Nirmal Narayanan
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Now foreigners can invest in Makkah, Madinah property

  • The move aims to boost the capital market’s competitiveness
Updated 28 January 2025
Nirmal Narayanan

RIYADH: Foreigners can now invest in Saudi-listed companies owning real estate in Makkah and Madinah, following a landmark decision by the Saudi Capital Market Authority.

Effective immediately, the move aims to boost the capital market’s competitiveness and align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification objectives, the CMA announced in a press release. 

While non-Saudis are allowed to purchase properties in the Kingdom, there are specific restrictions, and in the holy cities ownership is generally limited to Saudi nationals — although foreigners are allowed to lease properties there. 

Under the new guidelines, foreign investments are limited to shares or convertible debt instruments of listed companies. Total non-Saudi ownership, including individuals and legal entities, is capped at 49 percent of a company’s shares.

However, strategic foreign investors are prohibited from holding stakes in these companies. 

The move comes amid reforms across the region, with most neighboring countries allowing foreigners to own properties, primarily in free zones or designated areas under certain restrictions. 

“Through this announcement, the Capital Market Authority aims to stimulate investment, enhance the attractiveness and efficiency of the capital market, and strengthen its regional and international competitiveness while supporting the local economy,” said the CMA. 

The changes are also designed to stimulate foreign direct investment in the Kingdom’s capital market, as well as bolster its regional and international competitiveness. 

“This includes attracting foreign capital and providing the necessary liquidity for current and future projects in Makkah and Madinah through the investment products available in the Saudi market, positioning it as a key funding source for these distinctive developmental projects,” added the CMA. 

Strengthening the real estate sector and attracting more FDI into the Kingdom is one of the key goals outlined under the Vision 2030 program, as Saudi Arabia aims to reduce its dependence on crude revenues and diversify its economy. 

The Kingdom aims to attract $100 billion in FDI by the end of this decade, and the government body has been implementing various initiatives and reforms to enhance the attractiveness of the capital market.

Some of these efforts include allowing foreign residents to directly invest in the stock market, enabling non-Saudi investors to access the market through swap agreements, and permitting qualified foreign capital institutions to invest in listed securities. 

The CMA has also allowed foreign strategic investors to acquire strategic stakes in listed companies and directly invest in debt instruments. 

In 2021, the CMA also allowed non-Saudis to subscribe to real estate funds investing within the boundaries of Makkah and Madinah, which played a crucial role in increasing the attractiveness of the capital market to both regional and international investors. 

The share prices of real estate companies listed on Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange surged following the CMA’s announcement. 

Knowledge Economic City saw its share price rise by 9.89 percent to close at SR16.66 ($4.44). 

Jabal Omar Development Co.’s share price also increased by 10 percent to SR25.85, while Makkah Construction and Development Co.’s stock price climbed 9.84 percent to close at SR106. 

Topics: Capital Market Authority (CMA) real estate

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MENA’s exposure to US tariffs mostly indirect, says Moody’s 

Updated 5 sec ago
Nirmal Narayanan
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MENA’s exposure to US tariffs mostly indirect, says Moody’s 

Updated 5 sec ago
Nirmal Narayanan

RIYADH: The Middle East and North Africa’s exposure to the latest US tariffs will be largely indirect, driven by weaker global growth prospects and softening energy prices rather than direct trade effects, a new analysis showed. 

In its latest report, Moody’s Investors Service noted that the Trump administration’s exclusion of oil and gas from the tariff scheme limits the immediate impact on MENA economies. 

This comes as US President Donald Trump imposed a 10 percent universal import tariff and duties of up to 145 percent on Chinese goods — prompting Beijing to retaliate with tariffs of up to 125 percent — while granting a 90-day pause on steeper tariffs for dozens of other countries. 

Moody’s views align with an April report by global consulting firm PwC, which stated that Middle Eastern economies will not face a direct impact from the tariffs, but will be affected through indirect channels. 

“Exemption of oil and gas from the new US tariff scheme limits the size of the region’s affected exports to a relatively small share of GDP (gross domestic product), except for Jordan,” Moody’s said. 

The report added that second-order consequences, such as declining demand, lower investor risk appetite, and cheaper oil, are more likely to weigh on credit conditions. 

“The second-round impact, due to weaker global demand, will be tempered by a relatively limited reliance of the MENA region’s growth on non-energy exports,” it added. 

The analysis further noted that the oil market has already priced in expectation of weaker global growth. Brent crude declined to around $65 per barrel in April — about 20 percent below the average price recorded in 2024. 

Moody’s cautioned that if significantly low oil prices persist, they could strain the fiscal and external balances of oil and gas-exporting countries in the GCC region. 

