海角直播

海角直播鈥檚 Vision 2030 enters final phase with strong momentum

Special 海角直播鈥檚 Vision 2030 enters final phase with strong momentum
The latest annual report for 2024 reveals that of the 374 key performance indicators at the third level, 299 were fully achieved. (SPA/File)
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Updated 27 April 2025

海角直播鈥檚 Vision 2030 enters final phase with strong momentum

海角直播鈥檚 Vision 2030 enters final phase with strong momentum
  • Kingdom achieves 93 percent of key performance indicators 鈥 fully or partially 鈥 in nine years

RIYADH: 海角直播鈥檚 Vision 2030 initiative has seen remarkable progress, with 93 percent of its key performance indicators either fully or partially met since its launch nine years ago, according to the latest official assessment.

The Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and foster a vibrant environment for both local and international investors, is evaluated through the performance of its Vision Realization Programs and national strategies.

These tools are central to the initiative鈥檚 execution and are assessed based on two main criteria: the advancement of initiatives and the performance of measurable indicators.

reveals that of the 374 key performance indicators at the third level, 299 were fully achieved, with 257 of these surpassing their original targets. Another 49 indicators came close to full achievement, reaching between 85 and 99 percent of their goals.




海角直播's King Salman lays the foundation stone at the Qiddiya entertainment park near Riyadh on April 28, 2018. (SPA/File)

This progress demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term planning combined with strategic execution, contributing to transformative changes across the country. The success of Vision 2030鈥檚 Level-3 indicators indicates strong alignment between national planning and real-world implementation in various sectors.

Detailed metrics also capture tangible outcomes, such as increased hospital capacity, the rollout of digital services, and the issuance of tourism licenses. To ensure continued success, corrective actions are being taken to adjust both initiatives and performance metrics, with a focus on accelerating implementation and keeping the Vision鈥檚 objectives firmly within reach.

Strong delivery across initiatives

This performance aligns with strong delivery across Vision 2030鈥檚 portfolio of initiatives. As of 2024, 85 percent of all initiatives were either completed or progressing on track.

Out of 1,502 total initiatives launched under the Vision, 674 were completed and another 596 were advancing as scheduled.

This translates to an unusually high success rate for a transformation effort of this scale and complexity.




海角直播 Formula One Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 19, 2025. (AFP)

Each of these initiatives contributes to larger national priorities, ranging from housing and healthcare to digital innovation, clean energy, and cultural development.

Their successful implementation reflects years of investment in institutional capacity, coordination frameworks, and performance monitoring systems, much of which was built during the vision鈥檚 first and second phases.

A decade of economic reforms

These latest achievements are rooted in nearly a decade of groundwork, reforms, and phased rollouts that began in 2016 when Vision 2030 was first unveiled.

The first five years focused on stabilizing the macroeconomic base and introducing structural reforms, while the second phase emphasized scaling and acceleration.

The result is a development model that is now attracting international attention for its consistency and ambition.




The private sector鈥檚 role in the economy has also continued to expand. (AFP/File)

Between 2016 and 2024, 海角直播 undertook sweeping structural reforms to reduce its oil dependency, boost private sector engagement, and unlock new economic engines.

This included targeted policy interventions in tourism, logistics, mining, and tech 鈥 areas now becoming core drivers of non-oil growth.

The private sector鈥檚 role in the economy has also continued to expand, with its contribution to GDP reaching 47 percent in 2024, exceeding the year鈥檚 target of 46 percent.

In 2024, real non-oil GDP grew by 3.9 percent compared to 2023, driven by continued investment expansion in non-oil sectors, which saw a 4.3 percent increase in activity.

By the fourth quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate among Saudis dropped to 7 percent 鈥 meeting the Vision 2030 target six years ahead of schedule. This milestone marks an improvement from 12.3 percent at the end of 2016. At the same time, average annual inflation remained low at 1.7 percent, ranking among the lowest in G20 economies.




This is a result of the efforts made to achieve an economic policy that balances growth with healthy inflation rates.

Foreign direct investment inflows reached SR77.6 billion in 2024, signaling growing international confidence in the Saudi market.

Optimism in the non-oil private sector was also reflected in the Purchasing Managers鈥 Index, which stood at 58.1 in the fourth quarter of 2024. This was a result of developments throughout the year and was driven by an increase in new orders.

Global recognition

Global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and World Bank have revised Saudi growth forecasts upward, and all three major credit rating agencies 鈥 Moody鈥檚, Fitch, and S&P 鈥 affirmed the Kingdom鈥檚 sovereign strength with stable outlooks.

