Egypt unveils infrastructure projects to boost private sector investments

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Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan Al-Khatib was speaking at a conference organized by the Center for International Private Enterprise. Facebook/Egyptian Cabinet
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Updated 07 October 2024
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Egypt unveils infrastructure projects to boost private sector investments

  • Egypt’s private sector engagement is crucial for development cooperation, enhancing livelihoods, and advancing the 2030 agenda
  • Government is offering nine infrastructure projects through its partnership unit

RIYADH: Egypt is rolling out a series of infrastructure projects to boost private sector engagement, according to the minister of investment and foreign trade. 

During a conference organized by the Center for International Private Enterprise, Minister Hassan Al-Khatib outlined the government’s commitment to empowering the private sector as a catalyst for economic growth. 

Egypt’s private sector engagement is crucial for development cooperation, enhancing livelihoods, and advancing the 2030 agenda.

The government is currently offering nine infrastructure projects through its partnership unit, with Al-Khatib saying: “The government is committed to attracting more investments and enhancing the role of the private sector as a key engine of economic growth and innovation.” 

Al-Khatib added that public-private partnerships will be crucial in driving sustainable growth, creating jobs, and improving the investment climate through regulatory reforms. The government has prioritized investments in sectors such as industry, health care, agriculture, tourism, and energy. 

The minister also said that renewable energy, particularly in hydrogen production and energy storage, is a key focus area in line with Egypt’s energy goals. 

“The government is encouraging investments in solar energy technology, semiconductor production, data centers, and outsourcing services,” the Egyptian Cabinet said in an official statement. 

Diversifying export markets is another strategic priority for Egypt, and Al-Khatib said the government aims to expand export markets across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, targeting $145 billion in annual exports. 

“Efforts are underway to strengthen global trade relations and bolster the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, alongside partnerships with the European Union and other global partners,” the minister said. 

The government is also working to reduce trade barriers, simplify customs procedures, and improve logistics infrastructure to connect Egypt with international markets. 

On the green hydrogen front, Egypt is positioning itself as a global leader in the production and export of green hydrogen. 

Al-Khatib discussed Egypt’s national low-carbon hydrogen strategy, which is a core part of its renewable energy transition to leverage the country’s rich solar and wind resources, making Egypt a hub for hydrogen exports to European and Asian markets. 

On the legislative front is Law No. 2 of 2024, which came into effect in January and established a comprehensive legal framework for green hydrogen projects, offering financial incentives and streamlined processes for investors. 

“The law grants the ‘golden license,’ a single license covering all stages of project execution and operation,” the minister said. 

Al-Khatib also touched on recent reforms to Egypt’s investment law, which introduced new incentives to attract local and foreign investments. 

The reforms include the launch of digital platforms by the General Authority for Investment to streamline company registration, licensing, and name reservation processes, as well as reducing paperwork requirements. 

Efforts to simplify land allocation and fast-track licensing for industrial projects were also highlighted, including expanding free zones for industries like petroleum refining, fertilizer manufacturing, and gas liquefaction. 

“The government is working to attract more industrial projects under this free zone model and has simplified the establishment criteria for these zones,” the Cabinet statement said. 

In support of entrepreneurship and startups, Al-Khatib referenced a decision by the prime minister to establish a permanent unit within the Cabinet. This unit, led by the CEO of GAFI, is tasked with developing policies and regulations to foster the growth of startups in Egypt. 

“It will also serve as a liaison between the government and entrepreneurs to address challenges and gather input for policy-making,” the minister said. 


Qatar’s FDI projects jump 110% in 2024, says investment agency chief

Updated 18 May 2025
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Qatar’s FDI projects jump 110% in 2024, says investment agency chief

  • Number of FDI projects reached 241 in 2024, up from 115 in 2023
  • Most of the investments were concentrated in key sectors, particularly wholesale and retail trade

RIYADH: Qatar saw a 109.6 percent year-on-year increase in foreign direct investment projects in 2024, more than doubling the 2023 total, reflecting growing global confidence in its economy, according to a top official. 

Speaking to Qatar News Agency, Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO of the Investment Promotion Agency, said the number of FDI projects reached 241 in 2024, up from 115 in 2023. 

He attributed this growth to strong investor confidence in Qatar’s economic resilience and long-term strategic direction. 

