QUOTED

Quoted

“The Saudi stock exchange has become a preferred listing destination due to strong liquidity, robust demand from institutional investors, and alignment with global investment standards. Moreover, the IPO landscape is no longer oil-centric, with fintech, healthcare, and retail companies successfully listing—indicating broader investor appetite.” Farah el Nahlawi, research lead at MAGNiTT, a leading venture capital data platform for emerging markets, Saudi Arabia’s IPO Boom Reshapes Its Market Dynamics [Global Finance]

TOP STORY

MBS meets Syrian President Al-Sharaa in Riyadh

MBS meets Syrian President, Sharaa

Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa chose to make his first international trip to Saudi Arabia where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.

[more]

 

MORE TOP STORYLINES

Saudi Ministry of Education issues directive for national dress for secondary school students

in arabnews.com: The Saudi Ministry of Education announced on Friday a new policy requiring secondary school students in public and private institutions to adhere to the national dress code. The policy comes in line with the directives of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency  reported. The decision, which aims to reinforce national identity and instill pride in Saudi heritage, mandates that Saudi students wear the traditional thobe along with a ghutra or shemagh, while non-Saudi students are required to wear the thobe, SPA added. The policy does not apply to students enrolled at foreign schools. The move reflects the crown prince’s commitment to strengthening the connection between younger generations and Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage, SPA reported.

Fitch Affirms Saudi Arabia at A+; Outlook Stable

in fitchratings.com: Saudi Arabia’s ratings reflect its strong fiscal and external balance sheets, with government debt/GDP and sovereign net foreign assets (SNFA) considerably stronger than both the A and AA medians, and significant fiscal buffers in the form of deposits and other public sector assets. Oil dependence, low World Bank governance indicators and vulnerability to geopolitical shocks have improved but remain relative weaknesses. Deep and broad social and economic reforms implemented under Vision 2030 are diversifying economic activity, albeit backed by large public spending.

Why Saudi-Turkish collaboration in Syria is more likely than a clash

Via Giorgio Cafiero in amwaj.media: Turkey and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states appear to be filling the void in Syria as Iran’s influence after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad dramatically diminishes. Ankara’s coordination with Gulf Arab capitals stands to bring about growing alignment. Turkey has gone to pains to accommodate the interests of all GCC states in the new Syria, including those which previously saw the foreign policy of Turkey’s “neo-Islamist” government as a threat. In particular, Saudi Arabia—the GCC state taking the lead on shoring up and legitimizing the administration of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) on an international level—shares many of Turkey’s interests. These include helping Syria achieve a smooth transition, preserve its territorial integrity, and not become a haven for violent extremist groups that threaten other countries.

 

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GAFT Leads Saudi Negotiating Team in GCC-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement Talks

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Saudi-PIF backed Umm Al Qura moves ahead with IPO to support $26bn Masar project in Makkah

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Saudi Arabia champions youth as it drives talent development to fuel Vision 2030

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How PIF is supercharging the new golden age of gaming

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Syria leader says Saudis want to help rebuild war-torn country

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Netanyahu leaves for Washington looking to deepen ties with Trump

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UAE becomes top global destination for winter tourism: Report

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