Saudi Arabia unveils initiatives to enhance financial sector talent 

Saudi Arabia unveils initiatives to enhance financial sector talent 
Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, chairman of the Capital Market Authority. AN
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Updated 09 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia unveils initiatives to enhance financial sector talent 

Saudi Arabia unveils initiatives to enhance financial sector talent 
  • Measures reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its economic landscape
  • Collaborations aim to raise the standards of financial expertise and position the Kingdom as a hub for global talent in the industry

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing its financial sector through talent development, leadership training, and global partnerships during a dedicated event in Riyadh. 

These measures, announced at the Financial Academy Forum 2024, reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its economic landscape in alignment with Vision 2030 goals. 

Key highlights included a partnership with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute to boost the number of CFA certification holders in Saudi Arabia and an accreditation from the Chartered Insurance Institute marking the Financial Academy as the first professional development center of its kind in the Kingdom. 

These collaborations aim to raise the standards of financial expertise and position the Kingdom as a hub for global talent in the industry. 

“The financial sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with new products, instruments, and channels. To keep pace, we must invest in the development of human capital,” said Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, chairman of the Capital Market Authority, during his inaugural address. 

He emphasized that these initiatives are critical for fostering a skilled workforce and maintaining the Kingdom’s competitive edge in the financial industry. 

The forum also unveiled a partnership with the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at the University of California, Berkeley. 

This initiative will provide Saudi professionals with access to entrepreneurship programs and training, helping them develop skills in financial innovation. 

This collaboration is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to promote a culture of entrepreneurship and technological growth in the financial sector. 

Enhancing leadership 

One of the cornerstone initiatives announced at the forum was the launch of a leadership program in collaboration with the Swiss Re Institute. This program, the first of its kind in the region, aims to qualify 150 insurance leaders through the Emerging Insurance Leaders Program. 

The initiative will focus on executive training and leadership development, providing specialized programs that address the unique challenges of the insurance sector. 

El-Kuwaiz highlighted the importance of leadership in the financial industry, saying: “The path ahead remains long, whether it be in developing our sector or our economy. This is why events like this are essential in upskilling and training for future growth.” 

He emphasized that strong leadership is essential to navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving global financial market. 

The forum also saw the launch of the “Executive Financial Managers of the 21st Century” initiative, a program that aims to train 60 such professionals in its first year. 

Launched in collaboration with New York University, Paris School of Business, and the CFA Institute, it is designed to elevate the capabilities of financial executives in Saudi Arabia, ensuring they are equipped to handle the growing complexities of the financial landscape. 

Financial Academy’s impact 

Since its establishment in 2020, the Financial Academy has played a critical role in the development of Saudi Arabia’s professionals in the sector. 

To date, the academy has trained over 50,000 individuals across the industry, offering 49 qualifying programs and exams, El-Kuwaiz revealed during the forum. 

These efforts have resulted in the certification of nearly 90,000 professionals, positioning the institute as a central pillar in the Kingdom’s financial infrastructure. 

In addition to its local impact, the Financial Academy has developed partnerships with over 40 leading educational institutions worldwide. 

These collaborations ensure that the academy’s curriculum and training programs meet international standards, providing Saudi financial professionals with globally recognized qualifications. 

El-Kuwaiz pointed to the academy’s ongoing evolution in response to the changing needs of the financial sector. 

“We are seeing a large degree of change within our financial institutions, whether it be new products, instruments, or channels, and their interconnectedness with other sectors,” he said, underscoring the need for continued innovation and upskilling within the industry. 

Role of technology 

A major theme of the forum was the integration of advanced technologies within the financial sector. 

Vice Minister of Finance Abdulmuhsen Al-Khalaf highlighted the pivotal role that technology, particularly artificial intelligence, plays in driving innovation and improving efficiency across the financial industry. 

“Technology is strongly useful in predicting both positive economic forecasts and potential shocks. By integrating advanced tech, we have significantly improved the accuracy of our predictions,” Al-Khalaf said. 

He noted that the Ministry of Finance has already begun incorporating AI and data management systems across its departments. These tools have proven essential in enhancing the accuracy of financial forecasting and streamlining decision-making processes. 

“Within the ministry, we have created AI units across different teams, particularly in expenditure prediction, which has allowed us to move beyond traditional economic modeling tools,” Al-Khalaf added. 

In addition to AI, the forum also emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity within the financial sector. As institutions increasingly rely on digital infrastructure, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has become more critical than ever. 

Al-Khalaf highlighted the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its online defensive capabilities, ensuring that the Kingdom’s financial data remains secure in the face of evolving digital threats. 

