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Saudi News Update: Week 2


A businessman is staying up to date by reading the news on a tablet

This week in Saudi, The Hafr Al-Batin Investment Forum 2025, held in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, concluded with the signing of seven agreements totalling SR17 billion ($4.5 billion) across key sectors, underscoring the region’s growing economic potential. The event, organized by the Hafr Al-Batin Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Federation of Saudi Chambers and hosted at the University of Hafr Al-Batin, aimed to position the province as a competitive hub for both local and international investors, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The forum was inaugurated by Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef Al-Saud, who emphasized the province’s strategic advantages for investors.


In other news, it was announced this week, that Saudi Arabia has now issued more than 36,000 investment licenses, a five-fold rise compared to the overall active permits before the launch of Vision 2030.  According to the government-backed Invest Saudi platform, the Kingdom witnessed a 118% growth in entrepreneurial license issuance in 2024 compared to the previous year, while permits in the wholesale and retail trade sector increased by 123% during the same period. The Kingdom launched the Invest Saudi initiative to attract foreign direct investment by offering incentives, streamlining regulatory processes and facilitating partnerships.


Economy, Budgets and Finance

Arab News: Saudi Arabia has issued 36k investment licenses since Vision 2030 launch. Read Here 


Arab News: Hafr Al-Batin forum seals $4.5bn in investments. Read Here 


Arab News: Saudi Arabia allocates $2.66bn to activate Standard Incentives Program for the industrial sector. Read Here 


Arab News: Saudi’s MSMEs see 22.6% growth in credit facilities to $88bn. Read Here 


Defence and Security

Arab News: A Saudi university signs 15 new agreements to research defense, AI, and nuclear technologies. Read Here 


Commercial

Saudi Gazette: Saudi Arabia offers new benefits to importers and exporters. Read Here 


Saudi Gazette: 571 global companies moved their headquarters to Saudi Arabia. Read Here 


Arab News: Saudi’s e-commerce sector sees 10% growth. Read Here 


CIO: Deep tech startup ecosystem thrives in Saudi with focus on AI and IoT, fueling Vision 2030. Read Here 


Social 

Sports Pro: TKO and PIF ‘close’ to launching new boxing league. Read Here 


Arab News: Saudi entertainment authority launches 3rd startup accelerator to drive innovation. Read Here 

 

 

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