The Public Investment Fund has continued to play a central role in financing and driving large-scale development. 听

Its assets under management have reached SR3.53 trillion by the end of 2024 鈥 more than tripled since the launch of Vision 2030 鈥 exceeding their annual target.

The fund鈥檚 assets have made remarkable progress, growing by more than 390 percent from 2016 to 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 22 percent, exceeding its annual target. This increase is primarily attributed to the fund鈥檚 proactive investment strategy across various sectors.




Detailed metrics also capture tangible outcomes, such as increased hospital capacity, the rollout of digital services, and the issuance of tourism licenses. (SPA)

In parallel, the value of 海角直播鈥檚 discovered mineral resources has soared to SR9.4 trillion, a 92 percent increase from 2016 estimates, which stood at SR4.9 trillion.

By the end of 2024, the number of achieved investment opportunities surged to 1,865, surpassing the year鈥檚 target of 1,197.

Globally, 海角直播 has improved its standing in multiple international benchmarks.

It now ranks 16th in the International Institute for Management Development鈥檚 World Competitiveness Index, up 20 places since 2017.

Opinion

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The Kingdom has also made progress in digital governance, climbing 25 positions in the UN E-Government Development Index since 2016 to secure 6th place globally 鈥 bringing it within reach of its Vision 2030 goal to be among the top five nations.

These rankings highlight the Kingdom鈥檚 efforts to digitize services, modernize institutions, and improve public sector performance.

Social and sectoral progress

Social indicators have also advanced steadily. The homeownership rate climbed to 65.4 percent in 2024, exceeding the target of 64 percent for that year.

As part of the long-term goal to plant 10 billion trees, environmental programs have exceeded expectations. Around 115 million trees were planted as of 2024, while 188,000 hectares of degraded land were successfully rehabilitated.

The number of volunteers exceeded 1.2 million by the end of 2024, surpassing the 2030 target of 1 million.




Pilgrims arriving at Jeddah鈥檚 King Abdulaziz Airport for the annual Hajj. (AN photo by Nada Hameed)

The Kingdom鈥檚 expanded e-visa systems and upgraded infrastructure helped drive a historic rise in international pilgrim numbers.

海角直播 recorded 16.92 million foreign Umrah pilgrims in 2024 鈥 its highest ever, far exceeding the annual target of 11.3 million.

Adding to the momentum, 海角直播 is set to welcome the premier competition of the world鈥檚 most popular sport as the official host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Looking ahead

Much of this progress was supported by the evolution of Vision Realization Programs, which were introduced in the early phase of Vision 2030 as medium-term delivery mechanisms.

Over time, these programs enhanced cross-government coordination, accelerated execution, and helped exceed multiple national targets.

Today, there are 10 VRPs operating across strategic sectors such as health, digital transformation, and tourism, as well as financial services and sustainability, each contributing to the delivery of Vision 2030鈥檚 core pillars of a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.




The next five years will be critical not only in achieving remaining goals but in sustaining the momentum well beyond the 2030 horizon. (SPA)

As the final stretch of Vision 2030 approaches, the Kingdom鈥檚 focus remains on institutional resilience, measurable outcomes, and global competitiveness.

While challenges remain in some areas, the combination of high delivery rates, adaptive governance, and strong financial management has positioned 海角直播 as a case study in long-term national transformation.

The next five years will be critical not only in achieving remaining goals but in sustaining the momentum well beyond the 2030 horizon.


海角直播鈥檚 transportation boom opens doors for private investment

海角直播鈥檚 transportation boom opens doors for private investment
Updated 09 August 2025

海角直播鈥檚 transportation boom opens doors for private investment

海角直播鈥檚 transportation boom opens doors for private investment
  • Private entities expected to contribute around 80% of targeted investments in the sector

海角直播鈥檚 transportation boom opens doors for private investment

RIYADH: 海角直播鈥檚 rapidly expanding transportation sector is unlocking new investment opportunities for private players, both local and global, experts have told Arab News.

Central to the Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030 strategy, transportation development is seen as a key enabler for economic diversification and the drive to position 海角直播 as a global logistics, tourism, and business hub.

With a growing emphasis on public-private partnerships, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser announced during the third PIF Private Sector Forum, held in Riyadh in February,  that private entities are expected to contribute around 80 percent of the targeted investments in the country鈥檚 transport and logistics sector. 

He added that the total value of projects offered to the private sector 鈥 through privatization and other models 鈥 could reach SR240 billion ($63.95 billion).

Joseph Salem, executive at Arthur D. Little, Middle East. (Supplied)

Joseph Salem, partner and travel, transportation and hospitality practice lead at Arthur D. Little, Middle East, told Arab News that public-private partnerships are at the core of this strategy. 