Prolonged low oil prices could also force Gulf Cooperation Council governments to slow the rollout of infrastructure projects tied to economic diversification efforts, dampening near-term growth prospects for the domestic non-hydrocarbon sector. 

“The sovereigns that are most exposed to lower oil prices are those with the largest government oil revenue as a share of GDP and the highest (fiscal break-even) oil price that balances their government budgets, especially Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain,” Moody’s said.

It added: “While the starting point for Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which has virtually no government debt, will be a very strong government balance sheet, Bahrain’s debt already exceeds 130 percent of GDP and, unlike its higher-rated GCC neighbors, it has no significant government financial assets and very limited foreign-currency reserves to buffer the impact of lower oil prices.”  

The US-based agency added that issuers in the Middle East with weak credit quality, substantial financing needs, and limited buffers may face heightened liquidity pressures amid increased market volatility and tighter credit conditions. 

Amid ongoing uncertainties surrounding global growth prospects, the International Monetary Fund noted earlier this month that short-term growth in the Middle East will be driven by expansion in the non-oil sector, projecting regional economic growth of 2.6 percent in 2025 and 3.4 percent in 2026. 

Banking sector 

According to the latest study, growth prospects for the banking sector could come under pressure if economic activity slows and lending margins are compressed. 

Should the new US tariffs weigh on the global economy and drive down oil prices, regional business confidence may weaken and government spending could decline, ultimately dampening loan growth prospects for GCC banks. 

“Weaker growth could also erode asset quality as GCC banks have a large concentration in real estate and contracting. Both sectors are sensitive to investor confidence and government spending,” said Moody’s.

The report further noted that a potentially faster decline in global interest rates could squeeze banks’ margins. 

GCC banks’ loan books remain heavily weighted toward the corporate sector, where loans are typically floating-rate, which could exert pressure on bottom-line profitability. 

“Saudi Arabia is an exception with an evenly split book between corporate and retail. However, GCC banks in general and large banks in particular are well-positioned to withstand market volatility given their resilient financial profiles, diversified balance sheet, strong market access and healthy capital buffers,” said Moody’s.  

The analysis added that corporates will also feel the impact of weaker global demand, lower energy prices, and potentially reduced government spending. 

A significant global slowdown could further dampen demand for real estate in the GCC, particularly in the UAE, which has seen a sustained property market boom over the past four years. 

The agency concluded that sovereign wealth funds in the region may need to increase borrowing to preserve their capacity to finance and implement economic diversification mandates.

Topics: Trump Oil market GCC tariffs

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Saudi Arabia on track to lead global hydrogen market

Updated 04 May 2025
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
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Saudi Arabia on track to lead global hydrogen market

  • Kingdom aiming to be responsible for 15 percent of world’s blue hydrogen production
Updated 04 May 2025
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in the hydrogen economy, with significant investments in both green and blue versions of the fuel with the aim to generate half of the Kingdom’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

With its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, strategic partnerships, and projects like NEOM’s hydrogen initiative, Saudi Arabia is paving the way for a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future.

Saudi energy giants, including Aramco and ACWA Power, are leading major projects in this area aligned with the country’s sustainability goals.

ACWA Power’s Sudair solar plant, with a 1,500 megawatt capacity, will offset 2.9 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Aramco is also involved in $30 billion renewable energy projects with the Public Investment Fund and other partners.

Yaseen Ghulam, associate professor of economics and director of research at the Riyadh-based Al-Yamamah University, told Arab News that Saudi Arabia plans to invest up to $10 billion in green hydrogen manufacturing firms, aiming to be responsible for 15 percent of the world’s blue hydrogen production. “Aramco aims to generate 11 million tonnes of blue ammonia annually by 2030. In a well-established plan, Saudi Arabia is aggressively investigating the application of hydrogen in many fields. More specifically, the country is also exploring hydrogen applications in industrial, power generation, and transportation, and car fuel for fuel cell-powered vehicles,” Ghulam said.

He added that the country’s Vision 2030, smart trade relationships with Europe and Asia, technological advancements, and government support are driving these plans and progress in the hydrogen energy sector.

The expert noted that integrating hydrogen into Saudi Arabia’s blue economy is a key strategy for sustainable growth, with green hydrogen set to transform industries like transportation, steel production, and heavy-duty vehicles.

“The global green hydrogen market is expected to see annual growth of more than 40 percent by 2030, reaching $72 billion. By 2050, the demand for green hydrogen could replace 37 percent of the world’s oil production. Saudi Arabia, with its focus on the blue economy since the start of Vision 2030, is making efforts to transition to this next stage by producing and using green hydrogen,” he said.