“This growth is attributed to targeted investment policies, a supportive business environment, and the state’s commitment to economic diversification in line with Qatar National Vision 2030," the QNA report stated. 

Most of the investments were concentrated in key sectors, particularly wholesale and retail trade, which accounted for 77 undertakings, and administrative and support services, which had 41. 

Greenfield projects, involving new ventures rather than expansions, comprised 74 percent of the total, highlighting Qatar’s appeal as a destination for sustainable, long-term investments. 

Al-Thani stated that these developments were driven by recent reforms, including simplified licensing procedures and enhanced digital services, aligned with the economic diversification objectives of the Third National Development Strategy. 

He also pointed to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Strategy for 2024–2030, which aims to boost the investment environment further by achieving 3.4 percent annual growth in non-oil sectors. 

The establishment of the National Statistics Centre was also highlighted as a milestone in enhancing data-driven policymaking and transparency, key enablers of a healthy investment climate, the official noted. 

Qatar’s global competitiveness continues to strengthen, Al-Thani said, citing its rise to 11th place in the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Index for 2024. 

In terms of logistics and infrastructure, the country ranked 14th for logistics competence and 19th for infrastructure in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index. 

According to the agency, the new investment projects generated 9,348 jobs in 2024, a 122.7 percent increase from 4,197 jobs in 2023. 

These roles were largely in the same sectors that attracted the most FDI, including retail and wholesale trade, support services, accommodation and food services, and scientific research and development.

“Our strategy is firmly centered on attracting high-quality, knowledge-based investments that align with Qatar’s long-term economic diversification goals. We focus on sectors where Qatar offers a strong competitive advantage, and where innovation, technology and sustainability can generate real value for both investors and the local economy,” he was quoted as saying by QNA.

He added: “A core component of this strategy has been the development of strategic partnerships with leading global organisations. These collaborations go beyond job creation — they are focused on transferring knowledge, introducing cutting-edge technologies and embedding international best practices across key industries.” 

He said this investment approach supports key national objectives, including achieving an average annual economic growth rate of 4 percent, increasing labor productivity, and attracting $100 billion in FDI by 2030. 

Qatar’s achievements have also been recognized globally. The country ranked first worldwide for tax policy and basic infrastructure in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2024, second for general infrastructure in the Global Innovation Index, and fourth for information and communications technology development in the ITU ICT Development Index. 

Its commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation was underlined in the 2024–2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, where it ranked first globally in entrepreneurial intentions and employee activity, and ninth for start-up opportunities. 


Omani banking sector credit surges 7.4% in February

Updated 18 May 2025
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Omani banking sector credit surges 7.4% in February

  • Credit extended to the private sector rose by 6.1% annually to 27.3 billion rials
  • Total deposits in the Omani banking sector registered a 6.4% year-on-year growth to reach 32 billion rials

RIYADH: The total credit extended by Oman’s banking sector surged by 7.4 percent year on year to reach 32.9 billion Omani rials ($85.46 billion) by the end of February, new figures showed. 

Released by the Central Bank of Oman, the data indicated that credit extended to the private sector rose by 6.1 percent annually to 27.3 billion rials during the same period. 

This aligns with Oman’s projected economic growth of 3.4 percent in 2025, outpacing many global peers, according to Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais bin Mohammed Al-Yousef, who spoke at the International Investment Forum in Muscat in April. 

The February report said: “Non-financial corporations received the highest share of the total private sector credit at approximately 46.3 percent at end-February 2025, followed by the household sector at 44.3 percent.” 

Oman achieved a 6.2 percent budget surplus and a 2.4 percent current account gain in 2024, driven by prudent fiscal policies, high oil prices, and nonhydrocarbon export growth. Shutterstock

It added: “The share of financial corporations was 5.5 percent while other sectors received the remaining 3.8 percent of total private sector credit as at the end of February 2025.” 

The analysis further revealed that total deposits in the Omani banking sector registered a 6.4 percent year-on-year growth to reach 32 billion rials at the end of February. It added that total private sector deposits increased 8.2 percent to 21 billion rials. 

“In terms of sector-wise composition of private sector deposits, the biggest contribution is from household deposits at 50.3 percent, followed by non-financial corporations at 30.4 percent, financial corporations at 16.9 percent and other sectors at 2.4 percent,” the report concluded in that regard.