鈥淧rivatization of key transport infrastructure, such as ports and airports, is creating new opportunities for private investment,鈥 he said, adding: 鈥淭he development and management of cargo terminals through PPP agreements are attracting private efficiency and capital. The construction and engineering sectors are also benefiting, with numerous megaprojects like the Riyadh Metro and Neom鈥檚 mobility network.鈥

Alessandro Tricamo, partner at Oliver Wyman鈥檚 transportation and services practice for India, the Middle East, and Africa, echoed similar sentiments and emphasized the importance of selecting suitable assets to attract investors.

鈥淕lobally, asset classes such as airports and seaports are typically considered bankable, with the potential to generate strong returns and attract private investment. Conversely, railways and public transport systems often require structured support from the government to become commercially viable,鈥 said Tricamo.

Alessandro Tricamo, partner at Oliver Wyman鈥檚 transportation and services practice for India, the Middle East, and Africa. (Supplied)

He added: 鈥淚n the Kingdom, there鈥檚 still a need to refine how these projects are structured and presented to the private sector, as expectations are sometimes misaligned with market realities. Clear, realistic frameworks will help unlock greater private sector involvement and broaden the Kingdom鈥檚 business landscape.鈥

The Kingdom鈥檚 logistics infrastructure is expanding rapidly. According to a report released by the General Authority for Statistics in December, the number of logistics facilities in the country has increased by 267 percent since 2021, with the Eastern Province leading in logistics hubs spanning 6.3 million sq. meters.

鈥淧rivate companies are seizing opportunities in trucking, warehousing, freight forwarding, and e-commerce delivery services. Technology firms are also entering the market, offering solutions in AI, electric vehicles, and autonomous transport,鈥 said Salem.

He added: 鈥淥verall, the transportation revolution in 海角直播 is creating a more diversified and competitive business environment. Private sector involvement is key to realizing the Kingdom鈥檚 ambitious Vision 2030 goals.鈥

Transportation as a growth enabler

Anthoine Barthes, vice president of Al-Futtaim Automotive, told Arab News that transportation infrastructure underpins nearly every pillar of Vision 2030, acting as a foundation for economic growth.

Anthoine Barthes, vice president of Al-Futtaim Automotive. (Supplied)'/

According to Barthes, transportation is not only about mobility but also about creating links between economic zones, facilitating trade, drawing investment, enhancing quality of life, and boosting tourism.

鈥淎 key objective is for 海角直播 to become a global logistics hub, and this requires state-of-the-art ports, efficient rail networks, extensive road infrastructure, and modern airports capable of handling significant cargo and passenger volumes,鈥 said Barthes.

He also pointed to the Riyadh Metro 鈥 with its six lines spanning 176 km 鈥 as evidence of the Kingdom鈥檚 progress in developing effective public transport systems.

鈥淭hese efforts, alongside continuous improvements to road infrastructure and the integration of smart city mobility solutions, are crucial for enhancing the quality of life, mitigating urban congestion, and fostering sustainable urban growth,鈥 added Barthes.

Salem noted that infrastructure development supports the growth of multiple industries, including tourism and entertainment, with road upgrades linking key cities to rising destinations such as Qiddiya and Amaala.

He also highlighted how enhancements around Makkah and Madinah have improved accessibility for millions of religious visitors, reinforcing tourism and Umrah growth.

Integrated logistics backbone

Tricamo underlined that efficient logistics and supply chain management are fundamental to sustained economic development.

鈥淎 well-connected transport network that links urban and industrial centers and facilitates the smooth movement of goods and people is a key enabler of the Kingdom鈥檚 broader economic ambitions. It directly impacts the reliability, speed, and cost-effectiveness of supply chains,鈥 said Tricamo.

Arthur D. Little鈥檚 Salem believes that infrastructure modernization and the integration of advanced technologies are strengthening the Kingdom鈥檚 global supply chain footprint. He pointed to 海角直播鈥檚 rise in the World Bank鈥檚 Logistics Performance Index, climbing 17 spots to rank 38th globally in 2023.

鈥淰ision 2030 also focuses on expanding multi-modal freight capacity. The rail network will grow from 3,650 km to 8,000 km, enhancing logistics. Air cargo capacity is set to increase to over 4.5 million tonnes annually by 2030, while Saudi ports will handle up to 40 million TEUs,鈥 said Salem.

He added: 鈥淎dditionally, 40 new logistics centers across 100 million sq. meters will attract global companies, positioning 海角直播 as a logistics hub. These efforts are expected to reduce logistics costs, improve reliability, and grow the sector to $57 billion by 2030.鈥

Impact on the business landscape

Barthes said ongoing advancements in the Kingdom鈥檚 transport infrastructure are expected to reshape the business environment.