The academic emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s natural environment — specifically its sunny, windy desert landscapes — creates favorable conditions for green hydrogen production. Youssef Saidi, a research fellow at the Economic Research Forum and a member of the Saudi Economic Association, agreed with Ghulam, adding that the abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and geothermal, make the Kingdom an ideal location for green hydrogen production. 

The global green hydrogen market is expected to see annual growth of more than 40 percent by 2030, reaching $72 billion. By 2050, the demand for green hydrogen could replace 37 percent of the world’s oil production. Saudi Arabia, with its focus on the blue economy since the start of Vision 2030, is making efforts to transition to this next stage by producing and using green hydrogen.

Yaseen Ghulam, Associate professor of economics and director of research at Al-Yamamah University

Ghulam noted that green hydrogen has potential applications in numerous industries that are expected to play a prominent role in the success of Vision 2030, including transportation, steel production, ammonia manufacturing, and heavy-duty vehicles.

“It can also be used for energy storage, powering transportation, and stabilizing the electrical grid. Currently, many industries that are vital for the blue economy are ready to accept hydrogen, and some industries, such as shipping, transportation, and heavy industry, are preparing for it in the near future,” he said.

Discussing the cost of hydrogen energy production, Ghulam stated that global prices are expected to range between $2 and $7 per kilogram, while Saudi Arabia’s cost is projected to be just $2.16 per kilo.

He noted, however, that if domestic natural gas prices remain stable, the cost of producing blue hydrogen could drop to $1.13 per kilogram. “This will, of course, help the Kingdom’s blue economy progress steadily in the next few decades and beyond,” he said.

According to the International Energy Agency, global hydrogen investments have surged, with the NEOM Hydrogen Project leading the way as the largest to reach a final investment decision, boasting 2.2 gigawatts of electrolyzer capacity.

Ghulam pointed out that Saudi Arabia’s success in the hydrogen sector is also driven by strong international collaborations, such as joining the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy, a global initiative aimed at advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

He added that NEOM, ACWA Power, and Air Products have also formed a $500 billion renewable energy-powered NEOM Green Hydrogen Co.

“The facility is expected to produce 650 tonnes of green hydrogen daily by 2026,” he said, adding that Aramco, MIG, and IE have partnered to establish new green hydrogen and ammonia production facilities.

“Germany and the Kingdom are collaborating to develop clean hydrogen technology. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, NEOM’s Education, Research, and Innovation Foundation along with Enowa, NEOM’s sustainable energy and water systems subsidiary, have recently made agreements to promote the hydrogen economy,” he said.

According to Saidi, the King Salman Energy Park, the Blue Ammonia Supply Chain project, Hydrogen City within the NEOM megaproject, and the NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. are all ambitious renewable power initiatives.

He added that these are not the only developments, as the Kingdom has all the resources needed to position itself as a global leader in the renewable energy market and play a key role in achieving long-term global carbon neutrality goals.

Ghulam noted that the demand and supply of hydrogen energy are expected to grow exponentially due to the growing focus on clean energy, as Saudi Arabia is distinguishing itself compared to major global hydrogen producers. 

He noted that 10 percent of the world’s energy may come from hydrogen by 2050, resulting in a market value of up to $700 billion. “The clean hydrogen market is expected to increase to $640 billion in 2030, compared to the $160 billion in 2022,” the associate professor said.

He explained that while the EU aims to produce 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen and import an additional 10 million tonnes, Saudi Arabia is aiming to become the world’s largest exporter of the fuel by 2030, producing 1.2 million tonnes of green hydrogen.

“The Kingdom’s location along trade routes allows for fast shipping of hydrogen to markets in Northern Europe, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore,” he said.

He said that the Kingdom’s expertise as a major international oil producer — and the existing related infrastructure — offer a strong basis for developing and expanding green hydrogen export capabilities.

“King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center estimates that financing costs in the Kingdom are at least 200 basis points less than those in Germany, with green hydrogen costing between $1- $2/kg, making it the cheapest producer with clear comparative advantage in international trade of this vital product,” the associate professor said.

More importantly, he concluded, the Kingdom’s ambition to retain its dominance in the international energy trade remains strong, driven by substantial investments and advancements in the hydrogen energy sector.

Meanwhile, Saidi told Arab News that Saudi Arabia is set to play a key role in the global energy transition, leveraging its expertise to develop and scale hydrogen production.

He added that the Kingdom’s abundant hydrocarbon resources can support blue hydrogen production through Steam Methane Reforming with carbon capture and storage.

Saidi explained that international partnerships and private investment are driving Saudi Arabia’s hydrogen sector growth. He noted that the Kingdom aims to become a global hydrogen supplier and has established several joint ventures to develop the necessary infrastructure. “These include partnerships between Air Products and ACWA Power, SABIC and ExxonMobil, and Air Liquide and Tasnee,” he said.