Knowledge-based economy 

By investing in the development of its human capital and embracing cutting-edge technologies, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in the global financial industry. 

As part of these efforts, the Kingdom is focused on building a knowledge-based economy that emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement. 

The partnerships announced at the forum, such as the collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, are designed to support this vision by providing Saudi professionals with access to world-class expertise and training in entrepreneurship and finance. 

These initiatives are not only aimed at enhancing the skills of current financial professionals but also at preparing the next generation of leaders to drive the Kingdom’s financial sector forward. 

As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the need for skilled, forward-thinking professionals will be more critical than ever.


Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan sign SME deal to strengthen trade ties

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan sign SME deal to strengthen trade ties
Updated 29 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan sign SME deal to strengthen trade ties

Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan sign SME deal to strengthen trade ties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan have signed a comprehensive agreement focused on strengthening economic collaboration through the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, in a move that underscores both nations’ commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

The memorandum of understanding was formalized during the 8th session of the Saudi-Azerbaijani Joint Committee, held in Riyadh. It was signed between Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha’at, and Azerbaijan’s Small and Medium Business Development Agency, known as KOBIA.

The SME agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, which prioritizes economic diversification and entrepreneurship. For Azerbaijan, it marks another step in forging strategic partnerships in the Gulf region to bolster private-sector growth and create new market opportunities for innovative enterprises.

In a statement posted on X, Monsha’at said: “In the presence of H.E Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Samir Sharifov, Monsha’at, signed a MoU with ‘KOBİA’ Agency, as part of the 8th session of the Saudi-Azerbaijani Joint Committee activities, to strengthen cooperation in supporting the SMEs and entrepreneurship’s growth between the two countries.”

The agreement encompasses a broad range of initiatives, including knowledge exchange, joint training programs, and support for technical innovation. It also promotes investment opportunities, cross-border partnerships, and institutional collaboration through exhibitions and shared platforms.

 

 

In a separate announcement, the Saudi Ministry of Investment revealed the signing of two additional memorandums of understanding between private-sector companies from both countries.

“These agreements cover the development of maritime infrastructure and the establishment of industrial and medical facilities in the Kingdom, including the production of biotechnology and oncology medicines, the establishment of research and development centers, and infrastructure for re-export warehouses,” the Ministry noted in a post on X.

The joint committee also reviewed a series of potential joint ventures aimed at strengthening cooperation across mutually beneficial sectors. These initiatives are closely aligned with both countries’ long-term goals for economic diversification.

Officials from Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan emphasized the importance of fostering dynamic SME ecosystems as engines of job creation, innovation, and global competitiveness. By aligning policy frameworks and enabling institutional collaboration, the two nations aim to unlock greater private-sector engagement and regional trade expansion.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,746

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,746
Updated 29 April 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,746

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,746

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Tuesday, losing 38.43 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 11,746.20.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.87 billion ($1.83 billion), as 86 stocks advanced, while only 157 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased by 5 points, or 0.33 percent, to close at 1,493.77. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, dipped, losing 89.34 points, or 0.31 percent, to close at 28,331.37. This comes as 35 stocks advanced, while 43 retreated.

The best-performing stock on the main index was Arabian Contracting Services Co., with its share price surging by 9.88 percent to SR131.20.

Other top performers included Al-Baha Investment and Development Co., which saw its share price rise by 4.94 percent to SR4.25, and Sumou Real Estate Co., which saw a 3.93 percent increase to SR 46.25. 

The worst performer of the day was Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund, whose share price fell by 3.39 percent to SR9.41. 

Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Co. and Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co. also saw declines, with their shares dropping by 2.94 percent and 2.83 percent to SR185 and SR5.83, respectively. 

On the announcements front, Alinma Bank announced its interim financial results for the first three months of the year, with net profit amounting to SR1.5 million, a 1.3 percent dip compared to the previous quarter.

The bank’s total comprehensive income saw a 56 percent increase in the first quarter of 2025 to reach SR1.6 million. 

Saudi Ceramic Co. also announced its financial results for the same period, with its net profit dipping by 88.4 percent to SR20.8 million compared to the previous quarter. Similarly, the company’s total comprehensive income saw a decrease of 88.7 percent to SR20.8 million. 

Saudi Ceramic Co.’s share price traded 3.15 percent higher on the main market to reach SR27.85. 

In the first quarter of 2025, Astra Industrial Group’s net profits saw a 30.7 percent quarter-on-quarter increase to reach SR171.8 million. The group attributed the increase to an uptick in gross profit in the pharmaceuticals sector and a decrease in finance costs in the specialty chemical sector. 