He noted that reduced logistics costs, quicker deliveries, and agile supply chains will benefit a wide range of industries.

鈥淎 world-class infrastructure is a primary magnet for foreign direct investment. International companies are more willing to establish operations, knowing they can efficiently move goods and people,鈥 said Barthes.

Salem emphasized how transportation development enhances the ease of doing business and improves trade connectivity through upgraded logistics hubs.

鈥淭he growth of tourism, retail, and real estate sectors is another benefit. Better transportation networks make it easier for people to travel and for goods to be delivered, driving demand in these industries,鈥 said the Arthur D. Little partner.

He added that modernized ports, roads, and rail corridors are boosting trade volumes, while domestic improvements in connectivity are helping to meet growing internal demand across agriculture, retail, and construction.

Technology-driven transformation

Tricamo highlighted the vital role of digital innovation in shaping 海角直播鈥檚 future transport ecosystem.

鈥淒igital solutions 鈥 from smart ticketing and real-time tracking management systems 鈥 will be essential for building a future-ready, user-centric transport ecosystem,鈥 he said.

Salem echoed these views, noting the Kingdom鈥檚 strong push for smart infrastructure, digital logistics, and electric mobility.

He added that electric vehicles are reshaping transportation, supported by investments in thousands of fast-charging points across 1,000 locations by 2030. The goal is to have 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh electrified by then.

鈥淪mart cities like Neom are integrating IoT sensors, AI-driven traffic management, and predictive congestion systems to optimize transportation. These technologies improve traffic flow, reduce accidents, and enhance the overall commuter experience. In logistics, automation and AI are being used to streamline freight operations, reduce errors, and optimize delivery routes,鈥 said Salem.

Overcoming challenges

Salem acknowledged that the Kingdom faces hurdles such as overreliance on road transport, the country鈥檚 vast geography, regulatory bottlenecks, skill shortages, and climate-related challenges.

He emphasized that the government is proactively addressing these with targeted initiatives.

鈥淭o reduce reliance on roads, 海角直播 is investing heavily in rail and public transit projects like the Riyadh Metro. The vast size of the Kingdom is being addressed by extending transportation networks to remote areas, ensuring equitable access to modern infrastructure,鈥 said Salem.

He added that regulatory reforms, including the establishment of the National Center for Privatization, are streamlining approval processes and attracting private sector investment. 

鈥淭hrough partnerships with global firms, 海角直播 is transferring knowledge and building local expertise to overcome skills gaps,鈥 said the Arthur D. Little partner.

Tricamo pointed to the scale of investment as the primary challenge facing transport infrastructure expansion.

鈥淚n 海角直播, the ambitious scope and accelerated timeline of Vision 2030 add further complexity, requiring multiple high-value infrastructure projects to be developed simultaneously. The private sector can play a key role in easing this burden,鈥 he said.

The Oliver Wyman partner concluded by emphasizing the need for careful asset selection to balance commercial viability and government support.
 


海角直播鈥檚 drive to build a defense powerhouse

海角直播鈥檚 drive to build a defense powerhouse
Updated 09 August 2025

海角直播鈥檚 drive to build a defense powerhouse

海角直播鈥檚 drive to build a defense powerhouse
  • Kingdom aims to localize 50 percent of its military spending by the end of the decade

JEDDAH: 海角直播鈥檚 military equipment manufacturing sector is undergoing a significant expansion, emerging as a pivotal element of the Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy to boost domestic industrial capacity.

Supported by robust government backing, strategic global partnerships, and growing local innovation, the defense industry is becoming a critical contributor to national security and a promising source of non-oil revenue.

Under Vision 2030, 海角直播 aims to localize 50 percent of its military spending by the end of the decade. The sector鈥檚 regulator, the General Authority for Military Industries, reported notable progress, with localization rising from 4 percent in 2018 to 19.35 percent in 2024 鈥 reflecting steady advances toward self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

The Kingdom鈥檚 military expenditure reached $75.8 billion in 2024, according to official estimates, representing 3.1 percent of global defense spending. Using its own methodology, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates the figure slightly higher at $80.3 billion.

The country has allocated about $78 billion for the military sector in its 2025 budget 鈥 21 percent of government spending and 7.2 percent of gross domestic product 鈥 supporting its goals to diversify the economy and reduce oil dependence.

GAMI is driving efforts to attract investment, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and develop a strong defense industry spanning aerospace, armored vehicles, and missile systems, as well as electronic warfare, and UAVs 鈥 boosting both national security and long-term industrial growth.

Global defense spending hits $2.7tn

According to its April 2024 report Trends in World Military Expenditure, SIPRI said global military spending exceeded $2.7 trillion in 2024, marking a decade of continuous annual growth and a 37 percent increase between 2015 and 2024.

