INSEAD Day 4 - 728x90

Saudi Arabia

Google to invest $6.4bn

The investment is its biggest-ever in Germany.

Pfizer poised to buy Metsera

The pharma giant improved its offer to $10bn.

Ozempic maker lowers outlook

The company posted tepid Q3 results.

Kimberly-Clark to buy Kenvue

The deal is valued at $48.7 billion.

BYD Q3 profit down 33%

This was a 33% year-on-year decrease.
  • Washington, DC., US – AMD, Cisco, and HUMAIN, a PIF-backed company delivering full-stack AI solutions, have announced plans to establish a joint venture to position Saudi Arabia as a leading provider of world-class AI solutions for regional and global customers. The joint venture, which will begin operations in 2026, will...
  • Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus remains stable at $26bn

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's trade surplus remained stable at SR97 billion ($25.8 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2023 sustaining a level comparable to the previous quarter. According to recent data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the trade surplus in December 2023 was SR39 billion ($10.4...
  • Ronaldo scores as Al Nassr ease into Champions League quarters

    Nassr, who won last week's first leg 1-0 thanks to a Ronaldo goal nine minutes from time, were the better side at Al Awwal Park and took the lead on 17 minutes through Portuguese winger Otavio. The former Porto star, who joined Nassr last summer, headed home from close range...
  • Mobily 2023 profit up 35%

    The company's  Q4 2023 net profit surged 23%.
  • oil

    Saudi Arabia’s oil exports fall by $13 billion in fourth quarter of 2023

    In December, oil exports fell by SAR 13.5 billion or 15.8% to SAR 72 billion ($19 billion) from SAR 85.5 billion in December 2022. The share of oil exports in total exports decreased from 78.4 percent in December 2022 to 73.1 percent in December 2023.
  • Saudi tech firm Alat to ally with Softbank, Carrier Corp, Tahakoum, Dahua Tech

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Alat Company, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), has announced four global partnerships aimed at advancing its plans for sustainable manufacturing. Amit Midha, global CEO of Alat, revealed on Tuesday collaborations with Softbank, Carrier Corporation, Tahakoum, and Dahua Technology, Saudi Gazette reported. The...
  • Construction costs set to rise in UAE, Saudi Arabia in 2024: Report

    Dubai, UAE -- Construction costs are set to increase in the UAE by 2-3 percent, and in Saudi Arabia by 5-7 percent in 2024, following an increase of 3 percent and 7 percent respectively in 2023. Increases will challenge construction firms, which will need to develop new processes and capabilities to...
  • Saudi National Bank launches US dollar-denominated sukuk

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi National Bank (SNB) commenced the US dollar-denominated senior unsecured sukuk issuance through a special-purpose vehicle. The sukuk are offered to qualified investors inside and outside Saudi Arabia.  The amount and terms of offer of the sukuk will be determined subject to market conditions, the bank said in a statement to Tadawul.   This announcement...
  • Saudi varsity enters Guinness records for world’s largest dental hospital

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- King Saud University (KSU) has achieved a new global milestone by entering the Guinness World Record for the largest dental hospital in the world, with a total area of 37,165 square meters. This achievement confirms the university's commitment to providing healthcare services, supporting medical education, training...
  • Saudi film industry gets boost with $100m investment fund

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -The Middle East Financial Investment Company (MEFIC Capital) has unveiled the establishment of the Saudi Film Fund, boasting a total capital of SR375 million ($100 million), with a substantial 40% investment from the Cultural Development Fund. This collaborative effort signifies a significant stride in the Kingdom's film...
  • Saudi retail is 23% of non-oil GDP, expected to grow to $122.6bn in 2024

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majed Al-Hogail said on Monday that the retail sector contributes 23 percent of non-oil GDP of the kingdom, predicting its growth will surpass SR460 billion ($122.6 billion) by the end of 2024.  The minister made these statements...
  • Saudi open banking market expected to hit $43bn by 2026: El-Kuwaiz

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's open banking market is expected to expand from $7 billion in 2018 to around $43 billion by 2026, said Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, chairman of the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and the Financial Academy (FA) Board of Trustees. El-Kuwaiz announced this at the conclusion of the...
  • PIF acquires 40% of Zamil Offshore

    Zamil is one of the largest offshore support vessel operators.
  • Domestic Haj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia guaranteed compensation for lodging issues

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia has announced that domestic pilgrims will be eligible for compensation in the event of inadequate accommodation provided by Hajj service companies. According to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims will receive a 10 percent refund of their package value if there is a...
  • Saudi stock market hits 12,500 points, highest since August 2020

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi Stock Market's general index (TASI) surged past the 12,500-point milestone on Sunday, reaching its highest level since August 2020. The increase can be attributed to the positive momentum generated by the disclosure of financial results, the majority of which met anticipated outcomes. The gains...
  • Saudi holdings of US Treasuries surge to $131.9b in December 2023