In January, the 2024 Article IV consultation issued by the International Monetary Fund disclosed that Oman achieved a 6.2 percent budget surplus and a 2.4 percent current account gain in 2024, driven by prudent fiscal policies, high oil prices, and nonhydrocarbon export growth. At the time, the IMF attributed these figures to effective economic management. 

Despite higher social spending under a new protection law, the nonhydrocarbon primary deficit as a share of nonhydrocarbon gross domestic product remained stable, highlighting the government’s commitment to financial discipline, the IMF release explained at the time. 

Government debt as a percentage of gross domestic product also declined further, reaching 35 percent in 2024, marking continued improvement in Oman’s economic fundamentals. 

The findings reflect the broader resilience across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, as highlighted in a December IMF report, which noted that GCC economies have successfully navigated recent shocks, thanks to robust non-hydrocarbon growth and continued reform efforts.


Saudi Arabia’s US Treasury holdings rise to $131.6bn in March

Updated 18 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s US Treasury holdings rise to $131.6bn in March

  • Kingdom maintained 17th place among the largest holders of such financial instruments in March
  • Saudi Arabia and UAE are the only GCC countries among the top 20 holders of US Treasury securities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s holdings of US Treasury securities stood at $131.6 billion in March, reflecting an increase of $5.2 billion from February, according to the latest data.

The analysis, released by the US Treasury, represents a month-on-month increase of 4.11 percent following a marginal decrease of 0.39 percent from January to February.

The change reflects market fluctuations or potential portfolio rebalancing as the Kingdom navigates global economic conditions. Saudi Arabia’s accumulation of US Treasuries is part of its broader strategy to manage foreign reserves and diversify low-risk assets.

The data revealed that the Kingdom maintained 17th place among the largest holders of such financial instruments in March.

The study also shows that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the only Gulf Cooperation Council countries among the top 20 holders of US Treasury securities.

In March, the Kingdom’s holdings of US Treasuries included long-term bonds worth $103.8 billion, representing 78.8 percent of the total, and short-term bonds amounting to $23.2 billion, accounting for 17.6 percent.

In its latest release, the US Department of the Treasury stated: “The sum total in March of all net foreign acquisitions of long-term securities, short-term US securities, and banking flows was a net TIC (Treasury International Capital) inflow of $254.3 billion.”

Of this, net foreign private inflows accounted for $259.2 billion, and net foreign official outflows reached $4.9 billion.

According to a press release, foreign residents increased their holdings of long-term US securities to $183.2 billion in March, with private investors purchasing $146.0 billion while foreign official institutions recorded net sales of $37.3 billion. US residents also raised their holdings of long-term foreign securities with net purchases of $21.5 billion.

Meanwhile, foreign residents also boosted their US Treasury bill holdings in March. “Foreign resident holdings of all dollar-denominated short-term US securities and other custody liabilities increased by $98.6 billion,” the release added.

Conversely, banks’ net dollar-denominated liabilities to foreign residents dropped by $6.1 billion.

The report said Japan was the largest investor in US treasury bonds in March, with holdings totaling $1.13 trillion, followed by the UK and China, with portfolios valued at $779.3 billion and $765.4 billion, respectively.

The Cayman Islands and Canada were ranked fourth and fifth on the list, with treasury holdings amounting to $455.3 billion and $426.2 billion, respectively. 


Saudi Arabia tops MENA digital economy rankings with $132bn market

Updated 18 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia tops MENA digital economy rankings with $132bn market

  • Kingdom has invested over SR55 billion in AI technologies and data center infrastructure
  • Figures released on occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as the Middle East and North Africa’s largest digital economy, with a market value exceeding SR495 billion ($131.9 billion) in 2024, equivalent to 15 percent of the national gross domestic product.

The figures were shared by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

This comes as Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its role as a regional and global digital powerhouse, underpinned by significant advancements in artificial intelligence, data centers, e-government, and human capital development.

“The communications and information technology market recorded record growth exceeding SR180 billion in 2024, driven by expanding private sector investments and increasing innovation, which strengthened the Kingdom’s position as the largest technology market in the Middle East,” the SPA report stated.

