Economy & Business
Business news, economic analysis, fintech innovations, startup ecosystems, and market trends shaping Saudi Arabia's digital economy and Vision 2030.

King Saud University Launches Tamkeen X Forum for Partnerships
King Saud University launches the first Tamkeen X Forum from January 19-21, 2026, featuring over 80 experts and 20 participating entities. The forum aims to enhance training, development, and partnerships in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030’s human capital development goals.

Saudi Digital Government Authority Launches Digital Excellence Program
Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority launches the Digital Excellence Program to elevate government entities’ digital maturity and implement global best practices in digital transformation, supporting Vision 2030 objectives.

LANDI Global Celebrates 20 Years with P-Series Payment Solutions
LANDI Global celebrates its 20th anniversary by launching the P-Series, its most advanced payment solutions portfolio. The new lineup features Android 14, PCI v7.x security, and comprehensive options from the P10, P20, to P30 series, serving over 130 million terminals globally.

BoxCommerce and Mastercard Launch Prepaid Card for SMEs
BoxCommerce and Mastercard have launched a prepaid card program that gives SMEs on the BoxCommerce platform instant access to their earnings. The solution transforms BoxCommerce into a fintech partner, bridging the gap between online selling and digital finance for entrepreneurs across emerging markets.

Global Risks Report 2026: Geoeconomic Confrontation Tops List
The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026 identifies geoeconomic confrontation as the top global risk, with economic threats rising fastest in the short term. Half of experts anticipate turbulent conditions ahead, while AI anxiety soars and environmental risks shift in priority.

Global Supply Chains Volatility Reshapes Business Strategy
A new World Economic Forum report reveals that global supply chains have entered an era of structural volatility, with 74% of business leaders now prioritizing resilience investments as a driver of growth. The report introduces a new digital Navigator tool to help businesses and governments navigate permanent uncertainty.

Gulfood Big Deal Hub Accelerates Global Food Trade Deals
Gulfood’s Big Deal Hub is transforming global food trade by enabling C-suite executives to secure deals before the show opens. With over 90% of users in senior decision-making roles across six continents, the platform is driving pre-show meetings and negotiations ahead of Gulfood 2026.

PwC Middle East Announces Leadership Transition with Laura Hinton Appointment
PwC Middle East appoints Laura Hinton as new Senior Partner, succeeding Hani Ashkar after his 12-year tenure. The leadership transition ensures continuity while advancing regional growth and transformation initiatives across the Middle East.

Changan Hunter Saudi Arabia: The Business Partner Transforming Fleet Solutions
Changan Hunter Saudi Arabia transforms business fleet solutions through strategic partnership with Al Majdouie, offering reliable performance, low operating costs, and comprehensive nationwide support for growing enterprises.

Side Gaming Expansion Brings UK Expertise to Saudi Arabia Through Savvy Partnership
UK gaming provider Side announces official expansion into Saudi Arabia through partnership with Savvy Games Group, planning to open Riyadh studio by Q4 2025 to support regional game development ecosystem.

Arcapita Partners with Cloud Capital for Strategic Data Center Acquisition in Minneapolis
Arcapita partners with Cloud Capital to acquire a 21MW data center in Minneapolis with expansion plans to 31MW, targeting growing AI and cloud computing demand in strategic infrastructure investments.

flynas Launches New Abha Operations Base Connecting 11 International and Domestic Routes
flynas establishes fifth operational hub at Abha International Airport starting March 29, offering 11 international and domestic routes in partnership with Cluster2 and Aseer Development Authority, becoming first Saudi airline with five operational bases.

Jadwa Investment Launches SAR 750m GCC-Focused Private Credit Fund
Jadwa Investment launches SAR 750m GCC Diversified Private Credit Fund, completing first close at over SAR 300m with initial investments in fintech platforms Lendo and JeelPay, targeting institutional and private wealth investors.

AMAK Board Approves Establishment of SAR 100 Million Drilling Company in Najran
AMAK Board approves establishment of new wholly owned drilling company with SAR 100 million capital in Najran to accelerate exploration activities and strengthen mining sector capabilities across Saudi Arabia.

Blue Shift Report Exposes AI Hidden Costs Creating Business Vulnerabilities
New Blue Shift report reveals how AI hidden costs create systemic business vulnerabilities, with energy demand set to increase fivefold by 2030 and data centers consuming up to 40% of local electricity in major hubs.

15 Outstanding UAE Women Selected for Inaugural Leadership Accelerator Program
The Marketing Society UAE selects 15 outstanding women professionals for inaugural Leadership Accelerator program, partnering with TikTok and Weber Shandwick to advance female leadership in marcomms through six-month development initiative.

E& Enterprise and Sergas Form Strategic Partnership for Advanced Digital Energy Solutions
E& Enterprise partners with UAE gas solutions leader Sergas to deliver comprehensive digital transformation including AI-powered customer service, advanced cybersecurity operations center, and intelligent communication platforms for the energy sector.

Bridgestone Aircraft Tire Europe Achieves EcoVadis Gold Sustainability Rating
Bridgestone Aircraft Tire Europe achieves EcoVadis Gold sustainability rating, placing the company among the top 5% of 130,000 companies globally evaluated across 220 industry sectors, marking significant progress from bronze rating in 2023.

SADAFCO Partners with Yellow Door Energy for Major Solar Energy Initiative
SADAFCO partners with Yellow Door Energy for a 2,900 kWp solar project across seven facilities, generating 4.9 million kWh annually and reducing carbon emissions by 1,830 metric tons in support of Saudi Arabia’s Net Zero 2060 goals.

STC Bank Partners with Mastercard to Transform Saudi Cross-Border Payments
STC Bank partners with Mastercard to provide enhanced cross-border payment services to 120 countries through Mastercard Move technology, supporting Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation goals.

Nissan Leadership Expansion Brings Thierry Sabbagh to Head India and Middle East Operations
Nissan expands Thierry Sabbagh’s leadership role to include India alongside Middle East operations, implementing new management structure to accelerate growth and enhance customer focus across AMIEO region as part of Re:Nissan transformation plan.

OMODA JAECOO UAE Partners with Dubai Police Esaad Programme for Exclusive Member Benefits
OMODA JAECOO UAE partners with Dubai Police Esaad programme to offer exclusive discounts up to AED 2,000 on all vehicle models, plus free insurance and maintenance benefits for cardholders nationwide.