He emphasized that international partnerships enable Saudi Arabia to access cutting-edge technologies and expertise in hydrogen production, storage, and transportation.

Saidi added that these deals also provide market access, which is crucial for scaling up hydrogen production and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in clean energy.

Topics: Saudi Arabia hydrogen economy

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How Saudi Arabia is reshaping the global talent landscape

Updated 03 May 2025
Reem Walid
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How Saudi Arabia is reshaping the global talent landscape

  • The influx of international talent is vital for advancing key sectors such as healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy
Updated 03 May 2025
Reem Walid

RIYADH: In the field of attracting global talent, Saudi Arabia stands out as a hub of innovation and opportunity, recruiting skilled professionals from all over the world to drive growth in key sectors including technology, finance, and manufacturing.

With a strong focus on talent development and labor market improvements, initiatives such as the Premium Residency program represent an important step in transforming the Kingdom’s workforce.

More than 2,600 healthcare workers became beneficiaries of this scheme, dubbed the Saudi Green Card, in October – a clear sign that the Kingdom is proactively working to secure international talent within the country’s borders

How Saudi Green Card is reshaping landscape for global talent attraction in Saudi Arabia

Launched in 2021, the Premium Residency program offers long-term residency to skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors to create a more competitive environment for top professionals.

It offers expats access to benefits available to Saudi nationals, including the ability to own property, start businesses, and make use of public services. 

Raymond Khoury, partner and public sector practice lead, at Arthur D. Little, Middle East, believes the program will positively impact key sectors by attracting the talent  needed to service the growing population — set to rise from 34.4 million today to 55 million by 2030.

“Such incentives allow skilled professionals to have a more stable personal life environment with their families and the facility to make long-term investments in their careers – a better work-life balance in general,” Khoury told Arab News.

The Arthur D. Little partner went on to note that attracting skilled professionals in sectors like healthcare, technology, tourism, and renewable energy will help diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, reduce oil dependency, and boost gross domestic product through innovation and strategic partnerships in non-oil industries.

“The program also facilitates international professionals in academia and research, allowing for stronger collaborations between universities and private institutions in Saudi Arabia and their international counterparts,” he said.

Khoury added that while the initiative does face challenges, such as the time it takes for international talent to adapt to local cultural and legal norms, these can be mitigated by providing clear integration pathways and support for newcomers. 

The international talent infusion not only accelerates progress within key sectors but also drives cultural and intellectual exchange, fostering long-term growth and innovation.

Raymond Khoury, Partner and public sector practice lead at Arthur D. Little, Middle East

While Saudi Arabia has this program, its Gulf Cooperation Council neighbors, such as UAE and Qatar, have their own talent attraction schemes in place, meaning there is competition for skilled professionals, Khoury explained. Abhishek Sharma, partner at Oliver Wyman’s Government and Public Institutions practice for India, Middle East and Africa, said the Kingdom’s Premium Residency program is transforming the expatriate model by attracting highly skilled professionals.

“Given the Kingdom’s large-scale economic ambitions and the significant opportunities emerging across various sectors, these factors collectively position Saudi Arabia as an increasingly attractive destination for global talent,” Sharma told Arab News.

The Saudi Green Card is improving talent mobility especially in technology, by allowing professionals to work and live without a sponsor, he added. 

This supports Vision 2030’s goal of making Saudi Arabia an innovation hub, and boosts technological growth in sectors like artificial intelligence and digital transformation, according to Mamdouh Al-Doubayan, managing director of Middle East and North Africa at Globant.

“However, while attracting global talent is crucial, sustainable growth depends on balancing international expertise with local knowledge development. The real opportunity lies not just in recruitment but in fostering a dynamic, homegrown workforce capable of driving long-term digital adoption,” Al-Doubayan told Arab News.

International talent influx 

The influx of international talent is vital for advancing key sectors in Saudi Arabia, such as technology, healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy — all of which support Vision 2030’s goal of reducing oil dependence and fostering a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.

Khoury believes innovation and technology advancement across core and adjacent sectors is critical in creating innovation hubs and driving the digital transformation of industries.

“This also covers supporting technology research, development and innovation startups and an encompassing ecosystem that fosters knowledge transfer and international collaboration,” he said.

Healthcare was raised as an area where attracting skilled medical professionals — doctors, nurses, and researchers — can effectively and efficiently improve patient outcomes, introduce advanced medical practices, and lead groundbreaking research. 

By incentivizing industries that rely on highly skilled professionals, Saudi Arabia can accelerate sectoral growth and enhance its overall economic contribution.