鈥淭he 9.4 percent increase in 2024 was the steepest year-on-year rise since at least 1988. The global military burden 鈥 the share of the world鈥檚 GDP devoted to military expenditure 鈥 increased to 2.5 percent in 2024. Average military expenditure as a share of government expenditure rose to 7.1 percent in 2024, and world military spending per person was the highest since 1990, at $334,鈥 the report added.

The US, China, Russia, Germany, and India are the top five military spenders, making up 60 percent of global defense expenditure. The US leads with $997 billion 鈥 more than three times China鈥檚 $314 billion, while Russia鈥檚 spending rose 38 percent to $149 billion. Germany and India spent $88.5 billion and $86.1 billion, respectively.

SIPRI estimated Middle East military spending at $243 billion in 2024, up 15 percent from 2023. 

海角直播 led the region with $80.3 billion, ranking seventh globally, just $1.5 billion behind the UK.

鈥淚ts spending was 1.5 percent higher than in 2023 but 20 percent lower than in 2015 when its oil revenues peaked,鈥 the independent institute said.

Sector key to economic diversification

Khaled Ramadan, chairman of the International Center for Strategic Studies in Cairo and an economic expert, described the Saudi military industries sector as a cornerstone of the country鈥檚 economic diversification efforts and a vital pillar of Vision 2030.

鈥淟ocalizing military industries reduces reliance on imported weapons,鈥 Ramadan said, emphasizing the sector鈥檚 role beyond defense. 鈥淚t also supports advanced industries such as electronics, telecommunications, aviation technology, and advanced manufacturing, contributing broadly to non-oil economic growth.鈥

Khaled Ramadan, chairman of the International Center for Strategic Studies. (Supplied)

amadan projected the military manufacturing sector will contribute SR14 billion ($3.7 billion) to the Kingdom鈥檚 GDP by 2030, with military exports expected to reach $666 million. 鈥淭his will boost non-oil revenues and create more job opportunities for Saudi youth,鈥 he said.

He also said the sector had 300 licensed firms by 2024, reflecting rising investor interest, with 40,000 jobs expected by 2030, mainly in technical fields like engineering and electronics.

鈥淭his is in addition to skills development through specialized training programs conducted in partnership with global institutions to enhance competencies in technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber warfare,鈥 he said, adding the sector鈥檚 growth boosts demand in manufacturing and tech, supports private jobs, cuts unemployment, and promotes hiring of young Saudis.

Qualitative partnerships and technology transfer

In May, 海角直播 produced its first THAAD missile components with US-based aerospace and defense company Lockheed Martin, while agreements with Turkish firms Baykar, Fergani Space, and Aselsan will boost UAV, space, and defense electronics capabilities.

Moreover, the launch of BAE Systems Arabian Industries, formed by merging BAE Systems Saudi Development and Training with the Saudi Maintenance and Supply Chain Management Co., aims to accelerate localization in maintenance and technical services.

Highlighting how vital global collaborations are to 海角直播鈥檚 military manufacturing goals, Ramadan pointed to partnerships with leaders like Lockheed Martin for THAAD missile components, Boeing for aircraft support, and France鈥檚 CMN for HSI32 fast interceptor boats, providing access to advanced technologies and expertise.

鈥淭hese partnerships are examples of a balanced strategy combining foreign technology acquisition with domestic capacity building,鈥 he said. 

This approach is supported by the establishment of 21 research centers focused on developing military technologies, especially in electronic warfare and drones, targeted for 2030.

Ramadan said local and foreign investments in military manufacturing are projected to reach SR37.5 billion by 2030, with SR6 billion allocated by GAMI specifically for research and development.

He added that domestic military procurement has already reached SR13 billion, with local production covering drones, defense systems developed by sustainability-focused firms, and fast interceptor boats.

Despite this progress, Ramadan said that achieving localization goals will require intensified investments and overcoming legal and technical obstacles.

Talent development and inclusion

Launched by 海角直播n Military Industries in 2024, the Women in Defense program supports sector growth by empowering Saudi females through training and leadership initiatives. Overall, the military industries sector is expected to generate 60,000 indirect job opportunities by the end of the decade, supporting broader economic diversification goals.

Saudi women soldiers participate in a celebratory march past during the Saudi National Day celebrations in Riyadh on September 23, 2021. (Reuters/File)

The economic expert described this initiative as part of SAMI鈥檚 broader collaboration with international universities to enhance national expertise in engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Ramadan said that the sector鈥檚 expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs, particularly in high-demand areas such as engineering and electronics, while driving the need for labor in related industries and strengthening private sector participation.