The group’s share price traded 0.52 percent lower to reach SR153.


Diriyah Co. awards $1.13bn contract for King Saud University relocation 

Diriyah Co. awards $1.13bn contract for King Saud University relocation 
Updated 29 April 2025
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Diriyah Co. awards $1.13bn contract for King Saud University relocation 

Diriyah Co. awards $1.13bn contract for King Saud University relocation 

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Co. has awarded a SR4.22 billion ($1.13 billion) construction contract to relocate King Saud University’s utilities and administration offices, advancing infrastructure development in one of the Kingdom’s flagship urban projects. 

The project was given to a joint venture between China Railway Construction Corp.’s Saudi branch and China Railway Construction Group Central Plain Construction Co., according to a press release. 

Part of the Public Investment Fund’s giga-project portfolio, the Diriyah development is a 14 sq. km mixed-use district poised to house nearly 100,000 residents and provide office space for tens of thousands of professionals across the technology, media, arts, and education sectors. 

Once complete, it is expected to generate 178,000 jobs, attract nearly 50 million annual visitors, and contribute SR70 billion to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product. 

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., said: “We are delighted to announce this major contract to support King Saud University, whose campus adjoins the Diriyah development area.” 

He emphasized that the agreement represents a significant step in furthering efforts to enhance both educational and infrastructural excellence in the Kingdom. 

“We are proud to support one of the Kingdom’s leading academic institutions in delivering enhanced infrastructure services that will benefit both its students and the broader university community,” Inzerillo said. 

The contract includes the design and construction of several critical infrastructure components. These include a district cooling plant, water storage facilities, and a sewage treatment plant, as well as an LPG/SNG plant and a diesel pumping station. 

The scope also covers a utility tunnel, irrigation tanks, office buildings, warehouses, and maintenance workshops. 

Li Chongyang, chairman of China Railway Construction International Group, said the project reflects the firm’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure to the highest standards. 

“We look forward to contributing to the success of this iconic project and supporting the continued growth of King Saud University,” he said. 

This latest award brings the total value of contracts issued by Diriyah Co. in 2025 to over $2.9 billion, as the area undergoes rapid transformation into a global destination aligned with Vision 2030.


Qatar attracts $13.8m industrial investments in Q1

Qatar attracts $13.8m industrial investments in Q1
Updated 29 April 2025
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Qatar attracts $13.8m industrial investments in Q1

Qatar attracts $13.8m industrial investments in Q1

JEDDAH: Qatar recorded 50 million riyals ($13.8 million) in new industrial investments and a 32 percent rise in commercial registrations in the first quarter of 2025, underscoring momentum in its economic diversification and reform agenda.

At its quarterly meeting held on April 28 and chaired by Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al-Thani, the ministry reviewed key performance indicators and introduced several policy updates aimed at bolstering the business environment.

Among the major reforms highlighted were streamlined company registration procedures for foreign investors and simplified environmental permitting processes.

“The meeting also discussed cooperating with the Ministry of Transport to include logistical activities under a single commercial registration; and announcing the automatic issuance of a tax card upon issuing a commercial registration,” the ministry said in a press release.

In January, Qatar unveiled two major policy frameworks: the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy and the Qatar National Manufacturing Strategy 2024–2030. Under the theme “Achieving Sustainable Economic Growth,” the initiatives are aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and aim to enhance private sector participation, expand manufacturing capabilities, and attract foreign direct investment.

The strategies target a 3.4 percent compound annual growth rate in non-oil sectors by 2030 and aim to secure $100 billion in foreign investment, while promoting an innovation-driven economy.

As part of its efforts to support local industry, the ministry launched a new “National Product” webpage to promote fair competition and improve product quality. The verification period also began for factories seeking benefits under the In-Country Value Plus policy.

“The meeting further discussed the key performance indicators for various sectors and administrative units. Results showed that the contribution of the manufacturing sector to real gross domestic product reached 52.4 billion riyals in 2024,” the ministry said.

Qatar also made notable gains in global competitiveness, climbing from 18th in 2022 to 11th in 2024 in the International Institute for Management Development’s business efficiency rankings.

During the first quarter, the ministry conducted 39,558 inspection campaigns and reported significant progress under the Third National Development Strategy.

“The meeting also reviewed the progress of projects under the Third National Development Strategy – concluding that 17 percent of the ministry’s projects were completed and work is ongoing on 23 percent of projects,” the report said.