Abhishek Sharma, Partner at Oliver Wyman’s Government and Public Institutions practice

“Establishing the Kingdom as an attractive medical tourist destination is part and parcel of some mega-projects — for example the Red Sea project — today under Vision 2030,” Khoury said.

The Arthur D. Little partner also highlighted that improving the education sector in Saudi Arabia is essential for building a knowledge-based economy, particularly in STEM fields.

Attracting international talent in tourism, hospitality management, event planning and arts development is key for Saudi Arabia, particularly for destinations such as Qiddiya and the Red Sea project, where the target is to attract and service between 60 million and 70 million visitors per year by 2030.

“Such a large target requires domain knowledge of global trends and international best practices, which international talent can bring in a timely manner,” Khoury said.

He also flagged the need for international expertise in green technologies as being crucial for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, especially in renewable energy. Global partnerships and innovative solutions will aid in achieving net-zero emissions, optimizing energy efficiency, and creating sustainable business models.

“The international talent infusion therefore not only accelerates progress within key sectors but also drives cultural and intellectual exchange, fostering long-term growth and innovation for the Kingdom,” Khoury said.

Knowledge economy

From Oliver Wyman’s side, Sharma explained that human capital is a key driver of economic growth, with skilled professionals fostering expansion, which in turn attracts more talent. Saudi Arabia is set to experience this positive cycle over the next seven to 10 years.

“As the Kingdom advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, improving the overall quality, skill level, and productivity of the workforce will be critical. By incentivizing industries that rely on highly skilled professionals — such as professional services, technology, and advanced manufacturing — Saudi Arabia can accelerate sectoral growth and enhance its overall economic contribution,” he said. 

While attracting global talent is crucial, sustainable growth depends on balancing international expertise with local knowledge development.

Mamdouh Al-Doubayan, Managing director of Middle East and North Africa at Globant

According to Al-Doubayan from Globant, international talent is crucial to the Kingdom’s shift toward a knowledge-based economy, bringing specialized skills and innovative approaches, particularly in technology. 

Collaborating with local professionals drives progress, supports Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification, and enhances competitiveness in a digital, AI-driven world.

“By integrating global expertise with local capabilities, Saudi Arabia is not only strengthening its workforce but also creating an environment where homegrown talent can thrive. The impact goes beyond immediate job creation — it builds a long-term, self-sustaining innovation ecosystem that reduces reliance on traditional industries and positions the Kingdom as a leader in digital transformation,” he said.

Future strategies 

As Saudi Arabia aims to become a global hub for business, technology, and culture through Vision 2030, the ongoing influx of international talent will play a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation.

Arthur D. Little’s Khoury believes that enhancing immigration policies, including expanding programs like the Saudi Green Card, could see tailored benefits being offered to professionals in sectors such as renewable energy, AI, and biotech, as well as healthcare and fintech, providing long-term opportunities.

He explained that availing and advancing innovation hubs and ecosystems in support of attracting and retaining tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators, is vital, as is offering them not only business opportunities but also a platform to collaborate with global experts in their fields. 

“This is a key focus of the Saudi Research Development and Innovation Authority in its aim to bolster RDI capabilities and create a compelling environment for leading scientists, engineers, and researchers,” Khoury said.

He added that the government is boosting investments in incubators, accelerators, and venture capital to support local and international startups, aiming to create a diverse innovation ecosystem and foster new tech-driven industries.

Additionally, the partner explained how the Kingdom’s investment in education and upskilling initiatives to build a knowledge-based economy, focusing on attracting international students and researchers while pairing global talent with local professionals, will enhance expertise.

“Having a skilled and diverse workforce will better enable Saudi Arabia to effectively compete on the international stage and attract more high-value investments that will spur further economic development and prosperity,” Khoury said.

Oliver Wyman’s Sharma highlighted attracting top talent is key to the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global leader in AI.

He said that a parallel strategy of aggressively upskilling the local workforce will be “equally critical” in sustaining long-term economic and innovation-driven growth.

Al-Doubayan from Globant explained with growing demand for skilled professionals in technology, entertainment, and sustainability, organizations must offer not just jobs but upskilling, career development, and innovation-driven environments to position the Kingdom as a long-term career destination.

He said: “The increasing integration of AI across industries is intensifying competition for top talent. Organizations now face a paradigm shift: moving from simply retaining talent to empowering professionals to grow, innovate, and remain engaged within the Kingdom’s evolving workforce. The key challenge is no longer just recruitment — it is creating an environment where individuals choose to stay despite global demand for elite professionals.”

Topics: Saudi Arabia

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MENA firms raise $180m in 7-day funding blitz

Updated 04 May 2025
Nour El-Shaeri
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MENA firms raise $180m in 7-day funding blitz

  • Activity reflects continued investor confidence in multiple sectors
Updated 04 May 2025
Nour El-Shaeri

RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa kicked off the second quarter of 2025 with a wave of funding rounds, acquisitions, and strategic mergers.