    ABU DHABI, UAE - Saudi Arabia’s holdings of US Treasuries reached US$131.9 billion in December 2023, up $3.8 billion month-on-month, new data released by the US Treasury showed. The Kingdom maintained 16th place among the largest holders of US treasury securities for the month.  Saudi Arabia’s holdings of US Treasuries were distributed among long-term bonds worth...
  • AI-Operated robots assist visitors to the Grand Mosque in Makkah

    Makkah, Saudi Arabia -- The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has deployed AI-operated robots to assist worshippers and visitors at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The robots provide information and guidance on a variety of topics, including how to perform the Hajj and...
  • Saudi Arabia aims to build ties with Canada in scientific and research fields

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-- Saudi Arabia is exploring investment opportunities in education and aiming to attract investments to the kingdom from Canada. In this connection, the Saudi Minister of Education, Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, along with the accompanying education delegation, visited several educational institutions and universities in Canada, where he met...
  • KSA seeks to lead global sustainability drive with Alat

    Led by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Alat is poised to revolutionize the tech sector, aiming for carbon neutrality and creating thousands of jobs.
  • Extreme E races for electric SUVs 2024 kick off in Jeddah

    Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Organized by the Saudi Arabian Cycling Federation under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport, the fourth annual "Extreme E" all-electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV) off-road racing series will kick off Saturday in Jeddah with the participation of eight two-racer teams. The first edition of this global...
  • Innovative building codes transform MENA construction

    Two emerging construction processes gaining popularity, especially in the MENA region, are 3D printing of concrete structures and offsite construction. These methodologies significantly reduce material waste, enhance construction quality, offer more controlled and safer work environments, and optimize project timelines, he adds.
  • Saudi Arabia ranks 1st in international tourist arrivals growth in 2023

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia topped the UN Tourism’s ranking for the growth of international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2019 among large destinations, achieving an increase of 56%, according to the World Tourism Barometer report released last month. The kingdom recorded a remarkable tourism recovery rate of...
  • Mawani completes Red Sea Gateway Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - The Saudi Ports Authority, Mawani, announced the completion of the Red Sea Gateway Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, leading to an increase in its capacity. The completion of work at Jeddah Islamic Port’s North Container Terminal, in cooperation with the Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) with...
  • Saudi Arabia’s Madinah, KAEC, Al-Ahsa join UNESCO global network of learning cities

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has announced that the cities of Madinah, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), and Al-Ahsa in the Kingdom have joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. With this development, Saudi Arabia now boasts five cities enlisted in the...
  • Saudi Arabia set to establish more smart industrial zones

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia will establish more smart industrial zones, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majed Al-Hogail revealed at the conclusion of the inaugural Global Smart City Forum 2024 here on Tuesday, highlighting the critical role of smart cities in fostering industrial growth, technological diffusion,...
  • Saudi budget records $10 billion deficit in Q4 2023

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's general budget recorded a deficit of $9.86 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Ministry of Finance reported. The total revenues for the period amounted to $95.45 billion, while total expenses reached about $105.32 billion. This reflects a slight increase in the deficit...
  • Ford Middle East sales up 63%

    Growth fueled by Ford Territory, F-150 and other models.
  • $1.39bn credit facility for Cenomi Centers

    The Shariah-compliant facility was secured with several banks.
  • Saudi Arabia extends online services to help foreign firms set up regional hqrs in kingdom

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce has announced the provision of online services for foreign companies looking to establish regional headquarters in the country after securing a license from the Ministry of Investment. The services encompass issuing regional headquarters as a branch or as a new foreign...
  • Saudi Arabia enacts law to safeguard whistle-blowers and witnesses

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia on Tuesday granted approval for the law for the protection of whistleblowers, witnesses, experts, and victims. The milestone law, previously greenlit by the Shoura Council, is designed to safeguard individuals who may face threats for providing information on crimes. The law empowers judicial authorities...
  • Riyadh to host Saudi’s first snooker event in 2024

    London, UK - Saudi Arabia will stage its first ranking snooker event in 2024, with a prize pool of more than £2 million ($2.5 million) for the "fourth major". The inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters will trail only the World Championship in terms of prize money. The World Snooker Tour has...
  • Archaeological sites discovered in Southern Saudi Arabia

    ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA  - The Heritage Commission announced its most prominent discovery in Jurash, Asir region, as one of the most important archaeological sites in the south of the Kingdom, a report on Tuesday said. These were the result of strenuous excavations taking place during its 15th season in 2023....
  • US hardwood lumber shipments to MENA reach $61 million in 2023

    Dubai, UAE -- American hardwood lumber (sawn timber) shipments to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached $61.14 million and a volume of 74,791 cubic meters in 2023, according to the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC). Significant increases were seen in exports of American hardwood lumber to the...
  • Energy transition led Saudi Arabia to halt oil expansion, says official