Efforts to reduce service fees and simplify business registration for overseas investors have contributed to an 87 percent increase in new commercial licenses compared to the same period in 2024. The time required to issue commercial registrations has also decreased significantly.

“Furthermore, the increase of permissible activities for home-based businesses from 10 to 63 activities led to a 54 percent surge in the number of home business licenses,” the ministry noted.

The Single Window platform introduced three new e-services in the first quarter, with 38 additional services scheduled for rollout later this year, supported by strong user satisfaction.

“Local patent applications, trademark registration applications, and copyright registration applications grew by more than 18 percent compared to the first quarter of 2024,” the statement added.

On the industrial front, eight new factories were launched in Q1, and non-hydrocarbon industrial exports reached approximately 29.8 billion riyals. The ministry also began reviewing six potential public-private partnership opportunities.

In consumer affairs, authorities ramped up inspection and awareness campaigns to deter trade violations and reviewed the nation’s strategic stockpile and food and fodder security.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, Undersecretary Mohamed bin Hassan Al-Maliki, assistant undersecretaries, and department directors.

It concluded with a review of project milestones and discussions on overcoming implementation challenges while improving operational performance.


Warehouse occupancy in Saudi Arabia nearing saturation: Knight Frank 

Warehouse occupancy in Saudi Arabia nearing saturation: Knight Frank 
Updated 29 April 2025
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Warehouse occupancy in Saudi Arabia nearing saturation: Knight Frank 

Warehouse occupancy in Saudi Arabia nearing saturation: Knight Frank 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s industrial and logistics market is experiencing growth, with warehouse occupancy rates nearing saturation and rental prices in Riyadh increasing by 16 percent year-on-year, according to Knight Frank. 

The firm’s latest “Saudi Arabia Industrial and Logistics Market Review” highlighted a booming sector driven by e-commerce expansion, strategic government initiatives, and surging foreign investment. 

The Kingdom’s logistics hubs — Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Dammam Metropolitan Area— are operating at near-full capacity. 

Riyadh leads with a 98 percent occupancy rate, while Jeddah and Dammam follow closely at 97 percent each.

This momentum was also reflected in occupancy rates in Abu Dhabi with its industrial and logistics market maintaining near-full capacity, mirroring Dubai’s tight supply.

Key hubs like Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone saw sustained demand, driven by strategic infrastructure projects and growing manufacturing activity, according to a separate report by Knight Frank.

Riyadh’s prime warehouse spaces now command rents exceeding SR250 ($66.6) per sq. meter, while city-wide averages hit SR208.

“Despite a slowdown in demand during the second half of the year, city-wide rental rates increased by 16 percent year-on-year,” the report said. 

Jeddah’s lease rates for Grade B facilities rose to SR238 per sq. meter, with the high-end Asfan district maintaining 100 percent occupancy at SR387 per sq. meter. Dammam Metropolitan Area saw rents jump 14.8 percent to SR202 per sq. meter, fueled by a chronic shortage of quality logistics space.

E-commerce and mega-projects fuel growth 

Rapid urbanization, a tech-savvy consumer base, and giga-projects like the Special Integrated Logistics Zone and Sino-Saudi Logistics Zone are reshaping demand. 

“Demographic shifts including rapid urbanization, increased female workforce participation, and a tech-savvy Gen Z and millennial consumer base are accelerating the growth of the e-commerce sector,” the report stated. 

The 3-million-sq. meter Special Integrated Logistics Zone has attracted global players like SHEIN and Apple, while the 4-million-sq. meter Sino-Saudi zone aims to strengthen trade ties with China. 

Government initiatives and private investment 

The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s industrial strategy, aiming to increase the transport and logistics sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product to 10 percent by 2030, from 6 percent in 2021.

Public-private partnerships are flourishing, with projects like the Tamer Logistics Park and Agility Logistics Park set to expand supply in key regions. 

“Substantial investments to improve and expand connectivity and trade infrastructure, along with regulatory reforms are helping transform Saudi Arabia into a logistics powerhouse,” the report emphasized.

Sustainability and digital transformation 

The sector is also pivoting toward sustainability and automation. Companies like Maersk and Agility are adopting solar-powered warehouses, while digital tools streamline operations. 

“Sustainability has become a major market driver, with companies integrating renewable energy fields and LEED-certified buildings,” said Adam Wynne, partner at Knight Frank. 

With 36,000 factories projected by 2035 and FDI reforms attracting multinationals, Knight Frank predicts sustained growth. 

“Saudi Arabia is on track to become a regional logistics powerhouse,” Wynne said, citing the Kingdom’s integration of “global expertise, modern infrastructure, and green initiatives.”