TOP STORY

MoF’s 2025 Preliminary Budget Statement assessed

MOF

Jadwa Investment assesses the Saudi Ministry of Finance’s recently released Preliminary Budget Statement for 2025 and mid-year 2024 economic review. [more]

 

TOP STORY

Inexpensive solar panels are super-charging renewable energy growth

renewable-electricity-capacity-additions-by-technology-and-segment-2016-2028

Solar PV and wind additions are forecast to more than double by 2028 compared with 2022, continuously breaking records over the forecast period to reach almost 710 GW. [more]

 
 

MORE ON THE KINGDOM AND BEYOND

Saudi Arabia hits 900+ sports sponsorships in quest for influence

The study mapped 910 sponsorships in different sports and 1,412 positions in 207 Saudi entities, noting that the kingdom has significantly expanded its web of...[By Ed Dixon via sportspro.com]

 

France’s EDF, TotalEnergies awarded Saudi solar tenders during Macron visit

TotalEnergies will build an 0.3 gigawatt (GW) solar park in Saudi Arabia, while EDF Renewables will build...[By America Hernandez via reuters.com]

 

KAPSARC and Climeworks to explore feasibility of Direct Air Capture solutions in Saudi Arabia

The MoU outlines a roadmap to assess the deployment of new DAC systems in the Kingdom, focusing on availability of natural resources including subsurface CO₂...[via climeworks.com]

 

Saudi Arabia and World Bank Group to Establish a Global Knowledge Hub in Riyadh

The World Bank Group–Saudi Arabia Knowledge Hub (K-Hub) will serve as a platform for knowledge generation and exchange to drive greater development impact for countries....[via worldbank.org]

 

How French and Saudi architects are redesigning the cities of tomorrow

Saudi Arabia today is synonymous with megaprojects. Since the launch of the Vision 2030 reform agenda, the Kingdom has rolled out a range of major...[By Zeina Zbibo via arabnews.com]

 

Saudi Arabia announces 5 new initiatives worth $60 million at SGI Forum

Saudi Arabia unveiled five new initiatives, valued at $60 million (SR 225 million), reinforcing the Kingdom's leading role on climate and environment efforts. The initiatives were...[via saudigazette.com]

 

Saudi Arabia signs solar deals with France’s TotalEnergies

A separate power purchase agreement for the Kingdom’s Al Masa’a solar power plant project was signed between the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), French state-owned...[via alarabiya.net]

 

Crown Prince: Saudi Arabia provides $6B funding for 200 water projects

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the “One Water Summit” in Riyadh on Tuesday evening in the presence of several presidents and...[via argaam.com]

 

FIFA, Clifford Chance Accused of ‘Whitewashing’ Saudi Human Rights Record in World Cup Bid

As FIFA approaches its December 11 vote to appoint the 2034 World Cup host, the football association is once again under fire for allegedly...[By Dario Sabaghi via law.com]

 

Saudi NEOM partners with CarbonCure and Gulf Cryo on low-carbon concrete push

Efforts to integrate carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies into construction in Saudi Arabia’s futuristic Neom city have taken a major step forward as CarbonCure...[By Anthony Wright via gasworld.com]

 

Saudi Arabia bets on tech to make deserts bloom

Saudi Arabia accounts for nearly 75 percent of Middle East investment in climate technology start-ups worldwide, according to a 2023 report by auditor PwC. But its...[via phys.org]

 

Saudi Arabia’s Neo Space Group to Acquire UP42 from Airbus

Saudi Arabia’s Neo Space Group (NSG) is making an acquisition in the Earth observation space, acquiring UP42 from Airbus Defence and Space. Terms of the deal were not disclosed in...[By Rachel Jewett via satellitetoday.com]

 

Locating EV Charging Stations to Enable Intercity Travel in Saudi Arabia

The development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure presents a promising pathway to reduce transportation emissions, particularly when integrated with low-carbon...[By Ryan Alyamani and Thomas Gertin via kapsarc.org]

 

How FIFA helped pave the way for Saudi 2034

In October 2023, FIFA made a surprising move that effectively set the stage for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host a future FIFA World Cup...[via playthegame.org]

 

Aramco’s Diversification Strategy: Fueling Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Saudi Aramco is not only the largest oil producer globally but also the most profitable business, surpassing tech giants like Apple and...[By John Calabrese via agsiw.org]

 

France targets Saudi PIF’s ‘colossal’ investment power

During a three-day official state visit focused on boosting business ties, Mr Macron told a Saudi-French business forum in Riyadh that one of...[By Sunniva Rose via thenationalnews.com]

 

Macron announces France-Saudi partnership to co-host conference on creating Palestinian state

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday, December 3, that he and Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, would...[via lemonde.fr]

 

Saudi Arabia’s network of spending and influence detailed before getting 2034 World Cup from FIFA

More Saudi commercial deals are expected after the 2034 World Cup decision, either for the 2026 edition being played in North America or the revamped...[By Graham Dunbar via apnews.com]

 

Saudi energy minister sees net zero as scenario that ‘can never happen’