SAMI鈥檚 transformation as a catalyst

SAMI marked 2024 as a turning point, launching the Kingdom鈥檚 first combat management system, expanding its workforce to over 7,000, and securing global partnerships.

Echoing Ramadan鈥檚 insights, Youssef Saidi, research fellow at the Economic Research Forum and a member of the Saudi Economic Association, told Arab News that the Kingdom is undertaking ambitious and wide-ranging initiatives to attract foreign investment into the defense sector.

Youssef Saidi, research fellow at the Economic Research Forum. (Supplied)

鈥淭he 海角直播n Military Industries is leading these efforts through strengthening strategic partnerships and joint ventures with major global companies,鈥 Saidi said, adding that the Kingdom is firmly committed to technology transfer, local defense manufacturing, and investing in national talent and research and development as integral parts of international defense contracts.

He further said that GAMI is working to foster an attractive investment climate, support manufacturers, and leverage 海角直播鈥檚 considerable defense spending to position the Kingdom as both a regional hub and a global exporter of military products.

Reflecting on SAMI鈥檚 development, Saidi highlighted the company鈥檚 鈥減rofound transformation and rapid growth鈥 since its establishment, which has made it a cornerstone of Vision 2030.

鈥淪AMI has achieved remarkable growth in its revenues and contracts, expanded its employee base by 633 percent to reach 2,500 male and female employees by 2022, and successfully entered the list of top 100 global defense companies, advancing 19 places to rank 79 in 2023,鈥 he said.

Saidi added that, supported by the Kingdom鈥檚 status as one of the world鈥檚 top defense spenders, these efforts have shifted 海角直播 from a major arms importer into an ambitious, self-reliant player and trusted partner, making it an 鈥渋nternational prize鈥 for global defense companies seeking strategic and profitable partnerships.
 


Startup Wrap 鈥 MENA tech raises over $84 million听in a week听

Startup Wrap 鈥 MENA tech raises over $84 million听in a week听
Updated 10 August 2025

Startup Wrap 鈥 MENA tech raises over $84 million听in a week听

Startup Wrap 鈥 MENA tech raises over $84 million听in a week听
  • Startups continue to attract significant investor interest

RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa region continued to attract significant investor interest this week, with funding rounds spanning sectors such as fintech, logistics, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure. 

From 海角直播 to Egypt and Iraq, emerging ventures are scaling operations, launching new platforms, and forging strategic partnerships to address regional market gaps and support broader economic transformation. 

Saudi-based e-commerce logistics company Salasa secured $30 million in a series B round led by Artal Capital, with participation from Saudi Venture Capital, Wa鈥檈d Ventures, 500 Global, Alsulaiman Group, and other strategic investors. 

The company, founded in 2017 by Abdulmajeed Al-Yemni and Hasan Al-Hazmi, offers end-to-end logistics services including warehousing, inventory management, last-mile delivery, bonded zones, and cross-border shipping. 

The funds will be used to expand Salasa鈥檚 fulfillment network and integrate AI into its logistics operations to enhance predictive planning and automation. 

鈥淭his funding marks a major milestone,鈥 said Al-Yemni, co-founder and CEO. 鈥淲e鈥檙e scaling across fulfillment, technology, and talent to become a tech-first logistics company.鈥 

Al-Hazmi added, 鈥淲e鈥檙e embedding AI across planning, inventory, and fulfillment to create predictive, self-optimising logistics.鈥 

UAE鈥檚 Alaan raises $48m series A to scale B2B fintech 

Alaan, a UAE-based B2B fintech startup, has raised $48 million in a series A funding round led by Peak XV Partners. 

The round also saw participation from Pioneer Fund, 885 Capital, Y Combinator, 468 Capital, and angel investors. 

Founded in 2022 by Parthi Duraisamy and Karun Kurien, Alaan offers solutions that allow businesses to issue cards and automate data extraction and financial consolidation. (Supplied)

Founded in 2022 by Parthi Duraisamy and Karun Kurien, Alaan offers solutions that allow businesses to issue cards and automate data extraction and financial consolidation. 

Following its recent expansion into 海角直播, Alaan plans to use the capital to broaden its regional footprint across MENA and enhance its product suite. 

In 2023, the company closed a $4.5 million pre-series A round backed by Presight Capital and Y Combinator. 

Deep.SA secures $1.2m pre-seed to develop AI for Saudi market 

Saudi-based AI startup Deep.SA has raised $1.2 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Tam Development and Raed Ventures, with support from additional investors. 

The capital will support Deep.SA鈥檚 efforts to enhance its AI capabilities and expand operations within 海角直播. 