The activity reflects continued investor confidence in sectors ranging from fintech and food tech to health tech and Software-as-a-Service. 

Saudi Arabia and the UAE led the charge, underscoring their growing prominence as hubs for regional startup innovation. 

Fintech startup Erad, based in the Kingdom, has raised $16 million in a pre-series A funding round with participation from Y Combinator, Nuwa Capital, and Khwarizmi Ventures, as well as Aljazira Capital, VentureSouq, Oraseya Capital, and Joa Capital. 

The round follows its $2.4 million pre-seed raise three years ago, backed by several of the same investors. 

Founded in 2022 by Salem Abu-Hammour, Faris Yaghmour, Abdulmalik Al-Meheini, and Youssef Said, Erad provides Shariah-compliant, data-driven financing to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. 

UAE-based fintech Fuze has raised $12.2 million in a series A round led by Galaxy and e& capital, with participation from Further Ventures. (Supplied)

“While SMEs continue to power the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) economy, entrepreneurs in retail, F&B (food and beverage), healthcare, and beyond struggle to secure the capital they need to scale up. Over 60 percent of our customers are first-time credit takers, and we are proud to be partners in their growth while fostering financial inclusion,” Abu-Hammour said. 

The company claims its platform enables access to funding in as little as 48 hours. The new capital will support Erad’s geographic expansion, local hiring, and product development, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to increase SME economic contribution.

Techrar secures $1.6m to scale recurring billing platform 

Techrar, a Saudi subscription and billing management platform, has raised $1.6 million in funding led by Wa’ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of Aramco. 

Founded in 2022 by Safwan Saigh, Fawzan Al-Khlawi, and Rania Shaker, Techrar focuses on managing subscriptions, memberships, and recurring billing. 

The investment will be used to expand the team, develop new products, and support customer acquisition.

iMENA Group secures $135m  pre-IPO investment 

Saudi-based iMENA Group has raised $135 million in a pre-initial public offering funding round through a combination of private placement and in-kind contributions. 

The round included participation from Sanabil Investments, FJ Labs, and SellAnyCar founder Saygin Yalcin, among other Saudi investors. 

Co-founded in 2012 by Nasir Al-Sharif, Khaldoon Tabaza, and Adey Salamin, iMENA is the parent company of platforms including OpenSooq, SellAnyCar, and Jeeny. 

The company will use the funds to increase its stake in these core businesses, pursue vertical and geographic expansion, and improve operational synergies across its portfolio. 

Healthtech startup Tuba raises $8m pre-seed round 

Saudi Arabia-based health tech startup Tuba has secured $8 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Al-Waalan Investment with participation from angel investors.  

Founded in 2025 by Fayez Al-Anazi, Tuba leverages artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare management by improving operational efficiency and creating more transparent, patient-centric experiences. 

The funds will be used to build technical infrastructure, grow the team, and scale operations in line with its vision of digitally transforming the healthcare sector. 

STV launches $100m Shariah-compliant fund

STV has announced the final close of its $100 million STV NICE Fund I, a non-dilutive capital vehicle aimed at supporting the growth of tech startups in Saudi Arabia through Shariah-compliant financing solutions.

Backed by SAB Invest’s Alternative Financing Fund, a CMA-licensed private fund, and several regional family offices, the initiative is supported by the National Technology Development Program.

The fund seeks to fill a key financing gap by offering non-dilutive capital to early- and growth-stage technology ventures.

Fuze raises $12.2m to expand infrastructure 

UAE-based fintech Fuze has raised $12.2 million in a series A round led by Galaxy and e& capital, with participation from Further Ventures. 

Founded in 2023 by Mo Ali Yusuf, Arpit Mehta, and Srijan Shetty, Fuze provides Digital-assets-as-a-Service, over-the-counter trading, and stablecoin infrastructure. 

The company says it has processed over $2 billion in digital asset volume to date. The funds will be used to accelerate regional and global expansion, enhance product offerings, and grow the team. 

Calo enters UK market through dual acquisition 

Saudi-headquartered food tech startup Calo has expanded into the UK with the acquisition of Fresh Fitness Food and Detox Kitchen, two established brands in the health-focused food delivery sector. 

Founded in Bahrain in 2019 by Ahmed Al-Rawi and Moayed Al-Moayed, Calo offers personalized meal subscriptions for health-conscious consumers. 

The company raised $25 million in a series B round in December 2023, led by Nuwa Capital, with participation from STV, Khwarizmi Ventures, and regional family offices. 

Calo currently operates in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, as well as Qatar and Kuwait, and plans to go public in Saudi Arabia by 2027. 