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Kingdom's surprise decision to halt a planned expansion of its oil production capacity reflects ambitions to expand into other forms of energy, the Gulf country's energy minister said on Monday. Oil giant Aramco announced on January 30 that the energy ministry had ordered it to maintain...
  • Red Sea issue puts Yemen peace process on hold

    DUBAI, UAE- As Houthi attacks roil the Red Sea and Western air raids target the rebels, moves to end Yemen's long-running war are at a standstill, threatening further woe for a country on its knees. As recently as December, painstaking negotiations were gaining ground and the United Nations said the warring...
  • solutions by stc, Devoteam ink MoU

    The aim is to foster avenues for collaboration in technology.
  • In Middle East, ‘manufacturing’ is a new buzzword

    From Saudi Arabia to the UAE and Qatar to Kuwait, governments across the region compete to jumpstart industrial sector but doubts remain whether it can be pulled off.
  • In Middle East, ‘manufacturing’ is a new buzzword

    Form Saudi Arabia to the UAE, Qatar to Kuwait, governments of the region compete to jumpstart an industrial sector. But doubts remain whether it can be pulled off.
  • Saudi Arabia sends $250m to bolster Yemeni government

    Saudi Arabia said it had disbursed $250 million in aid to the internationally-recognized government in Yemen. The money follows an initial payment of the same amount announced in August, when Riyadh committed to provide a total of $1.2 billion to ease the government's budget deficit and pay salaries for civil...
  • Red Sea Global, Riyad Bank sign agreement on $522m financing

    TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA - Red Sea Global (RSG) has completed a US$522 million (SAR2 billion) financing agreement with Riyad Bank, a press release said on Sunday. According to the release, the financing supports RSG's Joint Venture (JV) with Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), a prominent global investment company headquartered in Saudi...
  • MODON attracts US$34m investment to develop military industry in Saudi Arabia

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) has attracted new investments worth US$34 million (SAR130 million). This will be used to localize military aircraft industries, including drones and provide repair, maintenance and overhaul services for ships. Securing funding is one of the authority's...
  • Hamas, Saudi warn of calamity if Israeli troops attack Rafah

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week said he had ordered troops to prepare to go in to the city, crowded with displaced Palestinians, as it hunts down those responsible for the deadly October 7 attacks on southern Israel. The announcement has prompted concern from foreign governments including the United States...
  • 61 contracts worth $7billion signed at World Defense Show in Riyadh

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia  - About 61 purchase contracts totaling approximately SR26 billion  ($6.93 billion) were signed at the second World Defense Show (WDS) which concluded here on Thursday.   The event, featuring 773 exhibitors and hosting 441 official delegations from 116 countries, attracted 106,000 visitors. Throughout the show, a total of...
  • Saudi hosts Arab diplomats for Gaza talks after Blinken tour

    Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest sites in Islam, has never recognised Israel, though officials were considering doing so before the Hamas' October 7 attack. Israeli ground offensive has killed at least 27,840 people, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry.
  • Saudi foreign minister meets UNRWA chief in Riyadh, promises support

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan received Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and his accompanying delegation at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday. During the meeting, they...
  • stc Group inks several pacts

    The pacts were signed at the PIF’s Private Sector Forum.
  • Saudi Arabia to US: No Israel ties until Palestinian statehood within 1967 borders

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia on Tuesday explicitly conveyed to the United States its stance on diplomatic relations with Israel, making it clear that such ties will not be established without significant progress on the Palestinian issue. The Kingdom insists on the recognition of an independent Palestinian state within...
  • Saudi more than doubles tourism target by 2030, says minister

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia drew 27 million foreign tourists in 2023 and has more than doubled its goal for the end of the decade, an official said on Tuesday. The announcement came less than five years after the Gulf kingdom fully opened up to tourism and as fears persist...
  • Saudi Arabia’s air defense commander examines Russia’s S-350, S-400 systems

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Force Lieutenant-General Mazyad bin Suleiman Al-Amr has inspected Russia’s S-350 and S-400 air defense systems at the World Defense Show, a TASS correspondent reports. The commander visited the stands of Russian companies, paying special attention to the S-350...
  • Djokovic and Nadal to play 6 Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will headline a new exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia, organizers said. The Serb and the Spaniard, with 46 major titles between them, will be joined by Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner at the 6 Kings Slam. World...
  • Saudi Arabia, Swiss Fund unveil billion-euro initiative for zero-emissions investments

    Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Arabia and Swiss Fund have decided to initiate financing initiatives in the debt market in a move towards bolstering investments in zero-emissions projects. Saudi Minister of Investment, Eng. Khalid Al-Falih, announced the collaboration during a Saudi-Swiss round table meeting in Riyadh on Monday. The strategic...