The startup aims to create advanced AI solutions tailored to local business needs, in line with the Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030 objectives of technological innovation and digital transformation. 

RIFD lands strategic investment from Antler to scale SME securitization 

RIFD, the first Saudi-born fintech enabling institutional securitization of SME trade receivables, has received strategic investment from global venture capital firm Antler. 

The investment will help RIFD build the country鈥檚 first Shariah-compliant securitization infrastructure and scale its offering across 海角直播 and the wider region. 

鈥淪ME credit in 海角直播 surpassed SR351.7 billion in Q4 2024, growing over 27.6 percent year-on-year. Yet, receivables-based financing still accounts for less than 6 percent,鈥 said Abdulrahman Al-Dakheel, CEO of RIFD. 

鈥淲ith Antler鈥檚 backing, we are poised to scale our vision across 海角直播 and the wider region.鈥 RIFD was recently selected by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology for its Tech Champions 5 program. 

Abdulrahman Al-Dakheel, chief executive officer of RIFD.  (Supplied)

Suplyd raises $2m pre-series A to expand Egypt鈥檚 HORECA tech 

Cairo-based digital procurement startup Suplyd has closed a $2 million pre-series A round led by 4DX Ventures, Camel Ventures, and Plus VC, with participation from Seedstars and existing investors. 

Founded in 2022, Suplyd helps hotels, restaurants, and cafes digitize supply chain procurement and order directly from suppliers. 

Suplyd claims to have seen 20 times growth since its $1.6 million pre-seed round, and is now serving over 5,000 restaurants. 

The company plans to use the new funds to expand its offerings beyond procurement and deepen its presence across Egypt鈥檚 restaurant ecosystem. 

Iraq鈥檚 Boxy raises $1.5m pre-seed to unify last-mile logistics 

Iraq-based logistics aggregator Boxy has raised $1.5 million in a pre-seed round led by EQIQ, as part of the firm鈥檚 venture-building efforts to enhance Iraq鈥檚 digital infrastructure. 

Founded in 2024 by Ahmed Baqer and Mehrshad Pezeshk, Boxy aims to streamline the fragmented last-mile delivery sector by integrating couriers into a single, intelligent shipping platform. 

The investment will allow Boxy to leverage EQIQ鈥檚 network and resources as it builds real-time, optimized delivery solutions for merchants in Iraq.  

F6 Ventures launches $90m fund to support early-stage startups 

F6 Group, in partnership with Flat6Labs, has launched F6 Ventures, a new seed-stage venture capital firm with over $90 million in assets under management. 

The fund will invest in early-stage startups across the Middle East and Africa, addressing gaps at the pre-seed and seed funding levels. 

Co-founded by Dina El-Shenoufy and Ramez El-Serafy, F6 Ventures will launch region-specific funds in Africa, the GCC, and the Levant. 

The firm aims to raise $200 million and back over 200 startups within five years. 

Wuilt raises $2m to expand no-code website builder to GCC 

Egypt-based Software-as-a-Service startup Wuilt has raised $2 million in a new funding round led by Flat6Labs and MTF VC, with participation from Hub71, JIMCO, Purity Tech, and angel investors. 

Founded in 2019 by Ahmed Rostom and Mahmoud Metwaly, Wuilt enables users to create websites and e-stores without coding. 

The company will use the funding to launch a free platform in the UAE by the fourth quarter of 2025, followed by expansion into the GCC and Turkiye in early 2026. Wuilt previously raised a $535,000 seed round in 2020. 

Wamda and Inc. Arabia partner to amplify MENA entrepreneurship coverage 

Wamda and Inc. Arabia have announced a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing journalistic coverage of the Middle East and North Africa startup ecosystem. 

The partnership brings together Wamda鈥檚 regional network and insights with Inc. Arabia鈥檚 editorial reach, offering broader access to stories about founders, innovation, and ecosystem enablers. 

The initiative aims to highlight the ideas and individuals shaping the region鈥檚 entrepreneurship landscape through inclusive and accessible media. 

海角直播 becomes first regional host of OpenAI models via HUMAIN-Groq partnership 

海角直播 has become the first country in the region to host OpenAI鈥檚 publicly available models, gpt-oss-120B and gpt-oss-20B, through a local deployment by HUMAIN and Groq. 

The models are hosted within HUMAIN鈥檚 sovereign data centers and powered by Groq鈥檚 high-speed inference infrastructure. 

HUMAIN, backed by the Public Investment Fund, said the deployment enables Saudi developers, researchers, and enterprises to access advanced AI tools under national data regulations. 

鈥淲ith the deployment of OpenAI鈥檚 most powerful open models, hosted right here inside the Kingdom, Saudi developers, researchers, and enterprises now have direct access to the global frontier of AI,鈥 said HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin.
 