Miran and Welnes merge to form holistic health platform 

AI-driven health and fitness app Miran has merged with Welnes, a fitness community platform, in a strategic move to combine personalized technology with a community-based approach. 

Miran offers tailored meal plans, workout routines, and health insights through AI. Welnes, backed by Flat6Labs, Samurai Incubate, UI Investments, and angel investors, connects users with coaches and wellness programs. 

The merged entity aims to deliver a comprehensive health platform targeting the growing wellness market in Saudi Arabia. 

Zest Equity raises $4.3m to scale secondary shares platform 

Zest Equity, a UAE-based fintech enabling secondary share transactions, has raised $4.3 million in pre-series A funding. 

The round was led by Prosus Ventures and included participation from Morgan Stanley Inclusive and Sustainable Ventures. 

Founded in 2021 by Rawan Baddour and Zuhair Shamma, Zest Equity facilitates secondary share sales for ecosystem participants such as founders and venture capitalists. 

The company will use the capital to grow in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, hire specialized talent, and develop its technology infrastructure. Zest previously raised $3.8 million in a seed round in October 2023. 

BloomPath raises $1.3m pre-seed to enhance workflow analytics 

US-based SaaS startup BloomPath has raised $1.3 million in a pre-seed round led by RAED Ventures, with participation from Ulu Ventures, Wamda Capital, +VC, and angel investors. 

Founded in 2024 by Mohammad Kotb and Ahmed Gad, BloomPath offers AI-powered workflow tools designed to track progress, analyze patterns, and monitor team performance. 

The funding will support product development, team expansion, and customer acquisition. 

Hushday raises $550k to launch premium retail platform 

UAE-based e-commerce startup Hushday has raised $550,000 in a pre-seed round from undisclosed regional investors. 

Founded earlier this year by Jennifer Cohen Solal and Riad Djabri, Hushday offers an invitation-only platform for consumers to access premium and luxury brands’ excess inventory while preserving brand positioning and pricing. 

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Saudi Arabia’s flynas Middle East’s fastest-growing airline from 2019-2024: report

Updated 02 May 2025
Nirmal Narayanan
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Saudi Arabia’s flynas Middle East’s fastest-growing airline from 2019-2024: report

Updated 02 May 2025
Nirmal Narayanan

RIYADH: Saudi low-cost carrier flynas’s capacity increased by 63 percent from 2019 to 2024, making it the fastest-growing airline in the Middle East region, according to an analysis.

In its latest report, UK-headquartered global travel data provider OAG said that flynas was closely followed by the UAE’s flydubai, which witnessed a capacity rise of 55 percent from 2019 to 2024.

The analysis revealed that both carriers operated nearly 14.4 million departing seats each during the period, with flynas edging ahead by 25,000 travelers.

The strong capacity growth of flynas aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national goal to establish itself as a global tourist and business destination. The Kingdom aims to attract over 150 million visitors by the end of this decade.

“The Middle East region’s strategic position as a global hub, coupled with the dynamic expansion of both low-cost and network carriers, is driving unprecedented opportunities. This vibrant market is setting the stage for future advancements in aviation technology and passenger experience,” said Filip Filipov, chief operating officer of OAG.

Although flydubai and flynas’ networks are similar, the latter benefits from a large domestic market within Saudi Arabia, allowing it to operate a more diverse route network, OAG added.

In February, flynas announced that it expects to receive more than 100 Airbus aircraft over the next five years, part of its broader deal for 280 Airbus jets.

The airline aims to operate over 160 aircraft by 2030, with its 280-plane order worth more than SR161 billion ($43 billion), making it the largest holder of single-aisle aircraft purchase orders in the Middle East.

Commenting on the growth of flynas in recent years, Paolo Carlomagno, partner at Arthur D. Little, said that competitive pricing and top-notch quality have played a crucial role in the airlines’ rising popularity among travelers. 

“In the past five years, flynas has delivered stellar growth thanks to several factors — endogenous and exogenous. A well-planned and executed network strategy and efficient seat capacity increases, primarily driven by fleet expansion with the Airbus A320Neo, which offers lower operating costs,” said Carlomagno. 

He added: “Flynas has also expertly managed the difficult trade-off between pricing and quality of service and delivered strong operational performance over the past five years.” 

The Arthur D. Little official added that the growth of flynas as a leading air carrier globally could help Saudi Arabia achieve its national tourism goals as outlined in the Vision 2030 initiative. 

He further highlighted that flynas has a significant opportunity to expand, as the market penetration of low-cost carriers in the Kingdom is comparatively low compared to other leading markets. 