Saudi Arabia marks World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. X/@Mobily

The country has invested over SR55 billion in AI technologies and data center infrastructure, contributing to a 42 percent increase in national data center capacity in 2024, reaching 290.5 megawatts.

The Kingdom’s efforts are exemplified by the launch of Humain, a state-backed AI company, which underscores this commitment.

Humain aims to build AI technologies and infrastructure, including large data centers and Arabic-language AI models, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global AI hub.

The Kingdom has actively sought partnerships with leading global tech companies. Notably, Nvidia is set to supply 18,000 of its advanced AI chips to Saudi Arabia as part of a strategic partnership with Humain.

Fiber-optic coverage now extends to over 3.9 million homes, while internet penetration has reached 99 percent, placing Saudi Arabia among the most connected nations globally.

Saudi Arabia marks World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. X/@Mobily

This infrastructure expansion supports high-efficiency digital services and reflects the Kingdom’s readiness to support cloud computing and smart applications.

Human capital development remains a cornerstone of the digital transformation strategy.

Saudi Arabia hosts the largest concentration of digital talent in the Middle East, with over 381,000 specialized jobs in the technology sector.

Women’s participation in the sector has increased from 7 percent in 2018 to 35 percent in 2024, the highest in the region and surpassing averages in both the G20 and the European Union.

In the area of digital governance, the Kingdom has achieved top-tier global rankings. It ranked fourth globally in the UN’s Online Services Index, sixth in the E-Government Development Index, and second among G20 nations.

Regionally, it holds the number one position in digital government services. Additionally, the Kingdom secured first place worldwide in digital skills and open digital government, and seventh in e-participation.


Saudi Arabia’s expat remittances hit near 9-year high at $4.13bn in March

Updated 18 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s expat remittances hit near 9-year high at $4.13bn in March

  • Central Bank says it is the highest monthly level recorded in nearly nine years
  • Transfers made by Saudi citizens rose to SR6.5 billion, representing a 27% increase

RIYADH: Expatriate remittances from Saudi Arabia soared to SR15.5 billion ($4.13 billion) in March 2024, marking a 29.61 percent year-on-year increase.

According to data released by the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, this is the highest monthly level recorded in nearly nine years.

The surge reflects an increasingly attractive labor market in the Kingdom and growing momentum in digital payment adoption, enabling smoother international money transfers for the country’s large expatriate population.

In parallel, transfers made by Saudi citizens also rose to SR6.5 billion, representing a 27 percent increase over the same period and reaching their highest level in almost three years, SAMA figures show.

People wait in line to remit money via a money transfer service in Riyadh. Shutterstock

The remittance upswing comes amid broader growth in cross-border transactions. According to Visa’s “Money Travels: 2024 Digital Remittances Adoption” report, published in October, senders in the Kingdom are primarily motivated to provide ongoing financial support to families, address urgent needs, and contribute to health and education-related costs.

These priorities have helped sustain high transaction volumes despite global remittance trends softening elsewhere.

The analysis also highlighted that digital platforms are now the preferred method for sending money internationally from Saudi Arabia. More than half of the surveyed users said they plan to increase their use of digital channels in the coming year, while fewer than a third expect to continue relying on traditional physical methods such as cash or money orders.

Ali Bailoun, Visa’s general manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, noted that the Kingdom remains one of the leading remittance-sending markets globally. He emphasized that the country’s payments sector is advancing rapidly and that local partners are continuing to enhance digital solutions that are secure, seamless, and aligned with evolving user expectations.

While digital tools are improving access and speed, remittance users nationwide still point to a few persistent challenges, including service fees and exchange rate clarity.

The study found that about one-third of senders and recipients reported concerns with costs and fee transparency, particularly when using cash-based transfer options.

Nonetheless, the continued shift toward digital channels is helping address many of these issues, offering users greater control, visibility, and convenience in managing international payments.

The report also found that 87 percent of Saudi-based respondents plan to send money abroad at least once per year. In comparison, 73 percent expect to receive remittances during the same timeframe, indicating steady demand and sustained cross-border financial engagement.

The upward volume and digital uptake trend reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation agenda, as the Kingdom works to modernize its financial infrastructure in line with Vision 2030.

As remittance flows reach new highs, digital innovation plays a pivotal role in reshaping how individuals connect with and support their families worldwide.