Interview: Mohamed El Samman, CEO, Rajhi Invest, on the productivity- driven, long-term growth of non-oil sectors In what ways is the Kingdom’s steel and metals industries evolving as foundational enablers of industrial diversification? MOHAMED EL SAMMAN: The metals and steel industries are, by their nature, foundational to any country’s economic development. Under the Kingdom’s broader industrial…
Interview: Stephen Groff, Governor, National Development Fund, on driving innovation, partnerships and inclusive development How are financing priorities across development funds being aligned with the goals of Vision 2030? STEPHEN GROFF: What began as six banks in development financing has grown into a network of 12 specialised entities working to advance economic and social progress by channelling…
Interview: Ayman Al Sayari, Governor, Saudi Central Bank, on digitalisation trends and the changing regulatory environment In what ways is the banking sector being guided to support economic diversification objectives? AYMAN AL SAYARI: Economic transformation has expanded the role of the banking sector beyond traditional oil-linked activity. Credit demand has grown across non-oil segments, including…
Interview: Faris AlGhannam, CEO, HSBC Saudi Arabia, on expanding investor access and market opportunity What lessons were learned from the initial public offering (IPO) activity in 2024? FARIS ALGHANNAM: The equity market can maintain momentum even when the secondary market is mixed and global conditions are uncertain. This resilience comes from the nature of companies going public – many operate…
Interview: Mohammed Al Rumaih, CEO, Saudi Exchange, on expanding investor participation and strengthening market foundations How do you envision the capital markets’ long-term position globally and what distinguishes them from other regional financial markets? MOHAMMED AL RUMAIH: The long-term trajectory points to a deeper integration with global markets and sustained growth in economic influence.…
Interview: Khalid Al Sharif, CEO, Abdul Latif Jameel Finance, on leveraging digital and sharia-compliant solutions for financial inclusion How can non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) deepen participation and expand access in debt and sukuk (Islamic bonds) markets? KHALID AL SHARIF: NBFIs have filled critical gaps, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises for which audited financials…
Interview: Tal Hisham Nazer, CEO, BUPA Arabia, on regulatory changes shaping the sector and increased public-private collaboration In what ways has the health insurance sector adapted to meet the needs of a growing population? TAL HISHAM NAZER: The Saudi health insurance sector has been on a transformative journey since its inception in the mid-1990s. At that time, private health care facilities…
Interview: Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, on creating a gateway for the movement of goods In what ways does the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) align with Vision 2030 in positioning the Kingdom as a global logistics hub? SALEH BIN NASSER AL JASSER: Saudi Arabia is privileged with a unique geographical position connecting Europe, Asia and…
Interview: Omar Al Daweesh, CEO, EDF, on implementing renewables and decarbonisation technologies to deliver on climate ambitions How do you view the pace of the Kingdom’s shift from fossil fuels towards renewables? OMAR AL DAWEESH: Saudi Arabia’s transition towards a more diversified energy mix is moving rapidly, supported by clear long-term targets and a disciplined tendering pipeline. Solar…
Interview: Khalid Al Amoudi, CEO, Saudi Red Bricks Company (SRBC), on advancing quality, efficiency and value across the supply chain Which performance standards shape purchasing decisions for contractors and developers? KHALID AL AMOUDI: A noticeable shift is happening in how materials are chosen and much of it comes down to durability, energy efficiency and the ability to withstand a changing climate.…