“LCC market penetration in Saudi Arabia is still significantly lower than some other major aviation markets such as South East Asia and so there is still enormous potential for them to grow further. The ‘democratization’ air travel trend and the connectivity with ‘secondary’ routes will continue to boost demand in the Kingdom,” said Carlomagno. 

Middle East aviation market’s outlook

In its latest report, OAG stated that the Middle East’s aviation market has grown by 5 percent since 2019, making it the world’s second-fastest-growing region after South Asia, which saw a 12 percent increase over the same period.

The analysis further said that this increase was fueled by a robust combination of low-cost carrier growth and legacy carrier capacity.

“In recent years, the Middle East has established a leading position in developing new markets and connecting the region to the rest of the world with non-stop services to all continents and key cities,” said OAG.

It added: “The region has a highly competitive environment with best-in-class airlines operating in all segments, alongside ambitious plans for new aircraft and routes. This makes the Middle East a real hot spot in the aviation industry.”

The report highlighted that the Middle East is the sixth-largest region in the world based on available capacity, with 270 million one-way seats in 2024, placing the area ahead of Eastern Europe and behind South Asia.

According to OAG, airlines operating in the Middle East region witnessed an international travel capacity expansion of 8.9 percent by the end of 2024 compared to 2019, the second-strongest pandemic recovery, only next to South Asia, whose capacity grew by 11 percent during the same period.

Affirming the growth of the aviation sector in the region, a recent report by the International Air Transport Association revealed that airlines operating in the Middle East witnessed a 3.3 percent increase in passenger demand growth in February compared to the same month in 2024.

IATA added that the total capacity of Middle Eastern flights also rose by 1.3 percent year on year in February.

In March, another report by Oliver Wyman also highlighted the growth of the aviation sector in the region. It underscored that the fleet of commercial airlines in the Middle East is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1 percent from 2025 to 2035 to reach 2,557 aircraft.

The consultant management firm added that this significant growth in the region is almost double the annual global growth rate, which is projected at 2.8 percent during the same period.

According to the latest OAG report, low-cost carriers accounted for 29 percent of the capacity in the Middle East region in 2024, having more than doubled in the last decade from just 13 percent of capacity in 2014.

Globally, low-cost carriers operated 34 percent of the capacity last year.

Competition intensifies in Middle East market

According to OAG, two Middle Eastern carriers have gained prominence worldwide. Emirates and Qatar Airways are the only regional airlines to feature in 2024’s Top 20 Global Airlines for Capacity and the Top 10 Global Airlines by available seat kilometers — a measure of an airline's passenger carrying capacity.

The report revealed that Emirates is now the 14th largest carrier globally by seat capacity and ranks 4th in terms of available seat kilometers.

On the other hand, Qatar Airways has experienced dramatic growth over the last decade, as it developed Doha into a global connecting point and moved from being the 36th largest airline globally 10 years ago to the 19th in 2024.

A Qatar Airways sign at a check-in area. Shutterstock

Regarding available seat kilometers, Qatar Airways also advanced from 17th in 2019 to the sixth largest globally in 2024.

The capacity of Qatar Airways increased by 18 percent between 2019 and 2024.

The capacity of Emirates dropped by 7 percent in 2024 compared to 2019, while Saudia’s capacity declined by 11 percent during the same period.

“Competition across the region’s leading airlines is increasing, with as much investment in product as network expansion,” said OAG.

The study further stated that the Middle East market is likely to experience significant disruptions in the future as additional airline capacity is added through various airline business models and the creation of new airlines in the region.

“The launch of Riyadh Air is likely to be one of the most interesting disruptions in the Middle East market in the coming years, alongside the planned growth of rival Saudi airline Saudia and its move to a new base at Jeddah,” said OAG.

It added: “Although neither of these airlines is likely to challenge Emirates’ traffic in the short term, they will create a new competitive landscape as Saudi carriers vie for both transfer traffic and inbound tourism.”

Riyadh Air is scheduled to launch passenger flights by the end of 2025. Shutterstock

According to OAG, the key feature of the aviation sector in the Middle East, and particularly the bigger markets of the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, is the depth of network that they offer to travelers.

The report added that non-stop flights from the region’s major hub airports reach every continent, with only a handful of international markets remaining unserved directly.

Markets in South America, including Lima and Santiago, fall just outside the operational reach of the Middle East region.

OAG further said that Doha to Auckland is currently the longest non-stop route operated from the Middle East by Qatar Airways, followed by Emirates’ Dubai to Auckland route.

“In time, with ever-increasing aircraft ranges, it is likely these destinations will provide new markets for the network carriers to increase their revenues further,” the report added.

It concluded: “For the traveler, a seemingly ever-expanding choice of destinations to reach, along with increased competition, is likely to result in airfares remaining competitive throughout the region.”

Topics: Flynas aviation

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