The minister said at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum in Riyadh that the world is currently going through a "reality check" on net zero...[By Rosemary Griffin via spglobal.com]

 

Macron: France, Saudi Arabia will co-chair conference on creating Palestinian state

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday that he and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would co-chair a conference...[via alarabiya.net]

 

NEOM Sindalah: Saudi Arabia opens new luxury island resort in Red Sea

NEOM has launched Sindalah, its first destination and a showcase of Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions, located 5km off the NEOM coastline in the Red...[via arabianbusiness.com]

 

Saudi Finance Firm’s $264 Million IPO Sells Out in Minutes

Saudi Arabian financial services firm United International Holding Co. had demand for all shares in its up to 990 million...[By Julia Fioretti and Matthew Martin via bloomberg.com]

 

$50 Billion Saudi Debt Drive Reflects Rising Financial Strain

The Saudi government and entities like its Public Investment Fund have issued around $50 billion in bonds in 2024, according to data compiled by...[By Omar El Chmouri and Abeer Abu Omar via bloomberg.com]

 

Saudi Arabia’s Largest PropTech Hackathon Set for Cityscape Global 2024

ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia’s premier real estate developer and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has unveiled plans for Hackathon 24, the Kingdom’s largest property...[By Sindhu V Kashyap via edgemiddleeast.com]

 

Is FIFA’s sponsorship deal with a Saudi-owned oil giant really ‘a middle finger’ to women’s soccer?

It is easy to claim, as many have done, that this is purely an exercise in sportswashing. But that ignores that soccer is also helping to...[By Tracey Holmes via theconversation.com]

 

Saudi-UAE trade soars 25% to $30bn amid strengthened economic ties

Saudi Arabia’s trade with the UAE has experienced a 25 percent increase, highlighting a significant boost in economic collaboration between the two nations. By the...[By Nadin Hassan via arabnews.com]

 

Saudi-UAE Economic Forum’s Third Edition Draws Over 400 Investors, Highlights Growth and Cooperation

The Federation of Saudi Chambers hosted the third edition of the Saudi-UAE Economic Forum in Riyadh today, gathering more than 400 investors from both nations....[via spa.gov]

 

US consul general praises plan to link Iraq and GCC electricity grids at international forum

In an interview with Arab News, James Sindle said the plan to link Iraq’s grid with that of the GCC “is a vital step toward...[By Jasmine Bager via arabnews.com]

 

High expectations, new players expected to take part in Saudi Arabia’s FII

“We see some new big players coming to FII for the first time, and these people are the tech guys. So,...[via alarabiya.net]

 

Race Upgrades Announced Ahead of 2025 Saudi Cup Meeting

The Sports Boulevard Riyadh Dirt Sprint and Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap will be run as Group 2 contests for the first time in 2025,...[via thoroughbreddailynews.com]

 

Saudi Arabia opens NEOM’s luxury island Sindalah

Saudi Arabia’s futuristic mega-city NEOM announced on Sunday the opening of Sindalah, a luxury Red Sea island featuring restaurants, hotels and...[via alarabiya.net]

 

Wall Street and Tech Royalty Fly to Saudi Event Amid Mideast War

But those arriving at the Future Investment Initiative - often dubbed Davos in the desert - seem undeterred, sensing an opportunity to...[By Matthew Martin via bloomberg.com]

 

Saudi Economy Watch 2024

The focus on sustainability is most evident in the significant expansion of renewable energy. The Kingdom aims to add 20GW of renewable energy annually to...[By Riyadh Al-Najjar via pwc.com]

 

Why Saudi Arabia is emerging as key exit market for start-ups

In the first half of this year, Saudi Arabia's share of exits rose to 20 per cent, compared with 12 per cent in...[By May El Habachi via thenationalnews.com]

 

Aramco’s Venture Arm Allocates $100 Million for AI Investments

Saudi Aramco’s venture arm has earmarked $100 million to invest in artificial intelligence startups as it looks to...[By Fahad Abuljadayel via bloomberg.com]

 

14th Saudi Relief Plane Departs for Lebanon with Essential Aid Supplies

The 14th relief plane of the Saudi air bridge, operated by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), left King Khalid International Airport for...[via spa.gov]

 

Renard back to coach Saudi Arabia after Mancini exits

Herve Renard was hired to coach Saudi Arabia for a second time on Saturday, two days after the departure of Roberto...[via apnews.com]

 

Saudi Arabia imposes SR300,000 fine and 5-yr jail for abusive behaviour in workplaces, schools and places of worship

Fines of up to 300,000 Saudi riyals or imprisonment for up to five years will be imposed on anyone found guilty of abusive behavior...[By Khitam Al Amir via scmp.com]

 

Saudi Arabia condemns military targeting of Iran, urges restraint amid regional tensions

In a statement, Saudi Arabia urged all involved parties to exercise maximum restraint and to de-escalate tensions, warning of the potential consequences of continued military...[via saudigazette.com]

 

Saudi deputy foreign minister engages in key diplomatic meetings at donors’ conference in Jeddah

Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of foreign affairs Waleed Elkhereiji held a series of high-level meetings on Saturday on the sidelines of the Donors’ Conference to Support Internally...[via ]

 

‘He’s back’: Herve Renard returns as Saudi Arabia national team head coach

“I’m back,” Renard said in a social media video posted by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation. It will be the second spell in charge of...[via arabnews.com]

 

How investment in solar capacity is powering Saudi Arabia’s sustainable energy future

By the end of the decade, Saudi Arabia aims to generate 58.7 gigawatts of renewable energy. This includes 40 GW from solar photovoltaics, alongside 16...[via arabnews.com]

 

Saudi weather authorities warn of thunderstorms, heavy rains across Kingdom

Temperatures plummeted to a low of 17 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature was pegged at 27 degrees. Thursday night also saw cold winds blowing...[By Rashid Hassan via arabnews.com]

 

Saudi Arabia making ‘significant strides’ in health tourism, expert says

“The integration of digital health solutions, such as telemedicine and e-health services, further supports sustainability goals. These innovations reduce the need for travel, lowering carbon...[By Waad Hussain via arabnews.com]

 

Safeya Binzagr, a Saudi Artist Celebrated but Long Unseen, Dies at 84

The Saudi Arabian artist Safeya Binzagr’s groundbreaking moment came in 1968, when she had her debut exhibit, at a girls’ school in the...[By Mona El-Naggar via nytimes.com]

 

BlackRock studies how to develop Saudi mortgage market

Bartholomew Nash, Director of Corporate Communications at BlackRock, said the asset management firm is studying mechanisms to develop the mortgage-backed securities market in Saudi Arabia,...[via argaam.com]

 

Saudi Arabia to expand studies of ancient mustatil stone structures

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission will expand research and excavation efforts at new mustatil sites in the Kingdom, scientists said at a recent meeting of the...[By Tareq Al-Thaqafi via arabnews.com]

 

Roberto Mancini out as coach of Saudi Arabia’s national team

Roberto Mancini has left his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia’s national team, the country’s soccer federation said Thursday. Mancini, who won the European Championship...[via apnews.com]

 

The U.S. Election and the Saudi Economy

Given its central role in the global economy, what happens in the United States is of great importance to the rest of the world. Saudi...[By Tim Callen via agsiw.org]

 

Saudi’s huge influx of megaproject workers prompts creation of new housing company

The PIF said it was establishing the Smart Accommodation for Residential Complexes Company (SARCC), a property developer and operator of housing for staff on major...[By Neil Gerrard via constructionbriefing.com]

 

Harris vs. Trump on the War and Crisis in the Middle East

The Middle East Institute has tracked the positions of both main candidates during the past three months. This policy assessment examines the statements and positions staked...[By Brian Katulis, Athena Masthoff via mei.edu]

 

Iran emphasizes ‘right to respond’ after Israeli attack

Iranian officials have reserved the right to respond to Israel’s Oct. 26 aerial attack, but stopped short of explicitly vowing vengeance. This comes as Supreme...[via amwaj.media]

 

Israel’s Shifting Policies Toward the West Bank

The current government is taking advantage of the situation created on October 7, 2023, to bring about a fundamental change on the ground...[By Mtanes Shihadeh via arabcenterdc.org]

 

US power grid added battery equivalent of 20 nuclear reactors in past four years

From barely anything just a few years ago, the US is now adding utility-scale batteries at a dizzying pace, having installed more than 20...[By Oliver Milman via theguardian.com]

 

With no exit strategy for Israel in Gaza, critics fear an open-ended stay

Retired Israeli general Giora Eiland believes Israel faces months of ...[By Jonathan Saul and James Mackenzie via reuters.com]

 

China’s Rise in Iraq’s Energy Sector: From Newcomer to Dominant Player

Chinese energy companies emerged as dominant players in the Iraqi Oil Ministry’s May licensing rounds to auction 29 oil and gas blocks, securing 10 out of 13...[By Yerevan Saeed and Sardar Aziz via agsiw.org]

 

Iranian Oil Kingpin’s Hedge Fund Manages Millions From London

The building at 180 Brompton Road is one of the main outposts for Ocean...[By Ben Bartenstein via bloomberg.com]

 

Expert Views: A US regional response to the security threats posed by Iran and its proxies

The region remains on edge as Israel contemplates its planned retaliatory strike against Iran, while its wars in Gaza and Lebanon against the Iranian-backed groups...[By Michael K. Nagata, Katie Crombe, Kevin Donegan, Robert S. Ford, Brian Katulis, Ross Harrison via mei.edu]

 

Israeli strike kills journalists in Lebanon, Blinken sees urgent need for resolution

An Israeli strike killed three journalists in south Lebanon on Friday, Lebanon's health ministry said, and the ...[By Maya Gebeily, Amina Ismail, James Mackenzie and Humeyra Pamuk via reuters.com]

 

Is Israel carrying out de facto ethnic cleansing?

“What we have learned this year is that everything is in...[By Ishaan Tharoor via washingtonpost.com]

 
 

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