Pakistan stocks rise 3 percent on weekly basis outshining other asset classes

Pakistan stocks rise 3 percent on weekly basis outshining other asset classes
Updated 09 August 2025

Pakistan stocks rise 3 percent on weekly basis outshining other asset classes

Pakistan stocks rise 3 percent on weekly basis outshining other asset classes
  • The market this week crossed the 140,000-point mark
  • The average daily traded volume was 653 million shares

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has seen an increase of 3.08 percent on a week-on-week basis, a Karachi-based market research firm said on Friday.

The market this week crossed the 140,000-point barrier and closed the weekend session at 145,382.79 points on Friday, according to the PSX website.

The average daily traded volume and value during the week stood at 653 million shares and Rs47 billion ($165 million), respectively.

鈥淭his gain can be largely be attributed to buying by mutual funds on inflow of funds as equities performance continue to outshine other asset classes,鈥 Karachi-based Topline Securities said in its weekly review.

Pakistan trade deficit for July clocked in at $2.8 billion, up by 44 percent year on year, according to the report. The country recorded remittance inflows of $3.2 billion last month, down 6 percent month on month and up 7 percent year on year.

Foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank decreased by $72 million on a weekly basis to reach $14.2 billion as of August 1, the central bank reported on Thursday.


Pakistan launches national 鈥楢gri Stack鈥 to digitize farming sector

Pakistan launches national 鈥楢gri Stack鈥 to digitize farming sector
Updated 09 August 2025

Pakistan launches national 鈥楢gri Stack鈥 to digitize farming sector

Pakistan launches national 鈥楢gri Stack鈥 to digitize farming sector
  • Agri Stack to give farmers digital IDs, integrate land data, streamline access to subsidies, credit, insurance and markets
  • Initiative aims to boost productivity, transparency and rural incomes in a sector contributing one-fifth of GDP听

KARACHI: Pakistan has begun work on a 鈥淣ational Agri Stack鈥 to build digital infrastructure for its agriculture sector, aiming to boost farmer access to credit, subsidies and markets, the ministry of IT said on Friday.

Agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan鈥檚 economy, employing more than a third of the workforce and contributing around a fifth of gross domestic product. The sector faces persistent challenges, however, including low productivity, fragmented landholdings, water scarcity and climate shocks, while farmers often lack formal identification and credit histories needed to access finance.

The Agri Stack initiative, led by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) in collaboration with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), the Land Information and Management System (LIMS) and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), seeks to integrate land and farmer data, deliver targeted services and improve transparency in farm support.

In simple terms, the Agri Stack will create a 鈥渄igital ID and online service hub鈥 for every farmer in Pakistan. It will gather all key information 鈥 who the farmer is, what land they own or work on, what crops they grow 鈥 into one secure system. This means the government, banks and agri companies can deliver the right help directly to the right farmer, including subsidies, loans, crop insurance, weather updates and market prices.

The system is meant to cut out paperwork, reduce delays, stop resources from going to the wrong people and give farmers better tools to grow and sell their crops.

鈥淭he Agri Stack will enable verified farmer identities, land data integration, precision advisory, and efficient delivery of services like subsidies, crop insurance, and credit,鈥 said Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja at a stakeholder consultation in Islamabad, according to a statement from the IT ministry.

鈥淭his is the architecture for an inclusive and tech-driven agricultural transformation under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif鈥檚 Digital Nation Pakistan, in collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).鈥

LIMS Director General Maj Gen (R) M Ayub Ahsan Bhatti said the platform, also called PAKGROW, would 鈥渋nnovate the agricultural arena of Pakistan by transforming and improving the lives of small farmers and convening policymaking.鈥

The consultation endorsed forming a steering committee co-chaired by MoITT and MNFSR, a technical working group on data and cybersecurity, and pilot projects over the next 12鈥18 months. Priority areas include smart input subsidies, weather-indexed crop insurance, credit access through alternative data, and market linkages via LIMS.

Officials said the Agri Stack would combine satellite-driven crop intelligence, digital IDs, trusted payment systems and market platforms to create a 鈥渄igitally empowered agricultural future.鈥

If implemented effectively, experts say a national Agri Stack could help Pakistan tackle some of its most entrenched agricultural challenges by giving farmers verified digital identities, streamlining subsidy and credit delivery, and providing timely, data-driven advice on crop management.

Integrating land records, satellite imagery, and market information into a single digital platform could reduce leakages in government support programs, expand financial inclusion for smallholders, improve resilience against climate shocks and connect rural producers more directly to buyers. This would ultimately boost productivity, transparency and rural incomes in a sector that underpins both the economy and national food security.